HowTune

Adjusting Headlamps on a Volkswagen Jetta

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One of the few design flaws with the MKIV Jetta (1999-2005) is that if someone leans against your headlights (resting against them, leaning over while wrenching, etc...) it can overwhelm the adjustment screw and alter the headlamp position (and even strip out the adjustment screw). So, two things need to happen....(1) keep people from leaning against your car, and (2) learn how to adjust the headlamps.

Because, let's face it, Few things are worse than not being able to see properly at night.....and it's just down right dangerous, too. And while we can't help you with keeping people off your car (I have some thoughts on that though), we can show you how to adjust the headlamps. Here's how....

  • No parts needed for adjustment. Use Wagner 9007 bulb if changing headlamp bulb.
  • Headlights are out of adjustment.
  • Unable to see properly at night or in fog and/or people flash their headlights at you often (indicating the low beams are shining too high).

Adjusting the headlamps

1

Pop the hood by pulling the hood release lever in the driver-side footwell.

Image 74 from Adjusting  Headlamps on a Volkswagen Jetta
2

Gently lift the hood to reveal the hood release handle. Pull the handle and then lift the hood.....allowing the hoods struts to fully lift the hood.

Image 77 from Adjusting  Headlamps on a Volkswagen Jetta
3

Locate the middle of the 3 holes in the driver-side headlamp cover panel and insert a 6mm hex wrench into the hole, aligning it with the headlight adjustment screw socket. Rotate the wrench clockwise to raise the headlamp and counterclockwise to lower it.

Image 80 from Adjusting  Headlamps on a Volkswagen Jetta
4

Repeat Step 3 for the passenger-side (note that this side has no headlamp cover panel).

Image 83 from Adjusting  Headlamps on a Volkswagen Jetta
5

Ensure the headlamps are properly adjusted by parking on a level surface about 25' away from a large wall (such as a driveway leading to a garage door) at nighttime. Aim the headlamps using the following procedure:

:: Find a level surface and a vertical wall or garage door. Park the vehicle close to the wall and, using the masking tape, mark the low-beams' horizontal centerlines.

:: Mark the vertical centerlines of each beam and the center of the vehicle with masking tape. Marking the vehicle centerline is helpful to determine side to-side alignment, or lack thereof.

:: Move the vehicle 25 feet straight backwards. Turn the horizontal-vertical adjusting screws to position the low beam hot spots two inches below and to the right of the taped centerlines.

Image 86 from Adjusting  Headlamps on a Volkswagen Jetta

There are 3 Comments.

Say Something.

I don't recall giving you permission to use my photo as your cover head.

reply:

Apologies, Mark. I found that image on a forum post and the person who posted it claimed ownership. I asked them for permission, which they gave, but apparently they weren't truthful. Will change the pic ASAP.

Hmmm... I've tried following these instructions and the lights aren't adjusting at all.... Any other thoughts?

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