C5 Headlamp Adjustment - Help!

[v7tte]

I'm trying to adjust the aim of my headlights so they point left instead of right, but I can't seem to turn the star-shaped adjustment screw? I tried a Torx t-15 inside the screw head - not enough turning power. I tried an E8 star socket (equivalent to a torx t-40 size) on the outside of the screw head, but there is too much play and it is in danger of rounding.

Is there a special tool to do this?? Are they always tight? Do I have to get this done at a GM dealer...?

HELP, PLEASE! I'm getting a bit desperate...

[vetteheadracer]

Depends on the spec of your car!

UK spec cars may have headlight left to right adjustment, but the US spec cars definitely don't!

[v7tte]

Thanks Nigel. I've managed to free it up and adjust the headlights as far left as poss, so we'll see how the SVA test goes...

Cheers... Pete

[LuS1fer]

My mate just had his SVA test done on his 2003 Z06 by a guy who made Hitler look lenient. He picked him up on running the foglight wire across the boot floor and made him tack it round the outside of the boot. Some of his wiring he wanted secured at least every 30cm and he wanted to see the handbook to check the tyres on the car were the original fitment.

He also didn't like the rear light connector in the rear wheelwell which is standard!

He also insisted on testing the brakes despite the FMVSS sticker "to check the ABS was working".

The point I'm making is that despite the tester being ultra ultra picky, my mate never touched the headlamps and they passed without mention.

[yellowshark454]

LuS1fer said:

... The point I'm making is that despite the tester being ultra ultra picky, my mate never touched the headlamps and they passed without mention.

Thought I read a thread somewhere a while back that USA spec headlights dip straight ahead and that that was OK in the UK. I canot say I understand that but maybe that explains it.

[LuS1fer]

Yes, US lamps dip up and down and not left or right so in general, the headlamps may not need adjusting. The fact that they're rubbish also helps as my Camaro ones are German and dip the wrong way and have never so much as elicited a flash of disapproval.

[v7tte]

I've got US lamps and they definitely adjust L/R!!?? (and up and down too). There are 2 torx adjuster nuts (that I couldnt turn, earlier) that have t-15 holes and an E8 external "star" shape... Mine's a 2001 coupe. Curious.

Thanks all for the advice though. SVA is tomorrow, so I'll update when I know how it goes...
_______________________________________________

Passed SVA no probs today (see Lucifer's SVA thread for more details). MOT was more difficult - they weren't happy with the US headlamps. Eventually passed with some taped off screening to better define the beam pattern, so all's well now. I guess I'll convert to Euro-headlamps soon.

>> Edited by v7tte on Friday 5th November 22:38

[ws6]

LuS1fer said:

My mate just had his SVA test done on his 2003 Z06 by a guy who made Hitler look lenient. He picked him up on running the foglight wire across the boot floor and made him tack it round the outside of the boot. Some of his wiring he wanted secured at least every 30cm and he wanted to see the handbook to check the tyres on the car were the original fitment. He also didn't like the rear light connector in the rear wheelwell which is standard! He also insisted on testing the brakes despite the FMVSS sticker "to check the ABS was working". The point I'm making is that despite the tester being ultra ultra picky, my mate never touched the headlamps and they passed without mention.

I had him too !!!! Recently imported a new "Euro-Spec" Chevy Tahoe from detroit thinking I'd only have to fit a rear fog-light (as it already has side repeaters, amber indicators etc..) Got failed on headlights and as above, fog-light cable not secured every 30cm !!!!

Had a set of American headlamps sent over, refixed the cable, and it passed !