Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Headlamp alignment

Headlamp alignment

Headlamps can be aligned using the screen method provided in this section. Alignment Tool C-4466-A or equivalent can also be used. Refer to instructions provided with the tool for proper procedures.

Lamp alignment screen preparation

(1) Position vehicle on a level surface perpendicular to a flat wall 7.62 meters (25 ft) away from front of headlamp lens (Fig. 1).

(2) If necessary, tape a line on the floor 7.62 meters (25 ft) away from and parallel to the wall.

(3) Measure from the floor up 1.27 meters (5 ft) and tape a line on the wall at the centerline of the vehicle. Sight along the centerline of the vehicle (from rear of vehicle forward) to verify accuracy of the line placement.

(4) Rock vehicle side-to-side three times to allow suspension to stabilize.

(5) Jounce front suspension three times by pushing downward on front bumper and releasing.

(6) Measure the distance from the center of headlamp lens to the floor. Transfer measurement to the alignment screen (with tape). Use this line for up/down adjustment reference.

(7) Measure distance from the centerline of the vehicle to the center of each headlamp being aligned.

Transfer measurements to screen (with tape) to each side of vehicle centerline. Use these lines for left/ right adjustment reference.

Vehicle preparation for headlamp alignment

(1) Verify headlamp dimmer switch and high beam indicator operation.

(2) Correct defective components that could hinder proper headlamp alignment.

(3) Verify proper tire inflation.

(4) Clean headlamp lenses.

(5) Verify that luggage area is not heavily loaded.

(6) Fuel tank should be FULL. Add 2.94 kg (6.5 lbs.) of weight over the fuel tank for each estimated gallon of missing fuel.

Headlamp adjustment

Headlamps can be aligned using the screen method. The Headlamp Alignment Tool C-4466-A or equivalent can also be used. Refer to instructions provided with the tool for proper procedures.

A properly aimed low beam will project the top edge of the beam intensity pattern on the screen from 25 mm (1 in.) above to 75 mm (3 in.) below headlamp centerline. The side-to-side left edge of the beam intensity pattern should be from 50 mm (2 in.) left to 50 mm (2 in.) right of headlamp centerline (Fig. 2).

(1) Remove screws and both headlamp bezels.

(2) Clean front of the headlamps.

(3) Place headlamps on LOW beam.

(4) Cover front of the headlamp that is not being adjusted.

(5) Turn vertical adjustment screw (Fig. 3) until the headlamp beam pattern on screen/wall is similar to the pattern depicted in the alignment screen figure.

NOTE: When using a headlamp aiming screen, adjust the headlamps so that:

•  The left edge of the beam intensity pattern is positioned within 50 mm (2 in.) left to 50 mm (2 in.) right of the vertical centerline (Fig. 2).
•  The top edge of the beam intensity pattern is positioned within 25 mm (1 in.) above or 75 mm (3 in.) below the headlamp horizontal centerline (Fig. 2).

(6) Cover front of the headlamp and adjust the other headlamp beam as instructed below.

(7) Rotate the adjustment screws until the beam intensity pattern on the aiming screen/wall is aligned within the headlamp the alignment screen target (Fig. 2).

Fig. 1 Headlamp Alignment Screen-Typical

1 - CENTER OF VEHICLE TO CENTER OF HEADLAMP LENS
2 - FLOOR TO CENTER OF HEADLAMP LENS
3 - 7.62 METERS (25 FEET)
4 - FRONT OF HEADLAMP
5 - VEHICLE CENTERLINE

(8) Cover front of headlamp that has been adjusted and adjust the other headlamp beam as instructed above.

(9) Install headlamp bezels. Tighten the screws securely.

Fig. 2 Headlamp Alignment Screen Target

1 - LOW BEAM INTENSITY PATTERN (ISO-CANDELA CURVE)

Fig. 3 Headlamp Beam Adjustment Screws

1 - LEFT/RIGHT ADJUSTMENT SCREW
2 - UP/DOWN ADJUSTMENT SCREW
3 - HEADLAMP

Fig. 4 Fog Lamp Alignment -Typical

1 - VEHICLE CENTERLINE
2 - CENTER OF VEHICLE TO CENTER OF FOG LAMP LENS
3 - HIGH-INTENSITY AREA
4 - FLOOR TO CENTER OF FOG LAMP LENS
5 - 100 mm (4 in.)
6 - 7.62 METERS (25 FEET)
7 - FRONT OF FOG LAMP

Fog lamp adjustmen

Prepare an alignment screen. A properly aligned fog lamp will project a pattern on the alignment screen 100 mm (4 in.) below the fog lamp centerline and straight ahead (Fig. 4).

Rotate the adjustment screw to adjust beam height (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5 Fog Lamp Adjustment

1 - ADJUSTMENT SCREW
2 - MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - FOG LAMP