Can you adjust self-leveling headlights?
In many vehicles, the beam height is managed automatically by a self-leveling system, and manual adjustments are not required. Whether you can adjust them yourself depends on the model; for most cars, if there’s any adjustment to be done, it’s limited and should follow the manufacturer’s guidance or be handled by a professional.
Self-leveling headlights use sensors tied to the suspension or vehicle attitude to alter the beam angle as the car’s load or pitch changes. Some cars provide a dedicated manual control to tweak the height, while others rely entirely on automatic calibration. The exact procedure and availability of adjustments vary by make, model year, and market, and improper adjustments can cause glare for other drivers or run afoul of local regulations.
Automatic vs manual leveling: what to know
Before diving into any adjustments, it’s important to understand how these systems typically work and when you might interact with them.
- Automatic leveling uses sensors to monitor the car’s pitch and tilt and adjusts the headlamp angle automatically. In most modern vehicles, this requires no manual input and should not be tampered with.
- Manual adjustment is available on some models as a headlamp height control or secondary screw/dial. When present, it is intended to compensate for notable loads or towing situations and must be used in accordance with the owner's manual.
- Changes to ride height, tire size, or after-market modifications can affect alignment and may require re-aiming by a professional.
- Incorrectly adjusted headlights can glare oncoming traffic and may be illegal in many jurisdictions, so follow local regulations and factory guidance.
Concluding: Understanding whether your car uses automatic leveling or offers a manual adjustment option is the first step to knowing if you should attempt any changes yourself.
Common configurations by region and model year
Configuration varies widely. Some regions mandate a built-in auto-leveling feature with no user-accessible adjustments, while others preserve a manual control for specific circumstances. Always consult the vehicle’s manual for exact instructions and limitations.
Can you adjust them yourself?
The general rule is to rely on the car’s design. If your model includes a dedicated manual headlamp height control and you follow the precise procedure in the manual, you can adjust within the specified range. If there is no manual control or you are unsure how to proceed, do not attempt to modify the sensor-based system; seek professional service instead.
- Locate any manual adjustment control if your car provides one. It can be inside the engine bay, behind the headlamp, or on or near the instrument panel, often labeled with a headlamp icon.
- Follow the owner’s manual for the correct procedure, including the recommended ride height and the target beam height on a wall test (the typical method uses a defined distance such as 25 feet / 7.6 meters).
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and loaded as you would normally drive; after adjustments, recheck the beam alignment and adjust if necessary.
- If there is no manual control or if the automatic leveling seems faulty, have a dealer or certified shop diagnose the sensors, wiring, and control modules.
Concluding: Manual adjustment is model-specific and must be performed with care and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. When in doubt, professional calibration ensures safety and legal compliance.
What to do if you notice misalignment
If your headlights appear misaligned—too high, too low, or unevenly illuminating the road—start by checking basic factors such as load distribution, tire size, and ride height. Look for signs of sensor damage or bumper impacts, and verify that the automatic leveling system is functioning as intended. If the issue persists after checking common causes, a diagnostic at a dealer or qualified shop is recommended to ensure proper aim and system integrity.
Concluding: Regular checks and adherence to the vehicle’s guidelines help maintain safe visibility and compliance with regulations.
Summary
Self-leveling headlights are designed to adjust automatically in many modern cars, reducing glare and improving illumination. Manual adjustment is model-dependent and should only be performed when the manufacturer provides a dedicated control and explicit instructions. For most users, if you suspect misalignment or a faulty system, consult a dealership or qualified technician to perform proper alignment and diagnostic checks.
Can you adjust auto leveling headlights?
To adjust the headlamps a diagnostics tester is generally required for an automatic HLS. This can also be used to carry out diagnostics on the headlamp levelling system. The headlamp levelling system can be inspected without a diagnostics tester, however, with the aid of a multimeter and oscilloscope.
What are self-leveling headlights?
Self-leveling headlights automatically adjust their position to maintain the optimal beam angle for visibility and to avoid blinding other drivers. They do this by using sensors that detect changes in the vehicle's pitch and roll, which can be caused by factors like a heavy load, acceleration, or driving on uneven terrain. The system uses motors to adjust the headlights' height, compensating for the changes in vehicle angle.
This video explains how self-leveling headlights work and why they are beneficial: 46sToyota Canada YouTube · May 5, 2017
How they work
- Load compensation: The system uses sensors, often on the rear suspension, to detect if the vehicle is heavily loaded. If a car is loaded with passengers or cargo, the rear of the vehicle can sag, causing the headlights to point upward. The self-leveling system automatically lowers the beam to counteract this, preventing it from dazzling oncoming drivers.
- Dynamic adjustments: On more advanced systems, sensors can also detect sudden changes like driving over a bump or a slope. As the front of the car lifts briefly, the system adjusts the headlights to stay level with the road, rather than briefly pointing into the sky.
- Cornering: Some advanced adaptive systems can also use a steering angle sensor to turn the headlights slightly as the car turns, improving visibility around corners.
- Automation: The entire process is automatic, eliminating the need for manual adjustment dials that were common on older vehicles with HID or bi-xenon lights.
You can watch this video to see a demonstration of how self-leveling headlights adjust to vehicle load: 58sSteven WelchYouTube · Jun 13, 2025
Benefits
- Improved safety: By keeping the headlights aimed correctly, they improve visibility for the driver without causing a hazard for others on the road.
- Prevent glare: They are especially important for vehicles with bright, high-intensity discharge (HID) or bi-xenon headlights, which would otherwise blind other drivers.
- Enhanced visibility: The system can dynamically adjust the light's direction to ensure it's always pointed where it's needed most.
This video shows the location of a headlight leveling sensor on a car: 34sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Dec 15, 2022
Do you have to adjust headlights after leveling kit?
Should you aim your headlights after installing a lift or a level on your pickup truck? The answer is almost always yes. While most truck owners do not aim their headlights after installing a lift kit or leveling kit, it's something that should be an absolute must.
How do you adjust headlight leveling?
To adjust your headlight height, park your car on a flat surface 25 feet from a wall, turn on the headlights, and mark the center of the hot spot for each beam with tape. Then, locate the vertical adjustment screw on the back of the headlight housing, turn the screwdriver to raise or lower the beam so the top of the hot spot is 2 inches below the mark, and repeat for the other headlight.
Before you begin
- Ensure the car is ready: Check that your tire pressure is correct and the gas tank is at least half full for accurate weight distribution.
- Find a suitable location: Park on a level surface 25 feet away from a flat, vertical wall.
- Mark the initial beam: Have a helper turn on the low beams. Mark the center of each bright spot on the wall with tape. For each beam, you'll want a vertical line to mark the center and a horizontal line for the correct height.
- Measure and mark:
- Measure the distance from the ground to the center of each headlight and mark this height on the wall.
- Measure down 2 inches from this mark and draw a horizontal line. This is where the top of your low beam should be.
- Block one headlight: Place a towel or piece of cardboard over the headlight you are not currently adjusting.
This video demonstrates how to prepare for headlight adjustment: 59sHeadlight RevolutionYouTube · Jul 19, 2024
Adjusting the headlights
- Locate the adjuster: Look for the adjustment screw at the back of the headlight housing. It will likely have a slot for a screwdriver or socket wrench.
- Adjust the height:
- Insert your screwdriver into the vertical adjustment screw.
- Turn the screw to adjust the beam height. Turning clockwise typically raises the light, and counter-clockwise lowers it, but check your car's manual or test the direction.
- Adjust until the top of the intense part of the beam is at the horizontal line you marked 2 inches below your initial center mark.
- Adjust the side-to-side: If you need to adjust the horizontal aim, use the other screw on the back of the housing to move the beam left or right until its center is on the vertical line marking.
- Repeat: Switch to the other headlight and repeat the process, making sure to adjust its height to the 2-inch-below mark and its side-to-side position.
- Check your work:
- Turn the headlights off, then on again to ensure the adjustment is correct.
- Take the car for a test drive to make sure the beams are properly aimed and not blinding other drivers.
You can watch this video to see how to adjust the headlight beams: 57sKies MotorsportsYouTube · Feb 24, 2018
