How to adjust headlights on a 2014 Dodge Charger?
Properly aimed headlights improve nighttime visibility and reduce glare for other drivers. For a 2014 Dodge Charger, headlight alignment is achieved by adjusting the two screws on the headlight housing to move the beam vertically and horizontally.
Below you’ll find a practical guide that covers what you’ll need, where to locate the adjustment screws, how to perform the adjustment, and important considerations for different headlight types. If you notice persistent misalignment after bulb changes or if your model uses advanced lighting features, consult the owner's manual or a professional technician.
What you’ll need
Gather these items before starting to ensure a smooth adjustment process.
- Flat-head or Phillips screwdriver (or the appropriate driver for your headlight screws)
- Torx or hex key if your Charger uses non-standard fasteners
- Masking tape or painter’s tape to mark wall references
- A flat, level surface and a blank wall a practical distance away for aiming tests
- Owner’s manual or a repair guide for reference on screw type and limits
Having the right tools and references helps prevent overadjustment and ensures you stay within recommended aiming ranges.
Locating the adjustment screws
In most 2014 Charger headlight assemblies, there are two adjustment screws that control aim. One adjusts vertical aim (up and down); the other adjusts horizontal aim (left and right). Access to these screws can be from the engine bay, or, in some cases, through access points behind the headlight itself or via the wheel well area. If you can’t see or reach the screws easily, you may need to remove a fascia piece or wheel arch liner to gain access. Always work carefully to avoid damaging nearby components.
- Vertical adjustment screw: typically located on or near the top/back of the headlight housing. Turning it changes the height of the beam.
- Horizontal adjustment screw: typically located on the side of the headlight housing. Turning it shifts the beam left or right.
Note that some trims with HID or projector-style headlights may have different access points or require special alignment procedures described in the manual. If you’re unsure, consult the official guide or a dealership service department for confirmation.
Step-by-step adjustment process
Use this methodical approach to aim your headlights accurately. A measured, incremental process helps avoid overcorrection.
- Park the Charger on a level surface about 25 feet (7.6 meters) from a flat wall, with the vehicle facing forward and tires pointed straight ahead. Ensure the car is in its normal load condition (gas, passengers, and battery in place).
- Turn on the low-beam headlights and switch off the high beams. If your vehicle has daytime running lights or adaptive systems, disable them as recommended by the manual to get a stable beam.
- Place masking tape on the wall to mark the centerline of each headlight and a horizontal line at the height of the headlight centers. This creates reference points for vertical and horizontal alignment.
- Inspect the current beam pattern on the wall. Note whether the brightest part of the beam (the cut-off line for projectors, or the center of the beam for reflectors) is centered on the wall reference lines.
- Using the vertical adjustment screw, gradually raise or lower the beam until the cut-off line aligns with the horizontal reference line as described in your manual or until the brightest part sits slightly below the line (to avoid glare for oncoming drivers). Make small adjustments, test, and re-check.
- Using the horizontal adjustment screw, shift the beam left or right so the beam’s center aligns with the vertical reference line. Make small, incremental turns, test again, and adjust until the beam appears centered on the wall references.
- Once satisfied with the wall test, perform a quick road test in a safe area to confirm the beam pattern at normal driving distances and speeds. If necessary, fine-tune the screws again after the road test.
- Return all tools and, if applicable, reinstall any removed components (fascia pieces) and re-check. If the beam still doesn’t align correctly, or if the headlight housing or lens is damaged, seek professional service.
Properly adjusting headlights can take a bit of care, but following these steps helps ensure you’re aiming within acceptable ranges and reducing glare for other drivers.
Special considerations for certain headlight types
Headlights with HID or projector systems
HID and projector headlights can have a more distinct cutoff pattern and may include narrow beam shapes. When adjusting these, avoid over-aiming, which can increase glare for oncoming traffic. If your Charger uses automatic leveling or adaptive headlights, the system may auto-adjust in certain conditions; manual alignment should still be performed with the vehicle in a static, level state per the manual.
When to seek professional alignment
If you cannot locate the adjustment screws, if the screws are seized, if the beam pattern is uneven between the left and right sides, or if the headlights show moisture or damage, it’s wise to consult a professional. A dealership or qualified shop can perform a precise alignment using calibrated equipment and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Summary
Headlight alignment for a 2014 Dodge Charger centers on two adjustment screws on the headlight housing—one for vertical aim and one for horizontal aim. Gather the right tools, test the beam pattern on a wall at a standard distance, and make careful, incremental adjustments. Always verify results with a road test, consult the owner's manual for specific screw types and limits, and seek professional help if you encounter access issues or persistent misalignment.
