How to adjust headlights on a Toyota Yaris?
Adjusting the Yaris headlights involves locating the headlight beam adjusters and fine-tuning them so the beam hits the road rather than the sky or oncoming drivers. The basic approach works across most Yaris models, though exact access points and screw types can vary by year and trim level.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, gather the tools and prepare the vehicle so you can make precise, safe adjustments.
- Hand tools suitable for the headlight adjusters (usually a small screwdriver; some models use a Torx, hex key, or a different screwdriver type). Check your manual for the exact tool requirement.
- Your Toyota Yaris owner or service manual to locate the adjusters and understand the correct directions.
- A flat, light-colored wall or screen about 7–8 meters (roughly 25 feet) away from the car for beam alignment reference.
- Mascking or painter’s tape to mark the wall with centerlines and beam height guides.
- A measuring tape or ruler to verify distances and alignment marks.
- A helper is optional but can help you observe the beam while you adjust.
With these items ready, you can locate the adjusters, set up a wall reference, and perform careful, incremental beam corrections.
Preparing the vehicle
Set up the car on level ground and establish a wall reference to ensure repeatable results.
- Park on a level surface with the car unloaded (no heavy cargo) and the parking brake engaged. Leave the headlights off until you’re ready to test.
- Position the Yaris about 7–8 meters (25 feet) from a flat wall or screen in a dark area so the beam pattern is clearly visible.
- Turn on the low beams and use masking tape to mark a vertical centerline on the wall that aligns with the center of each headlight. Mark a horizontal line at the approximate height where the beam cutoff should begin.
- Ensure the tires are properly inflated and the car is evenly loaded to reflect typical driving conditions.
These preparation steps give you a reliable reference for adjusting vertical and horizontal aim without guessing where the beam is landing.
How to adjust the beam pattern
Use the vertical and horizontal adjusters to align each headlight’s beam with the wall reference. Make changes in small increments and re-check after each adjustment.
- First, locate the adjusters on each headlight. They are usually small screws or bolts near the top or rear of the headlight housing, sometimes accessible through a hole in the wheel well or under a cover. If necessary, consult the manual for your exact year/model to confirm locations and tool type.
- Adjust vertical aim (up/down): Gently turn the vertical adjuster in small increments (about a quarter turn or less). After each adjustment, recheck the wall marks to see whether the beam has moved up or down. The goal is for the top edge of the brightest beam to sit just below the horizontal reference line on the wall.
- Adjust horizontal aim (left/right): Similarly turn the horizontal adjuster in small increments. Observe the beam’s horizontal shift on the wall. You want the brightest portion to align with the centerline mark and not drift into oncoming traffic or off the road.
- Repeat checks: After adjusting one headlight, repeat the process on the other side. It’s common for both sides to require minor, symmetrical tweaks to achieve even illumination.
- Test on the road: If possible, take a brief night drive to confirm there’s adequate illumination without glare for other drivers. If glare is observed, re-check and adjust again.
Keep changes incremental and verify both headlights together to ensure balanced illumination and compliance with local regulations.
Model-specific notes
While the general method is the same, access points and screw types can vary by Yaris generation. Use these as broad references and always consult your manual for exact details.
Early-generation Yaris (approximately 2006–2011)
Adjusters are often located behind a dust cover on the headlight assembly. You may need to access them from the engine bay or by removing a small cover or panel; the vertical and horizontal adjusters control up/down and left/right aiming.
Mid-generation Yaris (approximately 2012–2017)
Access to adjusters can be through the headlight itself or via a wheel-well opening. Some models require a slim screwdriver or small Torx/hex tool; follow the manual for the exact tool type and rotation directions.
Newer-generation Yaris (approximately 2018–present in many markets)
LED or projector headlights follow the same basic concept, but the adjusters may be covered by small caps or panels. Access is typically via the engine bay or wheel well; always confirm the correct screw type and rotation direction in the owner’s manual.
Summary
Adjusting Toyota Yaris headlights is a straightforward DIY task when you locate the headlight adjusters, set up a wall reference, and make careful, incremental changes. Verify alignment after adjustments with a wall test and a short night drive, and re-check if you notice glare or misalignment. If you’re unsure about the adjuster locations or your vehicle has advanced lighting systems, seek professional assistance to ensure safe, compliant illumination.
