AIMING

The 1992–95 Monteros are the only models covered by this manual on which the headlights can be aimed without special tools. To aim the headlights of Pick-ups and 1983–91 Monteros, you will need to get (or make) a wall screen. If, after adjusting the headlights on the wall screen, they are still out of alignment, take the vehicle to an automotive mechanic to have them adjusted.

1992–95 Montero

The 1992–95 Monteros have adjusting screws with scales to aim the headlight assembly. Since the headlight bulbs are the replaceable, non-sealed type, the headlights should not need to be adjusted that often. However, the need may arise after removal of the headlight assembly.

These conditions must be corrected before a satisfactory adjustment can be made:

1. Check for a badly rusted or malfunctioning headlight assembly.
2. Place the vehicle on a level floor.
3. Bounce the front suspension through three times by applying body weight to the hood or bumper.
4. Check the tire inflation.
5. Rock the vehicle sideways to allow the vehicle to assume its normal position.
6. If the fuel tank is not full, place a weight in the trunk of the vehicle to simulate the weight of a full tank 6.5 lbs. per gallon (0.8 kg per liter).
7. There should be no other load in the vehicle other than the driver or a substituted weight of approximately 150 lbs. (70 kg) placed in the driver's position.
8. Thoroughly clean the headlight lenses.

   Fig. 1: For the vertical adjustment, use a screwdriver to tighten or loosen the adjusting screw until the bubble is between the two adjusting marks — 1992–95 Monteros

   Fig. 2: For the horizontal adjustment, use a screwdriver to tighten or loosen the adjusting screw until the red and black marks are aligned — 1992–95 Monteros

   To aim the headlights:

9. Adjust the vertical angle by rotating the vertical adjusting screw so that the bubble in the vertical angle gauge is between the two adjusting marks.

   NOTE: The beam's vertical angle will change by about 0°12' per graduation.

10. Adjust the horizontal angle by turning the horizontal adjusting screw until the center mark (red mark) and the center mating mark (black mark) of the horizontal indicator are aligned.

    NOTE: The beam's horizontal angle will change by about 0°23' per graduation.

11. If the beams, after adjustment, still seem aimed incorrectly, take the vehicle to an automotive mechanic to have them adjusted.

Except 1992–95 Montero

These models of the Montero and the Pick-up use two aiming screws to adjust the headlight beams. Tightening the screw makes the light point more toward the screw being tightened. Loosening the aiming screw points the headlight beam more away from the screw.

These conditions must be corrected before a satisfactory adjustment can be made:

1. Check for a badly rusted or malfunctioning headlight assembly.
2. Place the vehicle on a level floor.
3. Bounce the front suspension through three times by applying body weight to the hood or bumper.
4. Check the tire inflation.
5. Rock the vehicle sideways to allow the vehicle to assume its normal position.
6. If the fuel tank is not full, place a weight in the trunk of the vehicle to simulate the weight of a full tank 6.5 lbs. per gallon (0.80 kg per liter).
7. There should be no other load in the vehicle other than the driver or a substituted weight of approximately 150 lbs. (70 kg) placed in the driver's position.
8. Thoroughly clean the headlight lenses.

   Headlight aim preparation:

9. Measure the center of the headlight bulb as shown in the illustration.
10. Position the vehicle on a known level floor 9.8 ft. (3 m) from an aiming screen or brightly colored wall.

    NOTE: Four lines of adhesive tape or similar are needed on the screen or wall.

11. Position a vertical piece of tape so that it is aligned with the vehicle center line.

    Fig. 3: Measure the center of the headlights so that an aiming screen can be set up for the vehicle

    Fig. 4: Position the vehicle on a level floor and about 9.8 ft. (3 m) from the screen or a brightly colored wall

    Fig. 5: Do not confuse the two aiming screws with the retaining ring screws (indicated by the arrows); round headlights similar

    Fig. 6: Aim each headlight so that it illuminates the high intensity zone on the aiming screen

12. Position a horizontal piece of tape with reference to the center line of each of the headlight bulbs.
13. Position a vertical piece of tape on the screen with reference to the center line of each of the headlight bulbs.

    Headlight adjustment:

14. A properly aimed lower beam on the aiming screen will appear 25 ft. (7.6 m) in front of the vehicle on the road. Adjust each headlight to match the shaded area in the illustration, which indicates the high intensity zone.

    NOTE: If the visual headlight adjustment at low beam is made, the adjustment at high beam is not necessary (it is also now adjusted).