Headlight Adjustment (its a must!!!!)
#121
its easy. I mean literally 60 seconds to completely remove one from the car, which is good because you'll probably have to sit in in there as a test and walk away to see how bad it glares/ how it matches with the lowbeams.
Removal screw is the only one on the outside of the foglight housing. It's on the side in the lower grille. It has a 10mm hex head + phillips, so your choice.
The other two you'll see once you unplug the harness from the lamp and have it off the car.
Just be sure to have the tab on the other end properly inserted behind the bumper so it's supported by both sides when you reinstall it.
Removal screw is the only one on the outside of the foglight housing. It's on the side in the lower grille. It has a 10mm hex head + phillips, so your choice.
The other two you'll see once you unplug the harness from the lamp and have it off the car.
Just be sure to have the tab on the other end properly inserted behind the bumper so it's supported by both sides when you reinstall it.
#123
Headlights - Insufficient Forward Illumination
According to Consumer Reports, the Honda Fit's headlights scored poorly in their review. Here's a quote from the review, "The headlights' low beams give insufficient forward illumination. The high beams project farther but are dimmer close in."
Link to Consumer Reports detailed review of the Fit (membership required to view it): Car Model Review - Consumer Reports
Link to Consumer Reports quick video review of the Fit (No membership required): Consumer Reports Video Hub - Cars - Sedans & Hatchbacks - 2011 Honda Fit review
Link to Consumer Reports detailed review of the Fit (membership required to view it): Car Model Review - Consumer Reports
Link to Consumer Reports quick video review of the Fit (No membership required): Consumer Reports Video Hub - Cars - Sedans & Hatchbacks - 2011 Honda Fit review
#124
For some reason Honda did not adjust USDM Fit headlamps properly. They don't seem to be alone in this as both my Chrysler vehicles were delivered the same way too.
In all three cases (Fit, Dodge Dakota, Chrysler Pacifica) the headlamp aim was noticeably low when compared to DOT/SAE specifications.
Daniel Stern explains the standards very well on his web page: Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
USDM Fit headlamps have the VOR adjustment code so at 25 feet the beam cutoff should be exactly the same height off the ground as the headlamp's optical center (30" by my measurement). So I adjusted my headlamps per Mr Stern's method and the improvement was dramatic, safe, and legal.
Now my low beams provide a useable pattern, my high beams still reach far down the road, and nobody is inconvenienced or endangered with glare.
Turning the headlamps up until they look good to you might leave room for improvement or may blind oncoming drivers. The only way to be sure is to measure and do it by the book.
BTW, while adjusting the lights tonight I noticed that turning the adjustment screw in the U direction lowers the beam and the opposite is true. Why? I haven't a clue.
In all three cases (Fit, Dodge Dakota, Chrysler Pacifica) the headlamp aim was noticeably low when compared to DOT/SAE specifications.
Daniel Stern explains the standards very well on his web page: Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
USDM Fit headlamps have the VOR adjustment code so at 25 feet the beam cutoff should be exactly the same height off the ground as the headlamp's optical center (30" by my measurement). So I adjusted my headlamps per Mr Stern's method and the improvement was dramatic, safe, and legal.
Now my low beams provide a useable pattern, my high beams still reach far down the road, and nobody is inconvenienced or endangered with glare.
Turning the headlamps up until they look good to you might leave room for improvement or may blind oncoming drivers. The only way to be sure is to measure and do it by the book.
BTW, while adjusting the lights tonight I noticed that turning the adjustment screw in the U direction lowers the beam and the opposite is true. Why? I haven't a clue.
#126
Another good resource:
LIS > Administrative Code > 19VAC30-70-140
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/lig...eadlights.html
LIS > Administrative Code > 19VAC30-70-140
http://www.300cforums.com/forums/lig...eadlights.html
Last edited by ajinomoto; 02-08-2011 at 06:53 AM.
#127
Thanks
Thanks DD. Finally got around to doing mine. Used a small straight slot instead of a philips as was posted previously. Just picked at the gear teeth with a 1/8 tip straight slot. CCW down, CW up. Marked the spots on the gear before adjusting. 1 1/2 turns ccw right, 1 1/2 turns cw left. Big difference. Not perfect but a lot better. Lastly, checked from rear view mirror and oncoming. Projection was just fine. Thanks again for the post.
#128
It's Honda's marketing dictating/driven bad/unfriendly policies like this one that I hate HONDA. Fit is my first and last HONDA for sure. You touch anything and its a PITA (Pain in the A**) to accomplish........be it battery, swapping a radio, duplicating a key, misleading MPG statements, etc etc. thus forcing return trips to stealership for everything even as basic as changing a battery or a light bulb.
#129
I heard that ge's problem is that the lowbeam is pointed way low compared to other cars.
Changed my ge's h4 hid to cree led hi/low and still on a factory adjustment. My problem is that the output is so near on lowbeam and too high for high beam. I think it's because of the led bulb design. Can the output still be fixed by adjusting the reflectors/lamp? If i adjust the low beam goin up, is the highbeam also adjust way higher too?
Whats the best way of adjusting the headlamp assembly? When the car is parked infront of a wall and marking the wall so that you will have a guide when the light is starting to lift up
Or
There is a specific number of turns on the adjustment screw to achieve a correct measurement?
Thanks
Changed my ge's h4 hid to cree led hi/low and still on a factory adjustment. My problem is that the output is so near on lowbeam and too high for high beam. I think it's because of the led bulb design. Can the output still be fixed by adjusting the reflectors/lamp? If i adjust the low beam goin up, is the highbeam also adjust way higher too?
Whats the best way of adjusting the headlamp assembly? When the car is parked infront of a wall and marking the wall so that you will have a guide when the light is starting to lift up
Or
There is a specific number of turns on the adjustment screw to achieve a correct measurement?
Thanks
#133
I am surprised that the US Fit does not have the electric headlight adjustment that is fitted to all UK and European Jazzs. Just turn the dial and the headlights move up or down to suit. That way if you have heavy loads in the back you can adjust the aim so that you are not blinding oncoming motorists.
This particular item is standard on nearly all cars sold in Europe.
This particular item is standard on nearly all cars sold in Europe.
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2009, adjusting, adjustment, adjustments, circle, ek, europe, fit, headlamp, headlight, headlights, honda, jazz, low, nc