Hi guys !

I am going to replace only the left side headlamp (LH) of my 2005 RX8 with a new one. The headlight levels in my car can be adjusted from the cabin using a thumbnail control (not too sure whether the previous models have the same option).

If the new left side (LH) headlamp is not at the same level as the right side headlamp (RH), will it automatically align itself in the same level as the RH one after the headlamps are turned on ? Or will either one would have to be adjusted manually ? Or would the controls have to be used to bring both at the same level ?

Would really appreciate your response guys. Thanks a lot in advance !

 

Um, Welcome.

And I have no idea how to answer you question, but welcome.

 

The lamp units have both horizontal and vertical zero adjusters to set the beam correctly. During use the thumbwheel is to adjust the vertical angle to compensate for load in the boot (trunk?) ie. to stop the lights aiming upward and dazzling oncoming traffic when the rear of the car is loaded.

You should ideally adjust the replacement lamp to match your existing one, or realign both if needed. The lamps can be 'zeroed' using a cross-head screwdriver with the car on a level surface facing a wall. The adjusters can be accessed from the engine bay.

 

Many thanks for your response Mr. Bate ! Do you have any illustrations/photos as to how to do this ? Can you provide me with the web link if any ?

 

Sure. Just for you I took a picture here are the adjusters:





You may or may not have the large white plastic shrouds/guides on your lamps. Here you can see where they are from above:




When adjusting, always go past the desired point counter-clockwise, then rotate the adjuster clockwise back to the correct point (so you finish by 'tightening'). This stops the mechanism changing position.

I don't know what the specs are for your country, but here we align them horizontally so that the 'elbow' of each beam is directly in front and in line with it's lamp. Then, both lamps should be adjusted vertically so that the elbows are the same level/height, and point down by 10mm for every metre away from the lamp. So when projected at a wall 3M away the elbows of the beams will be 30mm lower than centres of the lamp units.

Hope that helps