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      07-01-2014, 11:26 AM   #1
danniexi
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Exclamation Adaptive Headlight aimed low - Ride Height Sensor Question

So here's the quick rundown...

1. I got suspension work done. Adaptive headlights aimed super low to the ground. I assumed it was broken headlight tabs. Bought new ones for both sides. They no longer shake, and I try to adjust the bulbs to aim higher but they dont. fuck.

2. I went over a decent pothole and my alignment is all FUBAR'd. But oh shanp, headlights are aiming high. I can actually see the road now. Adaptive headlights work again.

3. I got an alignment done, and now the car drives straight and true. But now the headlights are aimed low the ground again. argh.

SO...

I can only assume that during the alignment, the ride height level sensors were messed with.

My question is: is the ride height sensor/level thingy something that needs to be adjusted? or is it simply a matter of plugging something in and out (on/off)? I thought it was load sensitive, therefore I don't understand how a proper alignment can cause the headlights to aim so low. It must be unplugged? But I get no error message either. Is this an easy fix (can this be done in my driveway) or do i have to go back to the shop?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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      07-01-2014, 04:42 PM   #2
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anyone? this is a bit urgent.
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      07-02-2014, 02:18 PM   #3
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bump.
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      07-02-2014, 03:20 PM   #4
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This adjust vertical aim. I did it for my xenons. Hopefully it helps.
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      07-02-2014, 03:54 PM   #5
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Make sure you have the sensor hooked up right. Also, there are two sensors. One is on the drivers side rear and the other is on the passenger side front. Make sure they are hooked up and that the front one is oriented correctly. There are two ways to have the arm set, one causes a downward point to the lights.
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      07-02-2014, 08:32 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cisf0rcalvin View Post
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...5&postcount=20

This adjust vertical aim. I did it for my xenons. Hopefully it helps.
it's not the vertical aim thats the issue.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jwzimm View Post
Make sure you have the sensor hooked up right. Also, there are two sensors. One is on the drivers side rear and the other is on the passenger side front. Make sure they are hooked up and that the front one is oriented correctly. There are two ways to have the arm set, one causes a downward point to the lights.
i jacked up the car to double check. both sensors are located on the driver side.

i turned the car on and off, the driver side moves up and down, the passenger side is not active upon start up. I checked both connections, they seemed tight in there.

although one question, the part the connects to the adjustment arm; is that suppose to be curved or straight? mine was curved so im not sure whether that's the issue? or maybe i should replace the sensor as of this point. eugh.

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Last edited by danniexi; 07-02-2014 at 08:43 PM..
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      07-02-2014, 08:34 PM   #7
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after hitting a pothole, the physical mounting of the projector assembly itself can snap out of place, you have to open it up and reattach. Search a little more, there's definitely threads on here about the same problem.

I doubt it's your headlight alignment arm, or they'd both be off.
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      07-03-2014, 10:20 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tc535i View Post
after hitting a pothole, the physical mounting of the projector assembly itself can snap out of place, you have to open it up and reattach. Search a little more, there's definitely threads on here about the same problem.

I doubt it's your headlight alignment arm, or they'd both be off.
you mean literally removing/baking/tearing apart the actual headlight and reattach the projector? eugh, good excuse to customize i guess. what a freakin headache.
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      07-03-2014, 11:53 AM   #9
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when you drive around and hit bumps, does the passenger headlight bounce around? would be even more indication of a detached housing
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      07-03-2014, 04:44 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tc535i View Post
when you drive around and hit bumps, does the passenger headlight bounce around? would be even more indication of a detached housing
i think so. headlight tabs were already broken, so i got them fixed and figured any headlight movement was because of that.

thank you so much for the info. i will pay closer attention to the detached housing issue and move forward accordingly.
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      07-03-2014, 11:17 PM   #11
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Yep, I'm currently experiencing this as well as two friends. Something to do with a ball or sorts popping out or breaking.
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      07-03-2014, 11:20 PM   #12
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I think you have to remove the light from the car which means taking off the bumper so I just haven't gotten to it yet.
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      07-04-2014, 12:53 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by danniexi View Post
i think so. headlight tabs were already broken, so i got them fixed and figured any headlight movement was because of that.

thank you so much for the info. i will pay closer attention to the detached housing issue and move forward accordingly.
Anytime. I'm pretty sure they were able to pop it back in, so this may be more of a pain in the ass than the wallet.
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      07-12-2014, 12:31 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glachhman View Post
I think you have to remove the light from the car which means taking off the bumper so I just haven't gotten to it yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tc535i View Post
Anytime. I'm pretty sure they were able to pop it back in, so this may be more of a pain in the ass than the wallet.
update...

bumpy roads messed with my suspension. i feel a grinding sensation through my steering wheel right now. don't know if shocks are damaged or a wheel bearing. i feel a shake on the highway as well, though i took the wheel off and don't see any bends or damage to the wheel? will mess with tire pressures later today.

BUT.

alignment is still straight, and the passenger headlights moved back to its original position (move up and down at start up). i guess the bump popped it back in?

will adjust the height and all should be good. don't see any shaking at night time either.
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