Ford F1TZ-13008-D Headlamp Assembly

The headlights have to be aimed properly to avoid dazzling, for a while, the driver of an approaching vehicle, an occurrence that might lead to severe accidents and poor visibility on the road. Headlights require examination of their aim every 12 months and every time a new headlight is fitted or there is front-end body work. The adjustment procedure is only a short-term solution, that has to be followed by a proper adjustment that can be done only in a specialized shop. Headlights typically have two adjusting screws: There is one located close to the fender for the up-and-down position and one located at the inboard side for the left-and-right position. However, on the 2002 and later models, there is only the one lock knob for the vertical aim and, as noted, there is no horizontal aim adjustment. For adjustment of the headlights, a blank wall and a level surface are required. Start by placing the masking tape, vertically, on the wall in correspondence to the center of the car and both the headlights; place another line horizontally. The car should be parked 25 ft from the wall, stable, a 1/2 tank of gas and no added weight. For low beam adjustment the high intensity zone should be located two inches below the horizontal line and two inches to the right of the headlight vertical line, using the nearest adjusting screw for raising or lowering the beam, the other screw for moving the beam to the left or right. The headlamp high beams' high-intensity region should be aligned a few centimeters below the horizontal alignment; the focus is significant because low beams are employed more regularly and are more critical for safety to drivers. The headlights should be aligned as soon as the vehicle can be taken to a dealer service department or any service station.

Disconnect the negative battery cable. For 2001 models, open the hood and remove the plastic headlight cover by prying up and removing the two retaining pins on the headlight housing, then release it from the body. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the housing. Take off the plastic panel across the top of the radiator; on early models, it is attached with screws and plastic rivets, while on 1997 and later models, each side of the panel is hinged, allowing you to release a catch and flip the hinged cover up for access to the rear of the headlight assembly. Remove the screws and the turn/park light assembly. For 1996 and earlier models, remove the grille. Using needle-nose pliers, squeeze the plastic clips on the headlight housing to release it from the body. Installation is the reverse of removal.