Xenon Headlight Range Adjustment

[VWellsy]

Hi Guys and Gals,

Have just bought a Laser Blue GTi with all the trimmings and absolutely love it! However I've driven it a few times at night now and not too impressed with the dipped beam on the xenons (main beam is fantastic).

The problem is the beam cuts off about 15-20' in front of the car, and on the dark country lanes of Dorset following another car it's a bit off putting!!!

So can anyone tell me if you can adjust the range on the lights and if so how? - I've heard you have to use VAG-COM which means a garage job for me, but also heard there is a manual adjustment screw  (how that works when they self level I don't know)- Hence confused.

Anyway it's my first post and would really appreciate any advice. Got loads more questions about stuff but one thing at a time!!

Thanks in advance

Steve

[v2brett]

you need VCDS to do this mate but its a pretty easy thing to do
 
Headlight Adjustment
[Select]
[55 - Xenon Range]
[Basic Settings - 04]
Group 001
[Go!]
Activate the Basic Setting.
[ON/OFF/Next]


The meas. block field now shows "Wait" and should switch to "Adjust Headlights" then (this may take up to 10 seconds).
Adjust the headlights using their manual adjusting screws as referenced against a suitable aiming target.
[ON/OFF/Next]
The adjustment should now be learned.
[Done, Go Back]
Don't forget to check/clear fault codes afterwards.
[Close Controller, Go Back - 06]

[VWellsy]

Thanks for that, at least I now know for sure it can be done...

Daft question but by VCDS you mean VAG-COM? 

Reckon when they get set-up properly they'll be fantastic. The main beam is Awsome!!!

Anyway, I'll pop round to my local VAG Specialist and get it sorted

Cheers

[bacillus]

...

Daft question but by VCDS you mean VAG-COM? 

vcds is the new name for vag-com.   

[v2brett]

yeah i mean Vag-com     they`ll be awesome when sorted mate

[Cooper]

I had this when I first bought my GTI turned out to be a knackered headlamp level sensor, had it replaced under warranty and all is tickety boo now, so if the alteration with VAG-COM doesn't work have the level sensor looked at 

[VWellsy]

Thanks for the advic so far, it's booked in this Friday to be looked at. Every time I drive it at night it's defo wrong until I can put the main beam on, and then it's just like I dragged the sun back up over the horizon!!!!. Fantastic.

Is the Level sensor on the rear suspension or was that from the Mk4 Golf.

Also when you first turn your xenons on do they just lift up to datum or do they wiggle about a bit more before they stop.

Mine just lift up to their datum and stop, and I have to say I don't notice them move much after that even when the cars on the road. And if I turn them off then back on again they seem to just be in the right place (no movement).

Do I have to turn them off for a while before they need to re-calibrate them selves to level again?

Thanks Guys

[VWellsy]

 

Just picked it up from the garage and all that was wrong was the bracket that mounts one of the level sensors (at the front) had broken and the sensor was (i guess) just hanging about.

Hence the headlights default to the low position as a safety set-up (so as to not dazzle someone)

So one new clip, a quick adjustment later, and everything is back to tickity-boo!!

Can't wait to get out for a spin tonight and check it out...

Thank god it's winter!!!!
 

And thanks to everyone for your advice. Well appreciated...

[NHN]

Yeah sensors have a habit of getting broken when suspension work is done & the plastic arms are crappy anyway, just note the vcds option only sets the lights to a predetermined position so you can manually adjust them, you cant actually move them up/down via vagcom for better vision on the road, also has to be done on an mot bay for future reference given flat surface or they will be wrong again.