Problems adjusting headlights on 6/94 liberty (legacy)

[neverforever]

I've been trying to set the headlights on my 94 liberty (aka legacy,
second generation 94-98), but when I turn some of the adjusting screws
it doesn't move the lights.

One of the adjustments worked ok (right vertical adjustment), but on
the left vertical adjustment its still pointing too low and when I
turn the screw to open the screw so that the headlight can point
upwards more nothing happens.

Could this be a problem with a spring mechanism inside the light
housing or a problem with the screw attachment? Not sure what to do.

Also having problems accessing some of the screws, with a socket set I
can get to the top ones without too much trouble but the bottom ones
are v. hard to access, I can't fit a screw driver behind them and with
a socket/ratchet there's only a tiny amount of room to turn which
would take about a thousand ratchet turns.

 

[S]

Hi NeverForever!

I've been trying to set the headlights on my 94 liberty (aka legacy,
second generation 94-98), but when I turn some of the adjusting screws
it doesn't move the lights.

One of the adjustments worked ok (right vertical adjustment), but on
the left vertical adjustment its still pointing too low and when I
turn the screw to open the screw so that the headlight can point
upwards more nothing happens.

Could this be a problem with a spring mechanism inside the light
housing or a problem with the screw attachment? Not sure what to do.

Also having problems accessing some of the screws, with a socket set I
can get to the top ones without too much trouble but the bottom ones
are v. hard to access, I can't fit a screw driver behind them and with
a socket/ratchet there's only a tiny amount of room to turn which
would take about a thousand ratchet turns.

Mmmmm. I'd be willing to bet you're trying to adjust the _wrong_
screws. Should be one at the top of the lamp assy., one at the inside
edge. Both easily accessible with a screwdriver, and both, if
functional, making significant changes with a turn or so either way.
I'd suggest looking things over real well to be sure you're adjusting
the correct screws.
If you're certain you are getting to the adjusters, and nothing is
happening, then the headlight assembly is either broken, missing a
spring, or jammed (a stick or bit of gravel?). In any case, you will
probably have to remove the entire assembly to do anything about it.
Again, easily done; 4 or 5 screws and it'll fall out into your hands.
You will have to remove the battery to gain access to the L side one
(I'm assuming the RH drive cars still have the battery tray on the
left . . .), and you might also have to remove the corner light.
Whatever, look things over, and it should be fairly obvious what needs
to be done to get it loose. It's about a five minute job, so if you're
spending way more than that, you're probably missing something.
The headlight assembly is expensive from the dealership, probably
$200+US, but there are plenty of Legacys around, and you should be
able to locate one at a salvage yard (or try ebay) for around $50-$75.

Hope this helps.

ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[S]

Hi Again, NeverForever!

Somebody, (Nobody actually ;-) pointed out that I posted this into the
wrong thread . . . Here it comes again . . .

BTW, NeverForever? A Kate Bush fan?

If you decide that you must have the automatic seat belt, you will
need to replace the entire thing. Pull the lower B-pillar cover as
described. Pull the upper part as well (push-in clips, and maybe a
screw or two), loosen that side of the headliner (more clips, be
careful or you'll crease it), and remove the A-pillar plastic (again,
hidden clips). Remove the 6mm screws holding the track at front and
along the top, and the larger hardware at the rear. Replace and
reassemble. Hint: remove any clips that remain in the sheetmetal and
replace on the plastic before installing.

Had a look at mine last night. In all likelihood, you will also need
to remove the grille to access the headlight assembly (not for
adjustment; only to remove). It's held on by way of two or three kinda
funny clips, and possibly a screw. To release the clips, reach in with
a small standard screwdriver and depress the little lever (use a
flashlight; you'll see what I'm talking about) while pulling outward
gently. Stuff a piece of cardboard or whatever comes to hand in behind
the clip once you loosen it, or it will snap back in when you move to
the next one.

Bye! S.


Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101