I am trying to locate the headlight adjuster for my pickup but I can’t find it

While driving at night I realized that one headlight beam was much higher than the other one. So I decided to adjust it. The problem is can't find the adjuster. I've tried the internet but it wasn't much help.

My car has 238009 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
There is an adjuster on the outside, near the top of light. You may have to remove the trim panel to get to it. The other is located behind the light on the inside. It is on a long rod with a hex head. Go to this Ford forum post has a helpful reference that may help you.

If you need help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can inspect your lights and help you make any adjustments that are necessary. Good luck.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Open the bonnet and look at the back of the headlight casing, on most models there will be two adjustment screws/bolts on the rear or top of each headlight-locate them and grab the right tool in order to turn them (check the owner`s manual to be sure they`re the right ones).
As you stand in the front of the car, have the assistant turn the headlights off. Next, put the dark cloth or cardboard over one headlight, and have the assistant turn the headlights on. Find the adjusting screw and turn the screws slowly clockwise to raise the height of the lights or counterclockwise to lower them.
Turn the lights off and use a screwdriver to turn the screws until the headlight is at the level you require. Turn your headlights back on to see if further adjustment is required. There should be a screw to adjust the lamp vertically and another screw to align it horizontally. Do each adjustment one at a time.
To adjust your headlights, you`ll need a ratchet or screwdriver that matches your vehicle`s headlight adjusters. Headlight adjusters are in different locations on every vehicle. You can check your owner`s manual to find them or look for the adjustment screws adjacent to or behind the headlight.
Locate the vertical adjuster on each headlamp. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, turn the adjuster either clockwise or counterclockwise in order to aim the headlamp. The horizontal edge of the brighter light should touch the horizontal reference line.
Mechanism of automatic headlight control (application of illuminance sensors) The automatic headlight control function detects brightness outside the vehicle with an illuminance sensor installed near the dashboard, in order to control when the lights turn on and off.
What is a Beam Pattern? Your beam pattern is the light emitted onto a surface. It is generated by either your headlight housing, the headlight lens, the bulb itself, or a combination of all three. The type of headlight and bulb you choose, assuming you are changing your OEM parts, affects the beam pattern.
The bulb is placed at the focus point of the mirror because the light rays that pass through the focus of a concave mirror get reflected as rays parallel to the principal axis of the mirror. This produces a high beam of reflected light and makes the road clearly visible to the driver.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I am trying to locate the headlight adjuster for my pickup but I can’t find it
ANSWER : There is an adjuster on the outside, near the top of light. You may have to remove the trim panel to get to it. The other is located behind the light on the inside. It is on a long rod with a hex head. Go to this Ford forum post has a helpful reference that may help you.

If you need help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can inspect your lights and help you make any adjustments that are necessary. Good luck.

Cannot find the headlight relay location note: does not have automatic headlights
ANSWER : If you do not have automatic lights then you do not have a relay. In the instrument panel fuse box, the head light switch and fuse 10 supply power to a multi-function switch which sends power directly to the lights. The multi-function switch is likely to be your problem as they it is a common problem. Look for a melted connector attached to it and replace the connector and switch.
If you are still having trouble, YourMechanic provides a light inspection service that can help you resolve the issue.

Vehicle would not start, I am trying to get it started but it won’t start. I am trying to locate the starter but I can’t find it.
ANSWER : The starter will be on the back of the engine, typically on the bottom near where the engine and transmission meet. There is a large power cable that leads from the battery straight to the starter. Follow this cable and you will find the positive terminal for the starter solenoid. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look for the starter and perform all of the hard work for you.

Need to find the location on the vehicle of TPMS ECU
ANSWER : Hello, and thank you for writing in. There is likely another fuse box on the inside of the cabin at the passenger floorboard. Check there first. Then you can check next to the fuses below the steering column buy the drivers pedals. If you’ve already checked the rear fuse box and it is not located nearby, then it would be residing in one of the other two locations. There have been occasions where some manufacturers will put it inside of the engine bay and secure it to the firewall. However that is not common practice with your vehicle. For more help locating and changing out the module, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

Drove car, stopped, tried to restart and no sound.
ANSWER : Your anti thief system is most likely the cause of the no start. The system is likely not recognizing the key. You should try the extra second key. If it does not work, then you may need to have the system reprogrammed by the dealer.

Headlight Issue
ANSWER : Hello.

The daytime running lights are not supposed to function at the same time as the headlights. The daytime running lights are only supposed to come on during the day, to provide additional visibility for daytime driving, independently of the headlights. When the headlights are turned on the daytime running lights should turn off. If they are not turning on it may be possible that perhaps the bulbs have burned out, or there is an issue with the fuse or relay. If you run into any issues, consider contacting a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, as certified technician can diagnose any issues with your lights firsthand and help you make the right repair.

Headlights don’t shine light on outer sides
ANSWER : From the sounds of things, the screw that adjusts the right-to-left movement of the headlights may be seized and of become stuck. If it does not easily loosen, than do not force it, as it can damage the bolt and headlight assembly. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to inspect your lights and make the correct adjustments.

Converting to OEM HID headlights
ANSWER : Yes, the wiring harnesses and daytime running light operation is completely different for both the HID and halogen systems. The EVO with the HID lights has a separate relay and wiring that runs the DRL’s in a bulb positioned where the high beam bulb would go in the headlamp assembly. The halogen system is wired differently, so the low beam bulb would be used for the DRL; there is no separate relay for the DRL, it actually uses the low beam circuit as if you turned on the low beam lights.

Looking at the wiring diagrams between the two systems, I do not see how you could easily make this work without wiring in a separate circuit for DRL, placing bulbs in the high beam spots of the headlamp assembly, and programming the DRL feature out of the ETACS-ECU to keep the system from trying to activate the low beams. You may be able to install a ETACS-ECU for an HID system in your vehicle, if the HID wiring harness is in the vehicle, and install an HID relay in the relay box.

That being said, I do not recommend that you alter wiring, or install equipment not rated for your vehicle. You may want to consult with your dealer to see if there is a manufacturer upgrade to properly install an HID lighting system.