Need headlight install help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 474
Likes: 123
From: Tampa Bay Fl.
Need headlight install help
I had both headlight assemblies on my 2013 GS replaced at the dealer about a month ago and have noticed the drivers side was tucked up into the top of the fender and a gap at the bottom bumper cover. when I removed the inner fender panels for access to the 3 studs I noticed one was not tight at all. I loosened all three nuts and the light can move around but I cannot seem to get it even all the way around so that the gasket looks right and the bottom of the light is not sticking out. is there some sort of adjustment to the studs that can be done or should I loosen the fender and see if I can resolve it. I would go back to the dealer but i was trying this on my own as they are closed for Memorial day weekend. When something bugs me i have to do something cant stand waiting to go back.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,351
Likes: 2,445
From: Eastern
There is no adjustment to the 3 studs. They tighten to hold the headlight assembly in place.
One thing to check however is that the assembly is not sitting on the wiring harness. Sometimes the harness will not clear the assembly on the side, and impede the assembly to sit flush in the mounting area.
The other thing is at the top of the headlight, there is a clear stud that fits on the inside portion at the top of the fender. If that stud is not sitting in place, then the assembly it will not settle in the correct position in the fender/bumper.
Hope that helps a bit.
One thing to check however is that the assembly is not sitting on the wiring harness. Sometimes the harness will not clear the assembly on the side, and impede the assembly to sit flush in the mounting area.
The other thing is at the top of the headlight, there is a clear stud that fits on the inside portion at the top of the fender. If that stud is not sitting in place, then the assembly it will not settle in the correct position in the fender/bumper.
Hope that helps a bit.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 17
From: San Jose CA
There is no adjustment to the 3 studs. They tighten to hold the headlight assembly in place.
One thing to check however is that the assembly is not sitting on the wiring harness. Sometimes the harness will not clear the assembly on the side, and impede the assembly to sit flush in the mounting area.
The other thing is at the top of the headlight, there is a clear stud that fits on the inside portion at the top of the fender. If that stud is not sitting in place, then the assembly it will not settle in the correct position in the fender/bumper.
Hope that helps a bit.
One thing to check however is that the assembly is not sitting on the wiring harness. Sometimes the harness will not clear the assembly on the side, and impede the assembly to sit flush in the mounting area.
The other thing is at the top of the headlight, there is a clear stud that fits on the inside portion at the top of the fender. If that stud is not sitting in place, then the assembly it will not settle in the correct position in the fender/bumper.
Hope that helps a bit.
the studs have torx heads to screw them in or out for some adjustment. loosen the nut, adjust as desired, tighten the nut.
the flat built-in washer of the bolt stays on top of the structure, held tight eventually by the tightened nut below.
by screwing the bolt in or out you lift or lower the light assy up or down at that particular corner.
how much adjustment one can get out of them I don't know but it's definitely worth an attempt to optimize it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 339
From: Mesquite, Nv
Those studs may also have additional washers on them to vary how they affect the position of the light. I found this out the hard way when installing them. I assumed they were all the same and just screwed them back into the light housing. It wasn't until I had positioning problems like you that I removed both lights and noticed four of the six studs had additional washers on them.
If you didn't take them off, but someone else did, then you may never know the proper combination with regards to position. Then it becomes a crap shoot.
If you didn't take them off, but someone else did, then you may never know the proper combination with regards to position. Then it becomes a crap shoot.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 474
Likes: 123
From: Tampa Bay Fl.
My wife and I had another go at it tonight and tried adjusting the stud length on one about 3/4 of a turn and it put the light where it needs to be. She got me all the right tools first time and even checked the spacing on the light while I was under the car. I am so lucky I have a great wife and a '13 grand sport. Thanks again for all the responses as I have said before when I had my C5 this community is the best.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 474
Likes: 123
From: Tampa Bay Fl.
Those studs may also have additional washers on them to vary how they affect the position of the light. I found this out the hard way when installing them. I assumed they were all the same and just screwed them back into the light housing. It wasn't until I had positioning problems like you that I removed both lights and noticed four of the six studs had additional washers on them.
If you didn't take them off, but someone else did, then you may never know the proper combination with regards to position. Then it becomes a crap shoot.
If you didn't take them off, but someone else did, then you may never know the proper combination with regards to position. Then it becomes a crap shoot.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 524
Likes: 76
From: El Paso Texas
These were dealer installed new replacements you would think they would know what was adjustable but I guess not. probably explains why they left that one stud nut loose as tightening it made it worse. I now have it correct and no waiting at the service lounge for hours on end.
Highest regards, Monte
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 474
Likes: 123
From: Tampa Bay Fl.
no mine had cloudiness and a distortion on the inside that looked like heat had distorted the lenses. The dealer asked me to take it home and try polishing it but don't be fussy then bring it back. I did and the results were no different. I took it back and they wrote a second ticket and called a rep for approval. I waited a week to see what would be said and they called me to set the appointment to replace as the service manager got them approved. I am still under factory warranty until end of dec.