Removing L<-->R Adjusting Screw Cover on Headlight
Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2013 11:56 pm
As many of you know, the Kizashi annoyingly features a plastic cover that blocks access to the adjusting screw for Right <--> Left adjustment of the headlight. The car has a plastic piece that sits on top of the screw to prevent one from adjusting it. It is believed Suzuki installed this part after adjusting the driver side headlight beam to go towards the passenger side, away from oncoming traffic. While this may be a considerate practice, it's quite annoying for the Kizashi driver because the headlight beam is offset by default. For people who drive on dark rural roads regularly, it takes a considerable amount of light away from the driver's side. I actually find it a little dangerous for the Kizashi driver as optimal light distribution is compromised.
Fortunately, there is a solution. I believe it's been done before by others, but I also removed the adjuster screw cover to have access to the adjusting screw.
I had to remove the headlight for a LED position bulb installation anyways so I thought to take care of this issue as well.
In case anyone is interested, here's how to do it (instead of drilling through the cover).
1) Remove the front bumper. It's true: to even replace the headlight bulbs, the bumper has to come off. This is the worst thing about the Kizashi it seems.
2) Remove the headlight. After taking off the bumper, remove the screws and the tab that hold the headlight to the car. Disconnect the single connector that connects the headlight wiring to the car. All bulbs are wired to the single connector instead of having a connector per bulb.
3) Once the headlight is removed, you will have the best access to the adjusting screw cover. It has many triangle patterns on it and is located between the low beam bulb and the turn signal bulb housing. Removing the headlight has this advantage: you have access to the back of the headlight and the screw cover.
4) Here's the trick on removing it: Pry it from the bottom side via the back of the headlight. Trying to use pliers on the top triangles will not work and the plastic will just break. Use a thin knife and push the blade into the back which has part of the cover exposed at the bottom. Insert the knife and then twist to pry open. The cover will pop out rather easily. Remove the cover.
5) Under the cover, there is the adjusting screw, much like the Up <--> Down adjuster.
6) Reconnect and re-install the headlights and bumper.
7) Adjust the headlight as desired against a wall with headlights on. Full tank of fuel and level surface is optimal.
Fortunately, there is a solution. I believe it's been done before by others, but I also removed the adjuster screw cover to have access to the adjusting screw.
I had to remove the headlight for a LED position bulb installation anyways so I thought to take care of this issue as well.
In case anyone is interested, here's how to do it (instead of drilling through the cover).
1) Remove the front bumper. It's true: to even replace the headlight bulbs, the bumper has to come off. This is the worst thing about the Kizashi it seems.
2) Remove the headlight. After taking off the bumper, remove the screws and the tab that hold the headlight to the car. Disconnect the single connector that connects the headlight wiring to the car. All bulbs are wired to the single connector instead of having a connector per bulb.
3) Once the headlight is removed, you will have the best access to the adjusting screw cover. It has many triangle patterns on it and is located between the low beam bulb and the turn signal bulb housing. Removing the headlight has this advantage: you have access to the back of the headlight and the screw cover.
4) Here's the trick on removing it: Pry it from the bottom side via the back of the headlight. Trying to use pliers on the top triangles will not work and the plastic will just break. Use a thin knife and push the blade into the back which has part of the cover exposed at the bottom. Insert the knife and then twist to pry open. The cover will pop out rather easily. Remove the cover.
5) Under the cover, there is the adjusting screw, much like the Up <--> Down adjuster.
6) Reconnect and re-install the headlights and bumper.
7) Adjust the headlight as desired against a wall with headlights on. Full tank of fuel and level surface is optimal.