MX5 mk 1 (pop up headlight type) recently failed it’s MOT on a number of things which have since been done but I forgot to mention it also failed on its Headlight aim.
The actual descriptipn is: Headlight aim too high and too far to the right, nearside (1.8)
Is this something I can do myself? Is it just a question of adjusting a few things?
Bear in mind I know very little about cars whatsoever and am not very mechanically minded. If it is straightforward then I am happy to give it a go of course.
Any help much appreciated!
FYI I have had a loose connection on this headlight for some time now, I have to have the power cable at a certain angle in order for it to work. Could this be related?
To be honest if the Tester has failed your car on it’s headlight aim then following the test you could ask if they could reset it for you ( charge will be made obviously but should only be a few quid) If you try to do it yourself it will end up being failed again because without the proper aligning equipment you will never get it right. Due to the MOT testing regulations the car HAS to be completely tested and any failures noted.
Any reasonable tester will realign if asked, mine always has if it’s been out then retested and passed.
Hope this helps.
To be honest if the Tester has failed your car on it’s headlight aim then following the test you could ask if they could reset it for you ( charge will be made obviously but should only be a few quid) If you try to do it yourself it will end up being failed again because without the proper aligning equipment you will never get it right. Due to the MOT testing regulations the car HAS to be completely tested and any failures noted.
Any reasonable tester will realign if asked, mine always has if it’s been out then retested and passed.
Hope this helps.
What a complete waste of time…yours that is…and money.
3 minutes with a bloody screwdriver.
A moron on Mogadon can do it.
Not you, them. That’s why they are “qualified”
Poor show.
Sorry, but these simple things boil my pee.
Put it another way…my MOT guys call us if they find an issue preventing success…to fit whatever and pass it and that has included drop links for Heaven’s sake.
In all defense of the test station, we don’t know what else it failed on.
They wouldn’t offer to adjust the headlight alignment if it also failed on 3 bald tyres, a leaking exhaust and whatever else.
In answer to the OP’s question, then yes it is probably adjustable by yourself.
Park the car about 5 meters from a wall and take note of which one is correct. use a mortar line as a guide.
I’m not overly familiar where the adjusting screws are on a MK1, but gereally there will be one on the side to adjust sideways movement and another on the top to adjust top/bottom adjustment.
If you can identify the two screws in question then align the top/bottom on the same horizon as the good side, (using the nortar line) and then the left/right alignment should be pointing ever so slighly left. (UK)
If it still fails, then as others have suggested, ask the garage to adjust it for you.
However, one is left to wonder…what fixable niggles these other things were…which was my point really. Often times, my guys have just retained the car for a couple of hours…or days…and fixed it to pass. I guess it’s one of these subjects that draws a variety of views.
I’m between Guildford and Aldershot. Have seen quite a few MX5’s around (mind you they are everywhere of course) so perhaps there is somebody that can help if required. I’m going to have a look this weekend so will see if I can do it myself (although I’m terrible with cars!).
It’s not that difficult to get the headlight back on track but firstly make sure the bulb is correctly fitted, assuming it has one and not sealed unit. There are three legs that locate the bulb and a clip that should hold it firm and level. If your work on the cable has disturbed this you have no chance of aligning the lights.
Adjustment is via two Philips head screws that handle vertical and horizontal. You should be able to get to these through the plastic cowl but may need some WS40 or similar if they have corroded.
Not done this for a while but when my girlfriend damaged her car about 7 years ago had to replace the whole pod and align. It has always gone through MOTs at various garages.