How to Adjust Ford Ranger Headlights

by Jeremiah Blanchard
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Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Properly adjusting your headlights is part of routine maintenance for any vehicle. Over time, traveling over bumpy roads or jostling around of the vehicle can cause the headlights to appear off-center or crossed. On most vehicles, you adjust the headlights by using a screwdriver, but newer vehicles sometimes require a special tool or adjustment ratchet. Headlights on most models of Ford Ranger trucks are adjusted with a Phillips-head screwdriver; but again, some newer models may require a Ford adjustment ratchet. Consult your owner's manual to determine whether you need this tool.

Headlight Adjustment With Ratchet (Newer Models)

Step 1

Position the Ranger on a level driveway about 15 to 25 feet away from a wall or garage door.

Step 2

Turn on the headlights, and observe the placement of light beams on the wall or door.

Step 3

Locate the adjustment bolt mounted on the inside of the headlamps near the bottom of the headlamp. Use the ratchet to turn the bolt as you watch the wall to see the placement of the light beams shift. The beams should be adjacent to each other, not crossed over, and pointing straight and level. Beam placement should not appear higher than the top of the windshield or lower than the hood of the truck.

Adjustment With a Screwdriver

Step 1

Place your truck in front of a garage door or wall on a level surface. Turn the lights on and observe the placement of the light beams on the wall.

Step 2

Locate the headlamp adjustment screws. They should be on the side of the headlamps toward the center of the truck, accessible from the front.

Step 3

Turn the screws, using a screwdriver, and observe the beam placement on the wall. Turning the screws will change the horizontal and vertical adjustment. Adjust until the beam placement is proportionate and beams are adjacent to each other, without being crossed over, and pointing straight in front of the truck.

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