Help with headlights

[sflrainmaker01]

I just replaced both headlights. However, when I am driving, it seems the drivers side is a tad or more lower than where the passenger side light shines. In other words, the drivers side light beam hits the pavement sooner than the passenger side. Is there an adjustment for this? I saw a threaded something or other coming out of the headlight in the back, but wasn't sure what it was for.

ALSO, the high beams hit the ground directly in front of the car like a pair of driving lites. What the heck is that? Could I have put the bulbs in upside down (I thought they only went in one way) or are they defective? :mad2:

[Blackened300a]

I just replaced both headlights. However, when I am driving, it seems the drivers side is a tad or more lower than where the passenger side light shines. In other words, the drivers side light beam hits the pavement sooner than the passenger side. Is there an adjustment for this? I saw a threaded something or other coming out of the headlight in the back, but wasn't sure what it was for.

ALSO, the high beams hit the ground directly in front of the car like a pair of driving lites. What the heck is that? Could I have put the bulbs in upside down (I thought they only went in one way) or are they defective? :mad2:

If your headlights were aligned before you replaced the bulbs and now out of alignment then I would suggest making sure the bulb is in correctly and secured. If that's competed then the threaded rod that sticks out the back of the assembly is the adjustment. I'm not 100% certain which way to turn it to raise. Just back the car up 20ft from a wall and adjust til desired height.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what Paul said^^^

The alignment procedure is in the owner's manual.

[RubberCtyRauder]

^^^what Paul said^^^

The alignment procedure is in the owner's manual.

I believe he is actually looking for an owners manual

[sflrainmaker01]

I believe he is actually looking for an owners manual

You got it! LOL... Can the bulbs be put in upside down? I am also concerned that the bright shine down on the ground like a good set of driving lights would.

[ctrlraven]

It's 25ft, not 20.

Do you have regular halogen bulbs or HIDs?

[sflrainmaker01]

It's 25ft, not 20.

Do you have regular halogen bulbs or HIDs?

They are regular. Not the Silver Star ones, but the one below those.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Until you get a owner manual.(there are some on ebay for around $60.00) Try downloading these in the mean time. PDF file version

http://owner.ford.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/OwnerGuidePage&year=2004&make=Mercury&model=Marauder

[fastblackmerc]

You got it! LOL... Can the bulbs be put in upside down? I am also concerned that the bright shine down on the ground like a good set of driving lights would.

You shouldn't be able to put the bulbs in the wrong way.

[sflrainmaker01]

You shouldn't be able to put the bulbs in the wrong way.

Defective Bulbs, maybe?

[sflrainmaker01]

I tried calling Sylvania directly, but none of the customer service numbers seem to work for Automotive....:shake:

[sflrainmaker01]

I tried calling Sylvania directly, but none of the customer service numbers seem to work for Automotive....:shake:

After 12 min and 33 sec, I finally got a person to assist. According to them, the headlights can be installed upside down. Who would have guessed. I guess I will by another set on the way home and re-install. I don't want to go thru taking them all apart again and then have to go back to buy more in case they ARE defective.

[NavySeabee]

You shouldn't be able to put the bulbs in the wrong way.

Unless the little plastic guides in your housing are broken. Ask me how I know.

Mine look like the previous owner tried twisting the bulbs out.

[ctrlraven]

You should take the dust covers off and check the bulbs to make sure they are fully seated and still locked into place. There is a curved and flat side of the bulb base, the curved side of the base will be on the bottom and flat side should be at 9 and 3 positions.

Did you remember to put the lock collar back on between the bulb base and headlight plug?

[sflrainmaker01]

You should take the dust covers off and check the bulbs to make sure they are fully seated and still locked into place. There is a curved and flat side of the bulb base, the curved side of the base will be on the bottom and flat side should be at 9 and 3 positions.

Did you remember to put the lock collar back on between the bulb base and headlight plug?

Yes. But, I don't recall which way the flat part was facing....up or down?
After all these years, I thought (assumed) that they only went in one way. :rolleyes:

[ctrlraven]

Yes. But, I don't recall which way the flat part was facing....up or down?
After all these years, I thought (assumed) that they only went in one way. :rolleyes:
I think Blackened300a got confused and thought you had changed just the bulbs. I had only skimmed over your original post and read the replies which made me think bulbs when in fact you had replaced your driver and passenger headlight housing.

Bulbs aren't your problems. Each headlight has it's own aiming mech inside, you will have to re-aim your new headlights and your problem will be solved.

[RF Overlord]

Uh....now I'M confused, too. Did you replace just the bulbs or the entire headlight assembly? Unless I'm mistaken, and I'm no Sheldon Cooper, the Sylvania person is wrong...the bulbs will only go in one way. Same thing for the headlight assemblies. I don't think it's possible to get them upside down or reversed L-R...

[threadjack] Sylvania sucks. Go with GE Nighthawks or Philips XtraVisions.





"I thought I was wrong once, but it turned out I was mistaken."

[RF Overlord]

Philips XtraVisions.Sorry, that should read "Philips XtremeVisions".

[sflrainmaker01]

Well, this is embarrassing.... But, the headlights were in upside down. I wasn't able to drive it at night yet. But, when I shot the lights against the garage door last night after "fixing" them, the high beams now shined above the low beams instead of below.:o Go figure! :rolleyes:

I also tried that adjustment screw and it worked. So everything should be good to go! Thanks for all of your help on this!:beer:

[ctrlraven]

Glad you got it figured out!

[Blackened300a]

I just replaced both headlights.

I hear headlights, I think bulbs. If he said headlight assembly's then we have a different plan of attack. Either way, glad it worked out.

[Shaijack]

Defective Marauder I will give you $8.00 for it.
Glad you got it straightened out. I have that problem too. Will do my adjustment tomorrow. Cleaning pool today, glass table broke and put glass in the pool...

[RF Overlord]

Not to prolong the embarrassment, but how did you manage to get them in upside-down? I haven't had to replace mine in a long time, but I thought they were keyed and would only go in one way...

[sflrainmaker01]

Not to prolong the embarrassment, but how did you manage to get them in upside-down? I haven't had to replace mine in a long time, but I thought they were keyed and would only go in one way...

I thought so too, but, I reached in and turned the bulb around 180 degrees so the flat part of the bulb is facing up (round part down). They worked great tonight! I just drove the car to Ft. Lauderdale and met up with the Sunshine State Marauder guys at the Tower Shops and had a great time. These cars are amazing. My car ran flawless!:banana: