Headlight Aiming Problems (Adjustment Screw)

[sp4rtan]

I know that there are already other threads about this, but I am stumped and didn't find the answer I needed. My main question is how do I get the cap off the adjustment screws on top of the headlight? I have tried using a bit of leverage and a screw driver, but the whole thing flexes and I feel like I'm going to break the little gear. As it stands right now, my left light isn't doing a very good job and the right light is useless.

Also, where is this up/down adjustment I keep hearing about on the back of the headlight? I've looked but didn't see anything. Am I going to have to take the whole light out? I have a 2001 QX4.

[skiski329]

You don't pop off those caps!!!! those caps allow you to stick the screwdriver into the side of those caps and light and twist while the headlight is installed. it may seem odd, but put a Philips head screwdriver in-between that cap and the headlight and it should fit snug in those teeth. then you twist the screw driver right or left and the headlight moves up or down (i forget witch way is witch). and there is another one of these for the right and left alignment. it works the same way, just when you twist it goes right or left.
let me know if you understand.

[Densetsu]

Skiski is right, the toothed cap is part of the adjustment mechanism. Stick a phillips screwdriver down there at a 90 degree angle, and it forms a bevel gear that you use to rotate the lights up and down.

[sp4rtan]

Interesting. I haven't been able to accomplish that, but I can try again later today.

As a side note, the bulbs I got to replace the dying ones were pretty cheap...more of a stopgap until I could get some OEM ones. Is it more likely that I have a garbage bulb or that I have my lights improperly aimed?

[skiski329]

what kinda of bulbs are they? hid's or halogen? did you try pulling them out and putting them back in again? i know most lights are touchy and you can accidentally force a bulb in, and it won't be sitting properly then. is it both sides? and was there an aiming issue before you changed bulbs? i've never had to re-aim lights after i installed just new bulbs or did plug and play hid kits in my cars and friends.
it was a different story with my Pathfinder, because i took the lights apart, installed projectors, and mounted all of that.