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OMG! I just read the ALLDATA instructions for aligning the fog lights on a 2018 Altima (Front Fog Lamp (Halogen HeadLamp) - Aiming Adjustment).

Is there an easy way to (non-precisely) align the fog lights on a 2018 Altima?

Thanks!

gfr92y

There isn't any provision for aligning the fogs. If one is seriously out of whack because of a fender-bender or under-car damage, the only thing you can do is wedge the mounting screws to change the up or down angle.

VStar650CL wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 27, 2021 5:37 pm

There isn't any provision for aligning the fogs. If one is seriously out of whack because of a fender-bender or under-car damage, the only thing you can do is wedge the mounting screws to change the up or down angle.

I am pretty sure the fog light housings have a screw for vertical adjustment...

Front Fog Lamp (Halogen HeadLamp) - Aiming Adjustment
Vehicle Lighting and Horns Fog/Driving Lamp Adjustments Front Fog Lamp (Halogen HeadLamp) - Aiming Adjustment
FRONT FOG LAMP (HALOGEN HEADLAMP) - AIMING ADJUSTMENT
Aiming Adjustment
For fog lamp aiming details, refer to regulations in your area.
By regulation, no means for horizontal aim adjustment is provided from the factory; only vertical aim is adjustable.
Use adjusting screw to perform aiming adjustment.
Aiming Adjustment Procedure
1. Place the screen.
Stop the vehicle facing the wall.
Place the board on a plain road vertically.
2. Face the vehicle with the screen. Maintain 7.62 m (25.0 ft) between the front fog lamp center and the screen.
3. Start the engine. Turn the front fog lamp ON.
Shut off the headlamp light with the board to prevent from illuminating the adjustment screen.
CAUTION: Do not cover the lens surface with a tape etc. The lens is made of resin.
4. Adjust aiming by turning the adjusting screw (A).

That can't be right, Nissan factory fogs won't even operate without the low beams lit. To my knowledge, they just bolt into the bumper cover and there's no provision for adjustment.

gfr92y wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 29, 2021 9:56 pm

VStar650CL wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 27, 2021 5:37 pm

There isn't any provision for aligning the fogs. If one is seriously out of whack because of a fender-bender or under-car damage, the only thing you can do is wedge the mounting screws to change the up or down angle.

I am pretty sure the fog light housings have a screw for vertical adjustment...

Front Fog Lamp (Halogen HeadLamp) - Aiming Adjustment
Vehicle Lighting and Horns Fog/Driving Lamp Adjustments Front Fog Lamp (Halogen HeadLamp) - Aiming Adjustment
FRONT FOG LAMP (HALOGEN HEADLAMP) - AIMING ADJUSTMENT

SNIP

Double check your source material. Are you certain those instructions are for the 5th Generation Altima Sedan (2013-2018)? While I could find some aiming instructions for 4th Gen Altima's, there's nothing in the FSM on how to adjust the fogs for the 5th Gen.

Here's a video showing the removal and installation of fog lights for 2016-2018 Altima. There's no adjustment screw, and the tech doing the work doesn't try to adjust the aim.

Rogue One wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:48 am

gfr92y wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 29, 2021 9:56 pm

I am pretty sure the fog light housings have a screw for vertical adjustment...

Front Fog Lamp (Halogen HeadLamp) - Aiming Adjustment
Vehicle Lighting and Horns Fog/Driving Lamp Adjustments Front Fog Lamp (Halogen HeadLamp) - Aiming Adjustment
FRONT FOG LAMP (HALOGEN HEADLAMP) - AIMING ADJUSTMENT

SNIP

Double check your source material. Are you certain those instructions are for the 5th Generation Altima Sedan (2013-2018)? While I could find some aiming instructions for 4th Gen Altima's, there's nothing in the FSM on how to adjust the fogs for the 5th Gen.

Here's a video showing the removal and installation of fog lights for 2016-2018 Altima. There's no adjustment screw, and the tech doing the work doesn't try to adjust the aim.

I have not watched the video, yet, but here are two photos of the fog light housing.

The first photo is when I removed the housing from the car. Note the distortion in the concentric circular gasket.

The second photo is after I turned the black knob causing the gasket to become two concentric circles.

I assumed the this black knob and the physical change of the gasket in exactly one quadrant was for alignment.

If the screw and distortion of the gasket are not for alignment, then what are they for?

Thanks!

VStar650CL wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:37 am

That can't be right, Nissan factory fogs won't even operate without the low beams lit. To my knowledge, they just bolt into the bumper cover and there's no provision for adjustment.

Please see my response to Rogue One above.

Thanks!

You have the "split level" lights with a DRL bulb built in, those have always been a red-headed stepchild and were definitely add-ons for an '18, only early 16's had them standard. I never noticed the leveling screw, but we don't see very many of those lamps.

I was surprised they let the owner adjust the vertical, but not the horizontal.

I would have thought it was the other way around???

The single-bulb lamps don't have any adjustment at all, so I'm surprised you even have vertical.

After all is said and done, the process for adjusting the fog lights (as reported in alldata.com for DIY users) is so complicated that I have decided to install the new fog light bulbs and wish for the best.

If I find I am getting flashing high beams when I know my high beams are off, I will know that it is time for me to adjust the fog lights. Additionally, if I find the fog lights are useless when on, I will also consider that to be a trigger for needed adjustment.

Thanks for walking me through this issue. Your assistance was invaluable.

gfr92y

You're most welcome. Garage door aiming is usually sufficient for any kind of auxilliary lights except driving lamps. Fogs have a wide, flat beam to illuminate the sides of the road and directly in front, they're not supposed to reach far down the pavement like headlamps. So all that's really needed is a "down" orientation, the degree of downward angle won't have much effect on them unless you're way low or way high.

Thanks, again!