Need Input/Advice - GT2 Headlight Aim Issues

[boilernc]

TL;DR: dealer replaced driver side headlight for LBA-D/DBL issue. 4 dealer trips and new light still isn’t aligned properly and it won’t adjust with either the screwdriver or wrench/nut method. Pretty sure new light is defective. What to do?

So quick background - had LBA-D/DBL/AFLS (whatever you want to call it) warning light come on a few months ago and after 2 dealer trips they determined the driver side headlight needed to be replaced. They ordered it and dealer trip #3 was them installing it. A few days later I go for a drive at night and the new headlight is aimed so low it’s practically useless. So I found the thread on headlight aiming and tried both the Philips #2 and ratcheting open-end methods, neither of which worked. The light would wiggle a bit but never go up or down. So I make dealer trip #4 for them to re-aim the headlights. Took them 3 hours and they pulled the front wheel liners out (who knows why - only reason I know they did is because they asked me for the wheel lock key). I’m told everything is good to go. First time at night I find they just lowered the passenger side to match the ridiculously low driver side. So I decide they have no idea what they are doing and I attempt again to raise them myself. Passenger side raises with a Philips #2 no issue. I ended up removing the bumper and the driver headlight and even with a socket on the adjustment nut it won’t move. Thinking the replacement headlight is defective. Before I drive 45 minutes for dealer visit #5 any one have any suggestions on how to approach this? I‘d like them to order me another driver side headlight and just let me put it in but doubt they’d do that.

 

[ShannonC]

If you start the car in a dark area with lighting set to auto do both lights move up/down and left to right. If the replacement doesn't then it's either faulty or not the correct part.

 

[boilernc]

If you start the car in a dark area with lighting set to auto do both lights move up/down and left to right. If the replacement doesn't then it's either faulty or not the correct part.

They do but the replacement light (driver side) doesn’t move as much as the passenger side does

 

[ShannonC]

They do but the replacement light (driver side) doesn’t move as much as the passenger side does

I think it’s a trip back to dealer for you. Light is either faulty or hasn't been correctly calibrated.

 

[OneIota]

I have nothing but empathy for you, I've had some funky light alignment since last year, have tried 2 different dealers over 5 visits, had the driver's side replaced so am trying to angle how to get the passenger side replaced. The most helpful suggestion I can have is to see if there's a day when there is a regional rep at the dealer to check it out. That's the only time I got any traction, though it ultimately didn't help. Similarly, on my startup, I see my left light not move as much
Misaligned headlights

 

[nhcowboy28]

Stop driving at night.











Or. Call KIA concierge.

 

[OneIota]

I have a case for my headlights with the Kia VIP line, still relies on the dealer to make an assessment. If anything, the VIP line only gets me authorized for a loaner but even that only after the dealer has "verified" the issue (i.e. Not right away while I'm at the dealership).

 

[boilernc]

Thanks all - I’m going to make a dealer appointment and think I’m going to ask that they pull a new Stinger off the lot to compare the two - at least that would get me back to what the alignment was before they replaced the light. They are going to find they can’t adjust it and have to replace it again. Sigh.