Misaligned headlights

[OneIota]

Hi foiks, wondering for suggestions before trying to make a dealer trip -

Have a GT2 with the directional headlights and a week ago while driving at night, my right headlight became progressively more misaligned. It doesn't seem to correct with the self-adjustment when starting up the car and now the right headlight "shadow" is sitting almost next to and just above the left shadow. I manually adjusted the height of the headlights a while back with a screwdriver from the adjustment holes above the headlights but I believe it was over a month ago, without issues since then. Anything anyone is aware of to force the headlights to reset?

 

[OneIota]

Even though no one has replied, I'll add an update - took it to the dealer and they told me they don't know how to adjust the horizontal axis, only the vertical. They're waiting for a call from "corporate" to figure what to do next, which seems kinda crazy since there's the L/R adjustment port, but I'm a bit hesitant to try to adjust myself since this seemed to happen after I adjusted the vertical and I've engaged with the dealer.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Just saw this: in my opinion, turning the headlight out manually is worth a try. The adjustment hole is there, so, why not? It can't make anything worse and might slap the tracking feature "awake". Hah. You didn't "screw" anything up by adjusting the vertical with a screwdriver.

 

[OneIota]

Welp, the L/R port is a lie. Maybe it's a carry-over part from one of the other trims, but it doesn't connect to anything, just goes straight down to the wheelwell. I should've looked further into the engine bay first. I guess I'm stuck with whatever the dealer comes up with.

 

[eflyguy]

Welp, the L/R port is a lie. Maybe it's a carry-over part from one of the other trims, but it doesn't connect to anything, just goes straight down to the wheelwell. I should've looked further into the engine bay first. I guess I'm stuck with whatever the dealer comes up with.

It's probably missing because the "dynamic bending" headlight has electrical control over the aim. Of course there is vertical control as well, and there is a mechanical adjustment for that - but that is easy to adjust against a vertical surface. The "bending" probably requires a special setup, like the LKA calibration.

 

[Hockster]

Have you tried smacking a few times? Used to work on old TV's.

 

[RedCal]

Have you tried smacking a few times? Used to work on old TV's.

It's not "smacking"... the correct term is "impact calibration"

 

[eflyguy]

Actually, it's called "percussion adjustment"..

 

[RedCal]

Actually, it's called "percussion adjustment"..

They are very similar, however impact calibration is for more sensitive items, like electronics and headlights, percussion adjustment, for less precise adjustments

 

[Hockster]

Fine, just effing whack it.

 

[MerlintheMad]

"Just give it a good whack." (smacks the hood with swagger stick; "VROOM!" -- from The Longest Day)

 

[TheAlien666]

I've just had a warning yellow light come up in the instrument cluster about the failure of the Dynamic Bending Light system on my 2018 GT Limited. It came on a few times intermittently during the last week, and each time I noticed the headlights not turning with the car. Went to the dealer, and they confirmed that there had been a failure code stored for the passenger side headlight DBL module. They ordered a replacement module that should arrive in the coming weeks, and they'll replace it under warranty. I'll keep you posted...

 

[OneIota]

I've just had a warning yellow light come up in the instrument cluster about the failure of the Dynamic Bending Light system on my 2018 GT Limited. It came on a few times intermittently during the last week, and each time I noticed the headlights not turning with the car. Went to the dealer, and they confirmed that there had been a failure code stored for the passenger side headlight DBL module. They ordered a replacement module that should arrive in the coming weeks, and they'll replace it under warranty. I'll keep you posted...

I wish I got an error code, I've never had an error code to explain my crooked gaze, still going 2 dealers and 4 visits later.

 

[StingertimeNC]

ahh, the joy of the extra bells and whistles!!

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

ahh, the joy of the extra bells and whistles!!

Gosh I love my base model even more now...

or maybe I am justifying not being able to afford to shell out the extra $5k+ on the cooler options?

Probably both... lmfao!

 

[TheAlien666]

Just a quick follow-up on my DBL failure (also called Adaptive Front Lighting System) on my Stinger. The dealer had confirmed the fault and ordered a replacement AFLS module (for the right side). It was installed yesterday under warranty at no cost. It took longer than they expected to reach it so, after about an hour, they offered to bring me back home and come pick me up later, but I work evenings and had to go to work. So they offered a courtesy vehicle for a day free of charge instead. Went and got my stinger back today. All okay so far.

I bought my stinger at that Kia dealer (Complexe Kia in Montreal), and each time I go there for maintenance I'm always extremely satisfied with the service. So I guess not all Kia dealers are bad?

 

[OneIota]

Maybe because you're in Canada!

 

[TheAlien666]

Maybe because you're in Canada!

Possible. But if there's a place where Kia needs to improve its reputation it's in the USA! Because here in Canada they already have a reasonably good one (at least here in Quebec), as well as its parent company Hyundai.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I'm always extremely satisfied with the service. So I guess not all Kia dealers are bad?

I enjoy giving a shout out for Jerry Seiner in South Jordan. My experience with them sounds like yours.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

Maybe because you're in Canada!

^ that honestly might be it... the few times I went with a buddy to a Canadian dealership for any of their cars (Toyota, Subaru, Honda, BMW, and MB) the experience was beyond belief incredible and super professional...