One of the most important factors of road safety is proper lighting, which is impossible without proper functioning of headlights. A headlight corrector is needed in order to ensure quality light and good visibility of the road at any time of the day. In some car models, problems with this element occur more frequently than in others. Let's consider a popular problem - what to do if the right adjuster of headlights RAV4 2006 doesn't work, and at the same time let's understand what this device is and why it is needed. Contents What is the electric headlight corrector responsible for? Possible causes of failure How to remove the electric headlight adjuster How to solve the problem What does the electric headlight adjuster work? Quite often, car owners are faced with situations that can change the load on the car and therefore the position of the car in space. For example, if three passengers sit on a rear seat or a heavy cargo is placed in a boot, the back part of the car sags and the front part lifts up. Even in spite of the fact that rab4 is equipped with AWD or 4WD, that sort of should help to keep the centre of gravity, the problem is still there for this model.
If it wasn't for the headlight corrector, the beam of light would be directed higher than necessary in such a situation. This is dangerous not only for the driver of the car, who has to drive it in poor light conditions, but also for other drivers. In fact, the light beam with such position of optic axis will be directed to the windscreen and could blind a person. To avoid such situations, all modern cars are equipped with headlight correctors which allow the driver to set the light beam in the desired direction or do it automatically.
It looks something like this: Headlight correctors may be mechanical or automatic or electronic, which will be discussed in this article, because this model is installed on rab4 by default.
The main difference of automatic system is the absence of necessity to adjust light direction independently. Special motors themselves will set the correct position of the headlights, receiving a signal from the controllers. Such device is used on different automobiles, and if xenon is installed in headlights, it is impossible to do without electric corrector. The thing is that the light flux from discharge lamps, if it is not regulated, may be much more dangerous for the situation on the road than the light from weaker halogen lamps.
The automatic corrector comprises a control module and motors which act as an actuator. Its operation is also impossible without controllers that measure ground clearance at various points on the car body, and are fitted to the underside of the car. There are three main reasons why the system might fail: Contact failure. Over time, the conductivity of the current to the corrector decreases due to seizure of the contacts.
Sensor failure. The most common cause is failure of the device bracket. This makes it impossible to transmit the correct information from the controller to the control module. Recognising the fault is usually straightforward - the relevant icon on the dashboard usually illuminates. Problems with the setting mechanism. Domestic cars are affected most often, but defect may also occur on RAV4. How to take out electric headlight corrector If a headlight corrector has stopped working, first of all, it is necessary to understand what is the reason. In any case, both for diagnostics and repair, it will probably have to be removed.
The unit is held in place by snap fasteners, which must be opened. To do this, gently pry open the latch (a screwdriver is handy) and lift upwards. Repeat this action for each mechanism all around the perimeter. During this procedure do not pull the corrector itself too much towards the engine shield. After that remove the corrector together with the starter motor. You also have to grip the electrical connector area and pull the device away from the headlamp and then twist it. This way you will be able to pull out the corrector from the socket by about one cm. You only have to twist it by holding the housing until the corrector is completely unscrewed.
The easiest way to solve the problem is to replace the corrector with a new one. It costs from one and a half to three and a half thousand dollars, which is not much to solve such an important problem. After buying a new device, you need to install it properly. Here's how to do it: First you need to remove the old corrector - instructions on how to do this are given above.
The socket can be enlarged if necessary, but if you ordered the corrector specifically for rab4, you will not need this. Before fitting the new corrector in place, the socket should be secured with sealant or adhesive to ensure that the unit will hold well. The corrector is then fitted into the prepared seat. The clearance controllers are fitted - they are essential for the operation of the device and are located at the rear of the underbody. Existing tubes can be used for the wiring harness. All that remains is to select a location for the control module, fit it and connect it to the battery. It can be located anywhere, so choose a location for the button that is convenient for you. If the problem is caused by a bad contact, replacing the wire may also help.
One way to solve the problem is to add a wire with a larger cross section and short it to the ground near the washer reservoir. This is what it looks like, in the illustration above the added wire is white. It also happens that when the headlamp is disassembled, damage to the headlight adjuster rod and stabiliser bushings is visible to the naked eye. For example, after years of use without maintenance they may look like this: In such a case, the damaged parts must be replaced, but unfortunately there is no possibility to order original spare parts separately. If you don't want to buy a whole new sensor, you should consider that parts for Honda CRV in all respects fit perfectly.
As Marshall McLuhan said, "The car has become a piece of clothing without which we feel insecure, uncovered and unfinished." That's why it's so important to keep an eye on the car's condition and deal with any problems that arise in good time to keep it mobile and safe.
