How To Adjust The Ram Promaster’s Headlights

Over time, your Ram Promaster's headlights will experience small changes in position due to rough roads, daily wear, and the vehicle's suspension loosening. Maladjusted headlights can be a big problem: if they're too high, they may blind other drivers, and if they are aimed too low or off to one side, they can reduce your ability to see what's in front of you at night. So, if your Ram Promaster's headlights are out of kilter, how do you adjust them? We've done the research, and we have the answers for you!

Here are the steps you take to adjust the headlights on a Ram Promaster:

  1. Park the Promaster 10' from a wall (or garage door).
  2. Make sure the vehicle is level.
  3. Measure the distance from each headlight to the ground.
  4. Turn on the headlights so they shine on the wall.
  5. Mark the vertical and horizontal center of each headlight's beam.
  6. Re-park your Promaster exactly 25' from the wall.
  7. Note whether the beams are still aimed at the vertical and horizontal center.
  8. Turn off the headlights and remove each headlight's trim ring.
  9. Locate the adjustment screws on each headlight's housing.
  10. Turn the headlights on.
  11. Block the light from the passenger side headlight.
  12. Use the adjustment screws to center the beam of the driver's side headlight.
  13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 for the passenger side headlight with the driver's side headlight blocked.
  14. Test the adjustment by driving on a dark road.
  15. Repeat steps 11-14 as needed until both headlights are properly adjusted.  

Below, we'll explain each of these steps in-depth. We'll also discuss where the headlight adjustment screws are located, how far ahead your low and high beams should illuminate, and the correct height for your headlights. We will tell you the cost of replacement bulbs for the Ram Promaster's headlights. And we'll explain how, and in what driving conditions, to use the fog lights on your Promaster. Read on!   

Ram 1500 ProMaster display at a Chrysler dealership, How To Adjust The Ram Promaster's Headlights

How To Adjust The Ram Promaster's Headlights

Ram 2500 Promaster in minibus version driving on the street

1. Park The Promaster 10' From A Wall (Or Garage Door)

  • Locate a wall fronted by a level surface where you can safely park your Promaster as you complete this job. If your driveway is flat, you can use your garage door.
  • Park your Promaster approximately 10' from the wall.

2. Make Sure The Vehicle Is Level 

  • Remove any heavy cargo from the van.
  • Fill the gas tank at least halfway. 
  • Inflate all four tires to the PSI recommended in your owner's manual.
  • Level the suspension by pushing down and releasing each corner of the vehicle.
  • To simulate normal driving conditions, have another adult sit in the driver's seat while you perform Steps 3-10.

3. Measure The Distance From Each Headlight To The Ground

  • With a tape measure, determine the distance from each headlight to the ground. Make sure you measure from the exact same spot on each headlight.
  • Compare the measurements; they should be within 1/2" of each other. If not, your vehicle has a suspension problem that must be fixed before you take further action.

4. Turn On The Headlights So They Shine On The Wall 

Wait until dark to perform this step so you can easily see the most intense part of each headlight's beam. 

  • Turn on the headlights. Do not use high beams or fog lights.
  • Turn off all interior lights.

5. Mark The Vertical And Horizontal Center Of Each Headlight's Beam

  • Use a single short piece of painter's tape to mark the horizontal center of each headlight's beam.
  • Mark the vertical center of each beam with a 2'-long piece of painter's tape.
  • Use a carpenter's level to ensure that the horizontal centerlines are even with each other.
  • If they are not even, adjust the position of the higher centerline tape to be level with the lower one.    

6. Re-Park Your Promaster Exactly 25' From The Wall 

  • Measure exactly 25' from the wall.
  • Re-park your Promaster with the front at this mark. Your headlights should beam onto the same spot that they did in Step 5.   

7. Note Whether The Beams Are Still Aimed At The Vertical And Horizontal Center

  • On the wall, identify the most intense area of each headlight's beam.
  • Note where the intense area is focused relative to the horizontal and vertical centers taped on the wall. 
    • The top edge of the intense area should shine just below the tape marking the horizontal center.
    • The left edge of the intense area should shine just to the right of the tape marking the vertical center.
  • Identify any deviations from this standard, and mentally estimate how much vertical and horizontal adjustment each headlight will need.

8. Turn Off The Headlights And Remove Each Headlight's Trim Ring 

  • Turn the headlights off.
  • Remove the trim ring by pulling it straight forward until it disengages. 

9. Locate The Adjustment Screws On Each Headlight's Housing

  • Locate the two adjustment screws on the housing of each headlight. One is near the top right-hand corner of the housing; the other is at the bottom of the housing, near the center.
  • If you can't find them, consult your owner's manual.

10. Turn The Headlights On

  • Turn the headlights back on. Keep them on the low beam setting.
  • Do not use fog lights or high beams. Turn off all interior lights.

11. Block The Light From The Passenger Side Headlight

  • Place a solid object in front of the passenger side headlight to block its light. Do not place anything directly over the headlight's lens, or it may overheat.
  • Adjust the object until it completely blocks the beam from the passenger side headlight, so that only the driver's side headlight beams onto the wall.

12. Use The Adjustment Screws To Center The Beam Of The Driver's Side Headlight

  • Use a Torx T15 ratchet bit to turn the adjustment screws, 1/4 turn at a time.
    • The screw at the top right corner controls vertical adjustment; turning it clockwise rotates the headlight down, and counterclockwise rotates it up.
    • The screw at the bottom center controls horizontal adjustment; turning it clockwise rotates the headlight to the right, while counterclockwise rotates it to the left.
  • Continue the adjustment until the intense area of the beam has reached its appropriate position.

13. Repeat Steps 11 And 12 For The Passenger Side Headlight, With The Driver's Side Headlight Blocked

  • Move the object from in front of the passenger side headlight and place it so that it blocks the beam from the driver's side headlight.
  • Use a Torx T15 ratchet bit to adjust the screws on the passenger side headlight.

14. Test The Adjustment By Driving On A Dark Road

  • Take a drive on a darkened road to test the adjustment.
  • Check for appropriate visibility ahead and to both sides of the vehicle as you drive.

15. Repeat Steps 11-14 As Needed Until Both Headlights Are Properly Adjusted

  • If necessary, re-adjust one or both of the headlights until you are satisfied with the visibility they provide.

Where Are Headlight Adjustment Screws Located?

In the Ram Promaster, like most vehicles, there are two adjustment screws for each headlight. The screw that adjusts the headlight's vertical position is near the top right-hand side of the headlight's housing. The horizontal alignment screw is located at the bottom of the housing, near the center.

A few manufacturers place the adjustment screws in the engine compartment behind the headlight housing. This makes them much more difficult to access, as you may have to remove the battery and/or the coolant reservoir. In this case, you may want to take your car to a mechanic to have the headlights adjusted.  

Click here for Ram Promaster headlight assembly on Amazon.

How Far Should Your Headlights Shine On Low Beam? On High Beam?

Ram 1500 ProMaster display at a Chrysler dealership, How To Adjust The Ram Promaster's Headlights

Low-beam headlights should illuminate the road 160' in front of the vehicle. High-beam headlights should illuminate 300' to 400' ahead. 

What Height Should My Headlights Be Set?

When you shine your headlights on a wall, the top edge of each headlight's beam should be just below the height of the center of the headlight's lens. This slight downward angle prevents your headlights from shining directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

How Much Does A Replacement Bulb Cost For Ram Promaster?

If you're looking for replacement light bulbs for your Ram Promaster's headlights, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 for a pair of bulbs. Basic halogen bulbs generally cost from $20 to $45 for a set of two. A pair of HID bulbs costs $65 to $75, while a set of LED bulbs costs about $100.

Click here for replacement Ram Promaster headlight bulbs on Amazon.

How Do I Turn My Ram Promaster Fog Lights On/Off -- If Equipped

Fog lights are optional on the Ram Promaster. If your vehicle has them, here's how you locate them and turn them on and off:

  1. On the center instrument panel, locate the line of five rectangular buttons just below the climate control system. 
  2. Identify the fog light button: its icon looks like an elongated capital D with three short, wavy lines in front of it. A diagonal slash runs through the wavy lines.
  3. To turn the fog lights on, press and release the button.
  4. To turn them off, press and release the button again.

Click here for Ram Promaster fog lights on Amazon.

When Should You Use Fog Lights?

Fog lights are designed to be used in low-visibility conditions such as thick fog, heavy snow, or torrential rain. They are mounted substantially lower on the frame of your vehicle than the headlights are. This allows them to illuminate the road directly in front of your vehicle, which is helpful when you're driving at low speeds and can't see far ahead due to the elements.  

In Closing

By following the guidance above, you can now readjust the headlights on your Ram Promaster to ensure that they're giving you the safest nighttime illumination possible. You also know how and when to use your fog lights. So, you'll never again be in the dark when driving at night!

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