Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Sunny B15 in some markets) is a reliable sedan, but over time even the settings of the lighting devices become lost. Incorrectly adjusted headlights blind oncoming drivers, impair visibility in the dark and can result in a fine. In this article we will look at how to independently adjust the low and high beam on Almera Classic 2006–2012 model years, without resorting to the services of a car service.

The procedure does not require special skills, but will require attention to detail. We will look at two methods: using the adjustment screws on the headlight and using a laser level (for maximum accuracy). You will also learn what tools you will need, how to prepare the car, and what mistakes owners most often make when setting up the lights.

When do you need to adjust your headlights? Nissan Almera Classic?

There are several clear signs that your car's lights require adjustments:

  • 🔦 Road lighting has become uneven — one headlight shines higher than the other, or the luminous flux “goes” to the side.
  • 🚗 Drivers of oncoming cars often blink their headlights, signaling a glare effect.
  • 🛣️ The roadside is hard to see in the dark, although there were no problems before.
  • 🔧 After replacing lamps, repairing the front end or an accident - even a slight impact can throw off the settings.

Also, adjustment is required after installing new headlights, xenon or LED lamps (if they are allowed for your modification Almera Classic). Remember that incorrect settings not only interfere with other road users, but also may cause refusal to pass a technical inspection.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Almera Classic With factory halogen headlights, installing xenon requires not only adjustment, but also adjustment of the optics (or replacing the headlights with lens ones). Otherwise, the light will scatter chaotically, creating danger on the road.

Preparing the car: 5 mandatory steps

Before starting the adjustment, it is necessary to bring the car to its “original” state so that the results are accurate. Missing even one item may result in incorrect settings:

  1. Fill a full tank of fuel — this affects the ground clearance and headlight angle.
  2. Check your tire pressure - it must correspond to the recommended values (usually 2.2–2.4 bar for Almera Classic).
  3. Make sure there is a standard set of tools or a load weighing ~50 kg in the trunk (equivalent to driver weight).
  4. Clean the headlights from dirt and dust - use alcohol or a special glass cleaner.
  5. Park on level ground (no slopes) in front of a vertical wall (garage, fence) at a distance 5–7 meters.

If you don't have a flat wall, you can use a sheet of plywood or thick cardboard mounted vertically. The main thing is that the surface is smooth and perpendicular to the ground.

📊 How often do you check your headlight adjustments?
  • Once a year
  • Before maintenance
  • Only after repair
  • Never checked

Adjustment tools: what will you need?

For basic headlight adjustment Nissan Almera Classic A minimal set of tools is enough:

Tool Purpose Alternative
Phillips screwdriver (PH2) To rotate the adjusting screws Slotted screwdriver (if screws are slotted)
Laser level or construction level For precise markings on the wall Tape measure and chalk/tape
Masking tape To mark the center of the headlights on the wall Chalk or marker
Rag and alcohol Cleaning headlights before tuning Glass cleaner

For advanced adjustments (for example, after installing xenon) it may be necessary adjustment screen with millimeter markings or a specialized device (for example, Bosch FWA 4100). However, for most owners Almera Classic enough available resources.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal objects (such as wrenches) to turn plastic adjustment screws as this may strip the threads. If the screws become sour, treat them with WD-40 10–15 minutes before starting work.

Step-by-step instructions: how to adjust headlights?

Let's look at the process using an example Nissan Almera Classic with halogen headlights. First, determine where the adjustment screws are located:

  • 🔧 Vertical adjustment (up/down) — the screw is located at the top of the headlight, closer to the radiator. Access to it opens after removing the protective cap (if any).
  • 🔄 Horizontal adjustment (left/right) — the screw is located on the side of the headlight, closer to the fender. On some modifications it may be hidden under the bumper.

Now let's start setting up:

Place the car on a level area 5 meters from the wall|

Apply markings to the wall (see diagram below)|

Check and adjust tire pressure|

Clean headlights from dirt and condensation|

Prepare a screwdriver and level -->

Step 1. Marking the wall

Using a tape measure or laser level, draw the following lines on the wall:

  • 📏 Vertical center line - must pass exactly in the center of the car (coincide with the emblem Nissan on the radiator grille).
  • 🔴 Horizontal line - at the height of the center of the headlights (measure the distance from the ground to the middle of the headlight glass and transfer it to the wall).
  • 🟢 Headlight center lines - step back to the left and right from the center line at a distance equal to half the width of the car (for Almera Classic this is approximately 80–90 cm from the center to each headlight).

Step 2: Vertical adjustment

Turn on low beam and cover one headlight with a thick cloth (so that the light does not interfere). Using a screwdriver, rotate the vertical screw on the open headlight until:

  • 🎯 The upper border of the light spot should touch the horizontal line on the wall.
  • 🔺 The “daw” (chiaroscuro break) should begin 1–2 cm below the horizontal line and 5–10 cm to the right of the vertical line of the center of the headlight (for right-hand drive models - to the left).

Step 3: Horizontal Adjustment

The horizontal screw is responsible for shifting the light spot to the left/right. Adjust it so that:

  • 📍 The left border of the light spot coincided with the vertical line of the center of the headlight.
  • 🚫 The light did not “go” beyond the markings (this blinds oncoming drivers).

Step 4: Checking the high beam

Switch the headlights to high beam and make sure that:

  • 🔦 The light spot is symmetrical and illuminates the road 100–150 meters forward.
  • 🛑 There are no sharp “dips” or shadowed areas around the edges.
💡

If after adjustment one headlight shines dimmer than the other, check the voltage at the lamp contacts with a multimeter. The difference is more 0.5V may indicate oxidation of the wiring or a malfunction of the ignition unit (for xenon).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when adjusting headlights. Here are the most common of them:

  • ❌ Ignoring the load in the trunk - If you adjust the headlights with an empty trunk and then load the car, the light will shine upward. Always simulate a standard load (driver + load 50–70 kg).
  • ❌ Adjustment on uneven ground - even a slight slope in 2–3 degrees will distort the results. Use a level to check.
  • ❌ Setting up only one headlight - If you adjust only the left or right headlight, the second one may create an imbalance, which will impair visibility.
  • ❌ Using faulty lamps — before adjusting, check that both lamps burn equally brightly. A dim lamp will distort the light output.

Another common mistake is high beam adjustment. You need to configure exactly low beam, since it is used more often and is security critical. The high beam is adjusted only after the low beam has been adjusted.

What to do if the adjustment screws do not turn?

If the adjusting screws are soured or rusty, do not apply force - this may break the mechanism. Treat them with a penetrating lubricant (WD-40, Liqui Moly MoS2) and wait 15–20 minutes. If the screw still won't budge, try gently tapping the screwdriver with a hammer (don't overdo it!). In extreme cases, it may be necessary to replace the adjustment unit (part art. 26060-4M000 for Almera Classic).

Adjusting headlights after replacing lamps or installing xenon

If you replaced halogen lamps with xenon or LED, the standard adjustment may not be suitable. The point is that:

  • 💡 Xenon lamps have a different glow point (discharge arc instead of filament), so the light beam is formed differently.
  • 🔋 LED lamps often produce harsher light and shade, requiring precise adjustment of the horizontal border.

For such cases it is recommended:

  1. Use adjustment stand (available at many service stations).
  2. Install lenses (if they were not there from the factory) for correct light distribution.
  3. Adjust headlight angle taking into account new optics (mounts may require modification).

Important: Installing xenon in halogen headlights Nissan Almera Classic prohibited according to traffic rules (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). If you still decide to install xenon, be sure to:

  • 📋 Install homologated lenses And autocorrector.
  • 📝 Pass recertification at the traffic police department.
  • 🔧Adjust the headlights to specialized equipment.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic with xenon there is often a problem with ignition unit - it can overheat and turn off the lamps. Make sure the units are installed in a ventilated location (for example, behind a headlight and not in the engine compartment).

Checking the results: test drive and adjustments

After adjustment, be sure to check the operation of the headlights in real conditions:

  1. Drive down a dark road (without lighting) and rate:
    • 🌑 Is the roadside visible from a distance 30–50 meters?
    • 🚗Are you blinding oncoming cars (pay attention to their reaction)?
    • 🛣️ Is there enough lighting for comfortable movement at speed? 60–80 km/h?
  2. Check the corrector's operation (if it is included in your package):
    • 📉 When turning the corrector knob to position “0” (one driver), the light should go down.
    • 📈 In position “3–4” (full load) - rise.

If after the test drive problems are identified, return to the adjustment:

  • 🔽 The light shoots up — lower the headlight with a vertical screw.
  • 🔸 Light goes left/right — adjust the horizontal screw.
  • 🔹 The light spot is blurry — check the cleanliness of the headlight glass and the condition of the reflector (it may have oxidized).
💡

If, after several attempts at adjustment, the light is still unsatisfactory, the problem may lie in the headlight itself: cracked glass, a cloudy reflector, or a faulty corrector. In this case, repair or replacement of the optics will be required.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about headlight adjustment Nissan Almera Classic

Is it possible to adjust the headlights without markings on the wall?

Yes, but the accuracy will be lower. As a guide you can use:

  • 📏 Distance between headlights (transfer it to the ground with chalk).
  • 📍 Center of the car (according to the emblem Nissan).
  • 📏 The height of the headlights from the ground (measure and mark on the wall with tape).

However, it is still recommended to use markup for fine tuning.

What to do if, after adjustment, one headlight shines yellower than the other?

This is a sign:

  • 💡 Varying degrees of lamp wear - Replace both lamps with a pair.
  • 🔌 Bad contact — check the connectors and wires for oxidation.
  • 🔋 Ignition unit malfunctions (for xenon) - measure the voltage at the output.
Is it necessary to adjust the fog lights (FTL) to Almera Classic?

Yes, but they are adjusted separately from the main headlights. Rules:

  • 🔦 The tilt angle of the PTF should be belowthan the low beam.
  • 📏 The light spot should illuminate the road 10–20 meters forward (not higher).
  • 🚫 It is prohibited to use PTF without main headlights in the dark.
How often should you check your headlight adjustments?

Recommended frequency:

  • 📅 Once a year - even if there are no visible problems.
  • 🔧 After replacing lamps, repairing the front end or an accident.
  • 🚗 When the season changes (in winter, due to snow on the roof, the clearance may change).
Is it possible to adjust the headlights to Almera Classic using a mobile application?

There are apps like Headlight Adjustment or Car Light Tester, which help to estimate the angle of light using a smartphone camera. However:

  • ✅ They are suitable for preliminary checks.
  • ❌ For precise adjustment, it is better to use the classic method with a wall and markings.