Driving in the dark for the first time last night, it seemed the cut-off point of the dipped beam was quite close to the car, and didn't reach too far down the road. 'No problem' I thought, and reached for the leveling knob, but it was already on the minimum dip setting.

 

So, it looks like my headlights are out of alignment (I'm assuming that's not how they're supposed to be...). What is the best way to go about correcting it please?

Hi, welcome to Briskoda,

 

I would check both of your level motors are definitely working, by parking near a wall and trying the switch to see if they both adjust.

 

Just so we are clear - position 0 is full height, and 3 is the lowest drop.

 

Motor seizures can be annoying, but if you are handy, can be repaired for almost no money.

 

Check them out to see if there is a fault and post back, If they are ok, the adjusters are easy to get to and I'll post a piccie for you.

 

Hope it helps

 

Phil.

If both lights are affected, my money would be on the switch itself. My Octavia had the same problem when I bought it. New switch, problem solved.

Thanks guys! Sorry, didn't make it clear in my first post; the lights do definately adjust, just when they are in the 0 setting they aren't high enough. If you could post a pic of the adjustors, that'd be awesome

Here you go abo - http://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/octavia-mk1/electrical_system/electrical_system/lights_lamps_switches_outside/repairing_headlight/setting_the_headlight_beam/

Perfect, thank you Job for the weekend I guess...

Here you go abo - http://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/octavia-mk1/electrical_system/electrical_system/lights_lamps_switches_outside/repairing_headlight/setting_the_headlight_beam/

That's a belter that is can check mine now as mine seems to click

Here you go abo - http://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/octavia-mk1/electrical_system/electrical_system/lights_lamps_switches_outside/repairing_headlight/setting_the_headlight_beam/

Ok, just found the time to have a look. Mine is the type in the bottom diagram. Turning the screw marked '1' doesnt seem to make any difference. Does it need to be turned many, many times?

There is a possibility that the headlamp motor mechanism ball has detached itself from the headlamp reflector bowl. if that has happened the adjusters don't make much effect.

 

If you take off the bulb cover on the back of the lamp, can you rock the headlamp bowl if you try and push against it with your finger?. It should be reasonably stable if the ball joint is attached, but it will flop about if the motor has detached itself.

 

If all is good, try turning adjuster more, just bear in mind one controls left to right adjustment and the other up and down, so make sure you turn the correct one or your lamps will think they are in France.

There is a possibility that the headlamp motor mechanism ball has detached itself from the headlamp reflector bowl. if that has happened the adjusters don't make much effect.

 

If you take off the bulb cover on the back of the lamp, can you rock the headlamp bowl if you try and push against it with your finger?. It should be reasonably stable if the ball joint is attached, but it will flop about if the motor has detached itself.

 

If all is good, try turning adjuster more, just bear in mind one controls left to right adjustment and the other up and down, so make sure you turn the correct one or your lamps will think they are in France.

I'll check this (after dinner lol). The dashboard control *does* adjust the beam up and down, by what looks like a 'normal' amount, compared with others cars I've had, so I'd mentally excluded the motor from the diagnosis...

Some times the ball on the end of the motor shaft can rest against the bowl and can by sheer friction move it, even though it is not in the little socket it pushes into.

 

It is probably fine, but worth checking before you alter the adjuster screws too far.

 

A bit more info for you in case - http://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/octavia-mk1/electrical_system/electrical_system/lights_lamps_switches_outside/repairing_headlight/removing_and_installing_the_headlight_range_control_motor/

 

This is what the motor looks like out, so you have a minds eye idea of how it works. - http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/227719-octavia-mk1-headlight-adjusters/

Sorted! The problem was, in the last picture it shows screw '2' as the side adjustment and '1' as the height adjustment, when in fact it is the other way around...

Good job!

Good job!

Yup! At least I know how to pull the headlights apart now haha