Failed safety inspection

[mcnulty6807]

Hello,

I just got back from the gas station in Northern Virginia where they failed my 2000 Explorer.

I feel like they are feeding me some B/S by saying I need my headlights adjusted with a special machine that costs $16 each side.

Anyone ever heard of this or know how to adjust them?

Thanks

 

[marragtop]

Headlight adjustment is one of the judgemental type calls that many inspection stations nail you on to generate $$. Technically, there is headlight adjuster equipment that the stations use, however you can also adjust them yourself on a wall. If you do the adjustment yourself, the station will probably charge you to re-check it and if it's outside of their specs will still fail it. $16 per side seems a bit excessive.

 

[blkexplorer1214]

Hello,

I just got back from the gas station in Northern Virginia where they failed my 2000 Explorer.

I feel like they are feeding me some B/S by saying I need my headlights adjusted with a special machine that costs $16 each side.

Anyone ever heard of this or know how to adjust them?

Thanks

whats wrong with them? they too bright or dim? or what??

 

[celly]

So glad I don't have to deal with inspections. They'd probably have a heyday with my new projector headlights and HID bulbs.

 

[muhl5443]

im also glad that i dont have to deal with inspections.

 

[TheJackal]

Personally I'm glad this state does have inspections, otherwise the crap on the road would be unbelievable, even more so than it already is.

You might want to try another inspection place just to see what they say, preferably one that doesn't do repairs. If your headlights really aren't aimed properly, it's a good idea to have them adjusted.

 

[unclemeat]

I prefer to use a different mechanic for inspection repairs than inspection, kinda a spy vs spy thing. I also use a mechanic that I trust, and if he tells me I need something I believe him.

IMO my auto mechanic is someone I need to be able to trust like a doctor or lawyer.

 

[celly]

Personally I'm glad this state does have inspections, otherwise the crap on the road would be unbelievable, even more so than it already is.

We don't have inspections and I don't see any issues with cars on the road. IMHO, Jurisdictions that do have them do is as a revenue grab only. :thumbdwn:

 

[marragtop]

Just be glad they only nailed you on head lights. Some places will bang you for front end work. Then instead of $16 per side you're looking at $400 a side!!

 

[mcnulty6807]

Hey Marragtop,

Do you know which screws adjust the headlights?

I see two flexible looking screws sticking out of the top of the headlight assembly, but all the other screws look like they hold everything in place.

Thanks

 

[99ex22]

I believe their is only 2 screws to adjust the headlights and they're on top of the headlight

 

[parad1mg]

go to a more diverse gas station..

i went last year to a sunoco gas station and the inspector there was scrutinizing every single switch and light on mine.. he even criticized the factory valet system that flashes rapidly when you leave the door unlocked for a few minutes, he said that it's wrong and I should get that fixed bsnicker: loser..) that guy mentioned and commented on a handful of things from my fog lights to the rear suspension parts that needs changing and even asking me if I’m familiar with some of the parts and how dangerous it can be if not fixed considering my type of vehicle.. I just told him to stick with the job of inspecting and leave the job of worrying about the bigger things to engineers like myself.. half hour later he told me that lower ball joints need replacing and handed me a $600+ estimate.. I came back the next day to him with the $1 re-inspection receipt in my hand and he took a look at it again and asked me where I got the joint replaced.. I said, "in front of my house.. for 70 bucks.." oh how I wont forget how big the whites of his eyes were ..

I just finished renewing mine three days ago and i went to the scruffiest shell gas station that i could find (place looked like a backyard parts place) and it took all of 5 minutes with no questions asked..

Some people just want to give others a hard time especially when you look like you just crawled out of bed half awake like i always do ..

 

[parad1mg]

to adjust them, you will need a small size socket.. the adjustment rods are clearly visible when you lift up the protective flap..