Like this How-To and want to see more like it in the future? Consider a donation to help keep this page online and encourage the author to write more!

Converting Headlights to ECE-Spec
by Edwin Man
Model Years: 1999-2002 Estimated Time: 00:15
European spec headlamps allow for visual aiming both vertical and horizontal (the pre-revision US FMVSS 108 rule does not have provisions for visual nor horizontal aiming. It only allows for a bubble level aiming either by a level built into a lamp or a clamp on tool; this explains for the 3 studs on most headlamps. The 1999 rule revision now allows for vertical but still no horizontal aiming. The new rules now have a harmonized standard which meant the beam patern is very similar to the ECE one except for a slightly higher aiming and a broken patern due to no horizontal aiming).

In this edition, you will learn how to convert your 99-02's headlights so you can adjust horizontally. Horizontal aiming will allow for proper aiming to the side and front of the road. It can also affect how far the headlights will shine!

Tools you will need:

  • Long flat-head screwdriver


Installation Instructions:
Ok, here are the pics of ALL of the 3rd gen headlights. The yellow circle is where the horizontal adjustment screw is. If you look there, you will see a white plastic cap on it. Pry it off and you can get to the adjustment screw (and in the process making your headlights fully converted to ECE specs!). The red circle is where the vertical adjustment is. To adjust either, first losen the screw before adjusting otherwise you will mess things up!

European-spec 99' headlight (blue is vertical, red is horizontal in this photo)
Here is the US-spec 1999-2000 headlight. Yellow is the horizontal adjustment, red is vertical.
Here is the US-spec 2001-2002 headlight. Yellow is the horizontal adjustment, red is vertical.
another pic of the 2001-2002 light
This is where the adjustment screw is. Once you take the cover off, insert the philips-head screwdriver down to the adjustment screw. There is a washer that has teeth, use the screwdriver to turn this washer and move the headlight side-side.
2002 Protege5 horizontal headlight adjustment (circled in yellow)
Now that you have access to the screw, aim them!! Use this good how-to to properly aim them: http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/how_to/aim/

Copyright © 2003 ProjectMazda.com. All rights reserved.