Calibration Research Tips: Ford/Lincoln Adaptive Lighting

Details Posted on 18 February 2020 | Share:

| Print

While searching for information on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on an OEM repair information site, you may come across unique calibration procedures or events. These events can vary by year and model, even within a particular make. As the RTS team has been researching these systems, we have been identifying these atypical circumstances. In order to help you better understand them, we are putting together a series of articles that help with the repair and calibration of ADAS. Let’s take a closer look at Ford/Lincoln’s adaptive lighting systems.

Ford/Lincoln vehicles may come equipped with one or more adaptive lighting systems. These systems include Automatic High Beams, Adaptive Front Lighting, and Automatic Headlamp Leveling.

Automatic High Beams
The Automatic High Beam system relies on input from the camera located near the rearview mirror. When the camera determines the ambient light conditions are dark enough and traffic is not present, the system will automatically turn the high beams on. This feature may need to be turned on and will only operate above a certain speed level.

There is typically no special procedure or calibration required when replacing the headlamp assembly. However, proper calibration of the camera is required after certain events such as camera or windshield replacement.

Adaptive Front Lighting
Adaptive Front Lighting may operate differently depending on the specific year or model. Although the operation may be different, the purpose is the same. The system provides more light to a specific side of the vehicle when it is entering a curve or turn.

This may be accomplished by the headlamp bulb physically moving inside the headlamp assembly, or by increasing the intensity of the brightness of the headlamp. The system uses multiple inputs, such as steering angle and vehicle speed to determine the direction to turn the headlamp or how much to increase the light intensity.

There is typically no calibration required when a headlamp assembly is replaced. However, there is a specific aiming procedure for headlamps that physically turn inside the assembly. These headlamps are identified by VOL (visually optically aligned left), or VOR (visually optically aligned right ) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) printed on the assembly. The aiming procedure can be found in the vehicle-specific Workshop manual.

Automatic Headlamp Leveling
The Automatic Headlamp Leveling system does just as it is described. The system adjusts the headlamp light beam height automatically, depending on factors such as vehicle load, speed, braking, and acceleration. There are multiple sensors that provide input to this system. There is typically no calibration required when a headlamp assembly is replaced, however, proper calibration of the various inputs that feed data to the headlight system may be required after certain events.

These procedures will vary depending on the year and how the vehicle is equipped. It is important to always refer to the vehicle-specific Workshop manual for the exact procedures. Understanding ADAS, and specific procedures is important to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional Ford/Lincoln information, check out the following pages:
Ford OEM Information
Lincoln OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
• Calibration Research Tips
• Collision Information Website Access: Ford/Lincoln
• Locating ADAS Information: Ford/Lincoln

Related I-CAR Courses

Course I-CAR ADAS Courses