Automatic and electromechanical headlight range control: why it doesn’t work, repair and installation

The direction of the light stream that the car's head optics emits is directly related to the mass of the cargo that the car is carrying. If there is a lot of it, the rear part of the body sags, the headlights begin to rise up, poorly illuminating the road and blinding oncoming drivers. As a result, the motorist has uncertain control of the situation, where an accident is not far away. The necessary change in the angle of light flow is provided by the headlight hydraulic corrector. And you can do this without leaving your car. According to European standards, the corrector must be on all cars manufactured after 1999. What is this device and how does it work?

The headlights must be correct

What is a headlight hydrocorrector?

Light control is carried out from the cabin by changing the position of a special switch. Similar devices are installed on classic VAZ 2105-2107 models, front-wheel drive 2108-2109, and more modern 2110-2115. Structurally, an auto-corrector operating on hydraulics is a series of connections where the main cylinder, controlled by an adjusting bolt from the passenger compartment, is connected to the worker through a tube. The last one is on the headlight. The entire structure is non-demountable.

Headlight hydraulic corrector: complete set

Where is it located and what does it look like

If we take the VAZ 2114 headlight hydraulic corrector as an example, the working cylinders are located under the headlights. The master cylinder is located under the adjustment knob in the passenger compartment. It turns manually. In the lower position, the light flux is directed downward (the pressure in the system is greatest), in the upper position it is directed upward. The cylinders are connected to each other by plastic tubes containing a non-freezing liquid (most often it is antifreeze or “anti-freeze”). The hydraulic corrector is sold as a kit: everything is assembled - plastic cylinders along with tubes.

How to use the corrector?

The corrector has knob A on the dashboard of the VAZ 2107 to the right of the steering wheel, next to knob B for adjusting the brightness of the dashboard lighting. If you rotate knob B counterclockwise, the brightness of the light decreases.

As they say, the control knob of the device has an “intuitive interface.” To change the direction of the light flow, with the trunk loaded and the headlights on low beam, you need to align the mark shown on the regulator with one of the marks marked on the unit body so that the beam of light does not blind oncoming drivers.

The VAZ 2107 hydraulic corrector has four switching options (in order from large point to small point):

I - minimum load, the front of the car is slightly lowered: one driver, or there is a passenger in front;

II - driver and four passengers, the body sags evenly downwards;

III - the same as II, with an additional load of up to 75 kg in the trunk:

IV - driver and maximum trunk load: the “nose up” the most.

In order to see how the angle of inclination of the light beam changes during operation of the corrector, it is better to place the car perpendicular to the wall. Let us recall the standard requirements for the location of the low beam.

Design and principle of operation using the example of the VAZ 2114

The usual standard design, installed, for example, on a VAZ 2114, includes:

the main block (the place under the “torpedo”), where the hydraulic cylinder with the switch is located;
hydraulic drive with plastic tubes;
working cylinders with mechanisms that regulate the headlight reflector;
non-freezing liquid.

If it is necessary to redirect the light flux at the desired angle, a low-pressure hydraulic system is activated, which can be changed manually. The driver turns the handle, and the rod of the actuator cylinders moves by 6-7.5 mm, which is quite enough to achieve the desired lighting angle.

Location of the working cylinders of the VAZ 2114 hydraulic corrector

In what cases is replacement or repair required?

It is not difficult to understand that the headlight corrector is not functioning or is working poorly: when you try to change the direction of the light beam, you notice that the head optics do not respond to turning the hydraulic corrector knob and the light is directed in one position. Moreover, both headlights and one of them may not work. If there is a problem, you will have to dismantle the device. The next stage is a complete replacement of the headlight hydraulic corrector: its components are non-separable and cannot be restored.

Reasons why the hydraulic corrector does not work and troubleshooting methods

Most often, the corrector stops working due to fluid leaking from the working, master cylinder or connecting tubes. This may be due to cracking of rubber seals (sometimes due to a sharp drop in air temperature during frost). As a result, the cylinder pistons become stuck in one position, and it becomes impossible to adjust the headlights when the load in the car changes. If the light is adjusted, but within a very small range, the culprit may be one of the cylinders, where the piston stroke has decreased. Another reason why the headlight hydraulic corrector does not work is the loose engagement of the rod with the lever in the actuator. There is only one method for troubleshooting - replacing worn-out or worn-out components and parts.

Hydrocorrector malfunctions

Among the most likely causes of a non-working headlight hydrocorrector is depressurization of the joints of tubes and sealing cuffs. The consequence of loose connections is loss of working fluid and air being sucked into the system. For the working pistons to move properly, the system must be completely filled with liquid. The manufacturer does not suggest repairing the hydraulic corrector, so if the system fails, the assembly is replaced. Nevertheless, the article “Repairing a hydraulic corrector” shows that the system can be troubleshooted and restored.

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Reasons for failure of the hydraulic regulator

If, when turning the headlight adjustment knob, the light beam does not change direction, this indicates a failure of the hydraulic corrector. There are several reasons for the malfunction:

One of the working cylinders is jammed. In this case, the corresponding reflector will not rotate.
The connecting tubes were damaged and the system depressurized.
Failure of sealing due to damage or wear of seals.

If the system is depressurized, it is impossible to regulate both lamps. Most often, they lower and take a lower position, as a result, the headlights only illuminate the road next to the car. At night, this increases the risk of an emergency. You can try adjusting the hydraulic device rod.

Manufacturers of hydraulic correctors did not provide for the repair of the closed system as a whole and individual elements. Therefore, if the device fails, it is necessary to either install a new hydraulic regulator or replace the hydraulic device with an electric one.

Some car enthusiasts try to repair the regulator, but this does not bring long-term results. For example, they replace the working rod with a self-tapping screw of a suitable diameter with the sharp end removed. This makes it possible to fix the reflectors in a certain position. It will be impossible to make adjustments from the interior.

If, during a visual inspection of the hydraulic regulator, cracks are found in the connecting tubes, the repair will consist of eliminating them. The cause of cracks is temperature changes in the engine compartment of the car. If the crack is close to the main or working cylinder, cut off the cracked end. The tube damaged in the middle is completely replaced by pumping with antifreeze.

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These devices come in three types: manual, hydraulic, pneumatic or electric. The last option is considered the most technologically advanced. Devices of this type are installed on almost all latest VAZ models. Nevertheless, many car owners prefer to install hydraulic correctors: it’s all about the cost, which is 4-5 times lower than other types of devices or more, if we also remember automatic systems. And since the headlight hydrocorrector is not repaired, in any case you will have to purchase a new set. There is actually only one manufacturer of hydraulic systems on sale - the DAAZ plant. Modifications of correctors for various VAZ models:

for “classics” 2105-07 number 2105-3718010;
for front-wheel drive 2108-2199 - No. 2108-3718010;
for 2110-2112 - No. 2110-378010 and 378010-10;
for 2113-2115 - No. 2114-3718010;
for Niva - No. 21213-3718010.

Replacing the headlight range control on a VAZ 2110

Every car enthusiast can change the headlight hydraulic corrector. The work process takes no more than half an hour. The only tools needed to replace the hydraulic corrector are a wrench with a size 21 head and a straight screwdriver. The rest is done by hand:

Remove the adjustment knob located on the instrument panel. To do this, you need to pull it with medium force, slightly shaking it.
Using the existing wrench, unscrew the nut under the handle (it pulls the master cylinder to the panel).
Click on the rectangular button on the panel. It is located slightly below the hydraulic corrector adjustment. As a result, the door opens. Through the resulting opening from below, we can easily reach the free master cylinder.
Open the hood. We find headlight units with integrated working cylinders. To remove them, unfasten the clamps. After this, each cylinder is turned counterclockwise and removed.
Using a prepared screwdriver, unscrew the bolts that secure the tube clamps.
We push the released elements of the hydraulic corrector into the cabin at the place where the connecting tubes come out. The seal present here is flexible, so it won’t hurt much.
Installing a new headlight range control is carried out in the reverse order.

Have you noticed how simple it is? So, if the hydraulic corrector in your VAZ 2110 does not want to work, take half an hour and replace it. Agree, the ability to adjust the direction of the light beam at any time without leaving the car is, it seems, a small thing, but a pleasant one.

To electric

A more reliable and attractive electric headlight corrector on the Lada Granta is installed as follows:

Before installing the headlight electric corrector, it is necessary to dismantle the failed device - first by disconnecting the main cylinder, then by disconnecting the hydraulics and leading the pipes through the passenger compartment.
The negative terminal is disconnected from the battery.
Electrical mechanisms are located where the working cylinders were installed. If the O-rings are worn out, they are replaced.
The negative wire is connected to ground, the positive wire is connected to terminal 20.
The wiring runs in the space previously occupied by connecting pipes.

The corrector lever is dismantled when installing the element.

Having finished with the wiring, you need to return the terminal to negative. The performance of the new system must be tested.

To hydraulic

If the owner is satisfied with the hydraulics, then replacing the headlight hydraulic corrector on the Grant is done in the same way:

the old system is dismantled, connecting pipes are removed;
new elements are installed in the same way in place of failed elements;
O-rings are checked;
Full testing is carried out.

There is no need to disconnect the battery when installing hydraulics to replace damaged correctors.

Replacing headlight hydraulic corrector

If you decide to install a hydraulic corrector, which is installed standard on Lada cars of previous years of production, you can do the work yourself. On more modern cars (Priora, Kalina, Granta, etc.) electrical systems can be installed.

Parsing and removing old

Algorithm of actions for dismantling the hydraulic corrector:

unscrew the screws on the clamps securing the tubes to the corrector parts;
disconnect the actuators attached to the snap-on latches from the headlight units;
from the passenger compartment, remove the rotating handle of the hydraulic regulator from its place (it is located directly on the main cylinder);
unscrew the plastic nut with which the main cylinder is screwed to the “torpedo”;
pull it out (after pushing the rubber seal into the cabin) complete with plastic tubes and actuators.

Hydraulic corrector in the cabin with the handle removed

Installation and connection of a new

Installation of a hydraulic corrector instead of a faulty one is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling - nothing complicated is observed here.

If you decide to install an electric device (it is ideal instead of a hydraulic one), the algorithm of actions will be slightly different:

remove the negative terminal from the battery;
dismantle the old hydraulic corrector along with the pipes, main and working cylinders;
replace it with an electrical device;
dismantle the lever of the old mechanism in the cabin;
connect the “plus” of the electrical corrector to the 20th contact of the block, the “minus” can be “found” under any body stud in contact with the metal;
instead of plastic tubes, lay the wires from the kit and, for reliability, secure them with dielectric clamps to the common wiring harness;
attach the actuators to the headlight housings;
Replace the removed negative battery terminal and check the operation of the system.

Installing a new device (master cylinder)

During the installation of the electric corrector, it makes sense to simultaneously check the efficiency of the optics. If you notice condensation inside the headlamp, it is better to replace it, because in the future the level of road illumination will only worsen.

a black coating inside indicates that the light bulb does not have long to “live”, so it needs to be replaced and it is better to do this in advance, and not on the way;
if you notice peeling of the reflective layer, you will also have to buy a new headlight (it is better to change both units together);
inspect the block lens - if the scratches and chips are serious, it is recommended to replace the old glass, using a special sealant when installing a new one;
Before installation, clean the protective caps from dirt.

The best and most expensive option is to install an automatic correction system. In this case, the driver does not need to do anything: the device will automatically adjust the beam of light. The design includes sensors installed at the front and rear. Their task is to determine the ground clearance on both axles of the car. This allows you to “calculate” the tilt of the body and send the necessary information to the electronic control unit. He gives a command to the actuators, and, taking into account the speed of movement, the latter, through a gear motor, change the angle of inclination of the head optics. The system is quite complex and requires a professional approach during installation.

A simpler option involves installing one ultrasonic sensor at the rear. It is suspended on a hinge and secured. The shortest distance to the road surface is 25 cm. You can install the system yourself.

Light adjustment

After installing a new corrector (no matter hydraulic or electric), it makes sense to adjust the light beam. To do this, you need a flat wall, which must be marked in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations (see the car’s operating instructions). The marking can be done independently, in accordance with the figure below.

Further:

stop the car five meters from the marked wall;
use the hydraulic corrector handle to set the correct light beam;
Each headlight can be adjusted individually;
if the “efforts” of the hydraulic corrector are not enough, use the mechanical levers located on the headlight unit.

Wall marking scheme for light adjustment

Is it possible to repair a hydraulic corrector?

Manufacturers of correctors for the Lada Granta did not provide for the possibility of restoring the device. It is assumed that the driver should make a change. However, it is possible to repair the hydraulic corrector yourself, although it eliminates the problem only for a while. It is impossible to achieve full functionality, however, the lampshades are installed in the working position and secured in it.

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The choice between an electric corrector or a hydraulic regulator is based on several parameters:

cost – hydraulics will cost much less than an electric corrector;
operating conditions - when the car often finds itself in situations with sudden temperature changes, it is worth paying more, but getting a reliable adjustment system;
car model - not all cars allow you to connect an electric corrector, however, it is possible to install one on a Lada.

Barbaric repair method

Many drivers do not burden themselves with either repair or replacement of the hydraulic corrector. When the headlights begin to shine downwards, they simply screw in screws from the back of the working cylinder. Adjustment of the position of the rod and the level of tilt of the headlights is carried out by screwing in and unscrewing the screws.

After such a repair, the concept of a headlight range control is no longer applicable to the system, since the possibility of quickly adjusting the angle of the headlight reflector from the passenger compartment disappears. But such repairs have a right to life if the malfunction caught you on the road and there is simply no other way to raise the headlights.

Recovery without removal

Pull the actuators out of the headlight assembly.
Remove the tubes from their seats, and then secure the tubes so that the remaining working fluid does not leak out of them. It is better to preheat the landing site, but you can simply cut the tubes at the edge of the landing sites. Check the stroke of the actuator cylinders by moving them by the rod using pliers. The pistons should move without jamming.
Each actuator has a plug for bleeding the system, which must first be pulled out.
Turn the switch on the dashboard to position O. Fill the tubes with antifreeze so that a small drop remains on top, then put them on the fittings of the actuators.
Position the slave cylinder bodies so that the bleeder hole is the highest point.
Holding the rod in the maximum retracted position, fill the working cylinder with liquid until a small “hill” forms above the bleeder hole.
Close the plug.

The system should work, but since the seals of the connections at the main cylinder, the regulator at the dashboard and the seals of the working cylinders were not checked, one cannot be sure of the long service life of the hydraulic corrector after such repairs. This restoration method will not work if the system is airy at the master cylinder in the cabin.

Restoration of headlight hydraulic corrector

You need to know where the headlight hydraulic corrector is located and how to remove it, since for a complete troubleshooting you will need to dismantle the working cylinders and the main adjustment mechanism. Take 2 small pieces of tube to connect the working cylinders to the main mechanism after removal, fill the system with water. If the device is operational, set the switch to the maximum headlight raise mode and leave the mechanisms in this position for several hours. If no leaks have appeared during this time, the system can be filled with antifreeze and installed on the car. If the leak does not appear in the pipe connections, it is better to replace the hydraulic corrector with a new one or install an electric corrector instead.

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Only new coolant should be used so that dirt particles do not interfere with the normal movement of the pistons. Remember that the system must be completely filled with working fluid. To restore, you will need a syringe and a blunt needle so as not to damage the cylinder seals. Do-it-yourself repairs, the assembly and disassembly process are perfectly shown in the video.

Price

A hydraulic corrector for VAZ cars is quite inexpensive - from 300 to 500 rubles. An electromechanical device will cost approximately 1800-2000 rubles.

There are also universal types of autocorrectors suitable for installation on any make of car. For example, a system from the manufacturer Hella will cost from 14 thousand rubles.

Do not forget: for xenon headlights, regardless of the make and model of the car, only the installation of an automatic corrector is required.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them