[rpunwani]

Way back in 2017, I had a minor accident in the Passat which required the left headlight assembly to be replaced. After the replacement, I found that the focus was not as good as before. On subsequent services, I requested the Service Advisor to have the beam alignment checked and adjust, if necessary. I was told that the adjustment is good.

A few days back, I found a way to adjust the beam (this is applicable for a 2012/12 Passat Highline):-

Park the car so that the projector in the headlight assembly is 25 feet away from the wall, as shown in the sketch below. Measure the height of the centre of the projector assembly from the ground (in my case it was 27.5 inches).


Turn off the ignition and switch to ACC mode and turn on the headlights.

Connect the VCDS and go to "Select Control Module". Then select "Headlight Range" as shown below


After you enter the Headlight Range Module, select "Basic Setting" as shown below


Then there will be a drop down menu, click on "Adjust Basic Setting". Wait for the module to show status as "running".

The height of the beam can be adjusted with a 6mm Allen Key. It is advisable to carry out the adjustment of the Driver Side first. Adjust the height so that the cut off of the beam is 4 inches lower than that of the height of the headlight from the ground - in my case I adjusted it to 23.5 inches. I had covered the left headlight when adjusting the right side one & vice versa. The left headlight beam was adjusted to 2 inches higher than the right side beam - 25.5 inches.

Once adjusted, open the drop down menu and click "Acknowledge Basic Setting" and hit GO, see below


Exit the VCDS and your beam alignment is done

[GTO]

Moving to the DIY forum - thank you for sharing!

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by rpunwani

Way back in 2017, I had a minor accident in the Passat which required the left headlight assembly to be replaced. After the replacement, I found that the focus was not as good as before.

Exit the VCDS and your beam alignment is done.

Great DIY. Love the VCDS and it's capabilities.

Would be great if you can upload a before and after pictures. Not that important but shall help readers understand the 'difference'.

[rpunwani]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

Great DIY. Love the VCDS and it's capabilities.

Would be great if you can upload a before and after pictures. Not that important but shall help readers understand the 'difference'.

Yes, the VCDS is a fantastic tool for VAG owners. The original version (Ross tech) has UDS capability too.

A few days back, I had to change the front left ABS sensor. I went to the service centre and the SA told me that he needs to scan the car. I told him that I will not allow anyone to sit in my car (due to Covid), however I will plug the cable into the socket. He eventually changed the sensor and did not erase the faults. I was totally ok with that - came home and erased all the faults with the VCDS

Sorry, I did not take pictures before - will take the after pictures and share.