Xenon headlight jiggle , late 97 SL 320 ( others too )
 

Has anyone worked on internal parts of auto leveling Xenon headlights? ( Hella brand )

Recently I've noticed when going over fine ripples the left headlight jitters up and down slightly. The right seems to move a bit as well, will pay more attention to it next time out. At this point I'm not sure if the autoleveling gear train is worn or the auto leveling system is overreacting.

Does the auto leveling have any built in diagnostic data?

Thanks

Not on that "early" Xenon system. You could disconnect the linkage to the leveling sensor & see if the "jiggle" still happens over bumps.

I guess my title is a bit miss leading, I was going to type " late 90's " but decided to put the actual year and didn't remove " late ".

Next time I'm under the car I'll measure and tie off the front and rear height sensors. I have noticed ( since I got the car a year ago ) that when turning the lights on, they start off low and rise to proper height but that is probably he safe default.

I do know that ,under braking as the nose dips, the headlights will rise but, that is after a slight delay and at a slower rate. The jiggle I am getting is a rapid jitter like the headlights are loose ( they are not ).

But, I should measure sensor resistance over the travel as the sensors may have open spots.

I've seen the type of "jiggle" you're talking about, and you might be close to what the problem is...it's very possible it's the POSITION SENSOR having/developing a "dead spot" on either the wiper or point-of-contact on the winding of the sensor itself.

These things aren't that durable like the jack in the trunk. You should be happy it's lasted as long as it has.

Get some new ones and replace 'em. Your "oncoming traffic" will thank you...

Now, as for "calibrating" the new installs? I can't even guess what's involved if there's any involvement required.

Good luck with the fix.

MBdoc, your post eluded that there is a early and late system. Any idea if a 99 SL has the same system as my 97 SL ? I just got a hold of 2 HV power supplies from a 99.