Safety First:
* Park the vehicle on a level surface. An uneven surface will skew your adjustment.
* Turn off the headlights and engine.
* Let the headlights cool completely before attempting any adjustments.
Adjustment Process (General Steps):
1. Locate the adjustment screws: These are usually small screws located behind the headlight assembly. You might need a flashlight to see them clearly. They are often near the top and bottom of the headlight housing. One screw adjusts vertical aim, and the other adjusts horizontal aim. They might have markings indicating which direction to turn for up/down or left/right adjustment.
2. Access the adjustment screws: This is the trickiest part. You'll likely need to access them from behind the headlight unit through the engine bay or from the wheel well. There might be plastic covers or other components obscuring the screws which might need to be carefully removed or at least moved aside. Use caution not to break anything.
3. Adjust the headlights: Use a small screwdriver (likely Phillips head) to turn the screws. Typically:
* Vertical Adjustment: Turning the screw clockwise usually raises the beam, while counter-clockwise lowers it.
* Horizontal Adjustment: Turning the screw clockwise usually moves the beam to the right, counter-clockwise to the left.
4. Check the aim: After each adjustment, test the headlight aim on a wall or garage door about 25 feet away. Look for the cutoff line between the bright and dark areas of the beam. The ideal aim is usually slightly below horizontal for vehicles without leveling systems. Your owner's manual might include a diagram of proper aim.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the headlights are properly aimed.
Important Considerations:
* If you're uncomfortable with this process, take your car to a qualified mechanic or auto body shop. Improper adjustment can lead to unsafe driving conditions.
* Take your time and be careful. Rushing could lead to damaging the headlight assembly or injuring yourself.
* Your owner's manual is your best resource. It will have specific instructions and diagrams for your 2006 Chevy Cobalt LS. Consult it before attempting any adjustments.
If you can't find the adjustment screws after careful inspection, it's highly recommended to seek professional help. There might be other factors impacting headlight aim that require specialized tools or knowledge to resolve.
