Symtech LCA2 EZ User Manual

M

VISUAL

HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT

SYSTEM

ASSEMBLY

VISUAL ASSIST SELECTOR

“HIGH”

CALIBRATION

BEAM

OPERATION

“LOW”

BEAM

Safety by Design

With:

“Visual Assist”

eter

524 SE Transport Drive

Lees Summit, MO 64081

888-884-8182

816-525-926 FAX: [phone]

www.symtechcorp.net

INDEX

1. GENERAL Pg. 3

1.1 “LCA 2

1.2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS

1.3 LASER WARNING

1.4 “VISUAL ASSIST” METER & SWITCH

2. ASSEMBLY Pg. 4

2.1 BASE / WHEEL ATTACHMENT

2.2 MAST / GLIDE PLATE / ROTATIONAL MAST MOUNT

2.3 OPTICAL ALIGNMENT HEAD

2.4 SIGHTING UNIT

2.5 SIGHTING UNIT CALIBRATION

2.6 FLOOR SLOPE LASER

3. OPERATION Pg. 6

3.1 ALIGNMENT BAY(s) PREPARATION

3.2 FLOOR SLOPE MEASUREMENT

3.3 VEHICLE PREPARATION, Prior to Alignment

4. HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT PG. 7

4.1 ALIGNMENT of OPTICAL HEAD TO VEHICLE

4.2 CENTERING on the HEADLAMP

4.3 SELECTING HEADLAMP PATTERN

4.4 ALIGNMENT of HEADLAMP PROCEDURE

5. LASER CALIBRATION / MAINTENANCE Pg. 9

5.1 LASER CALIBRATION

5.2 MAINTENANCE

6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Pg. 10

WARRANTY Pg. 11

CUSTOMER SERVICE

EZ

” INTRODUCTION

888-884-8182

1. GENERAL

r

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Model “LCA 2EZ” Visual Headlamp Alignment System is an economical optical alignment tool that functions
under the same principle for accuracy and dependability of an aiming screen, with the added benefit of a “Visual
Assist” meter, without the excessive use of valuable shop space and the confusion of vertical and horizontal lamp
placement. System design and operation has been engineered with the technician in mind. The “LCA 2
a “Visual Assist” meter that facilitates headlamp alignment, with profitability and customer satisfaction the end result.

The Model “LCA 2
the industry leader in headlamp alignment technology to the service and body repair industries, the architect of the
Model “LCA 2” Visual, ”HBA 5” and “PLA 12” Electronic Headlamp Alignment systems and the “AIM 200”
Headlamp Intensity meter.

We are confident that the “LCA 2

Symtech “Safety by Design” product to address your headlamp alignment needs.

1.2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS

OPTICAL HEAD

Small Parts Package
2 Large Nylon Washers

5

/16” Nylon Washers

2
4 Flat Washers
2 ¼” x 1/8” (WHITE)Nylon

2 ¼” x ¼” (BLACK) Nylon

2 5/16” Self-Locking Nuts

5

4

/16” x ¾” Bolts
4 ¼” x 20 Machine Screws
1 ½” Self Locking Nut
1 ½” Flat Washe

Large Parts Package
1 Rotational Mast Mount

5

/16” x 6” Carriage Bolts

2
1 Floor Slope Handle
2 Wheels
1 Wheel w/Floor Slope
Eccentric

1.3 LASER WARNING
AVOID LOOKING DIRECTLY INTO LASER

LIGHT – POSSIBLE EYE INJURY CAN
OCCUR.

EZ” is designed, manufactured and serviced by Symtech Corporation, Lees Summ it, Missouri,

Spacers

Spacers

EZ” features

EZ” will provide you with years of exceptional service. Thank you for selecting a

BASE &
WHEELS

SIGHTING UNIT

COUNTERWEIGHT
SPRING COVER

FLOOR SLOPE

LASER

FLOOR SLOPE

AXEL

MAST

DANGER

AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE

PEA K P OW ER < 5mW
WA V ELE N G T H 400-700nm
CLASS IIIA LASER PRODUCT

GLIDE PLATE

LASER RADIATION

MAST

EXTENDER

(OPTIONAL USE)

Rotational

Mount

3

1.4 VISUAL ASSIST METER & SWITCH

The “Visual Assist” meter is an aide for positioning the headlamp
pattern to its correctly designed position. While visually adjusting
the headlamp into position, the “Visual Assist” meter will raise in
numeric reading if adjustment is directed in the correct direction.
Adversely, the meter reading will decrease if headlamp is adjusted in
the incorrect direction. When the highest achievable reading is
attained both vertically and horizontally, the headlamp will be
positioned correctly.

The SELECTOR switch moves the “Visual Assist” meter function

VISUAL ASSIST SELECTOR

“HIGH”

BEAM

between High and Low Beam patterns. Make sure that the switch is
in the correct location for the beam pattern to be aligned.

2. ASSEMBLY

Inspect all components of the LCA 2EZ system to assure that no damage has occurred during shipment, compare
contents of package with that of the exploded view to make sure that no component has been inadvertently left out of
packaging. If a component is missing, contact our customer service department at 888-884-8182 for an immediate
replacement.

2.1 BASE / WHEEL ATTACHMENT

Place base of system on floor, or table with channel facing
downward.

Insert a 5/16” x 6” carriage bolt into each of the holes noted, making
sure that the square carriage bolt head seats securely into the square
hole placement.

Complete wheel assembly by placin g in order a large nylon washer,
wheel, small nylon washer and self-locking 5/16” nut on carriage
bolt.

Tighten self-locking nut snug against wheel, but not so tight as to
hinder free wheel movement.

Insert floor slope eccentric and wheel into mounting block on base
(rear wheel). Tighten friction bolt until floor slope eccentric can be
moved, but not loose enough to move by itself.

2.2 MAST / GLIDE PLATE / ROTATIONAL MAST MOUNT

The Mast, Counterweight Spring Cover, Spring and Glide Plate are
packaged as an assembly.

Remove tie-lock band from base of mast, attach rotational mast
mount to mast with four (4)

5

/16” x ¾” bolts and tighten securely,

making note of bolt tightening sequence.

Place rotation bearing over mast stud and insert rotational mast stud
into base. Secure mast to base with

1

/2” flat washer and ½” self­locking nut. Tighten nut securely then back-off ¼ turn, or until
mast rotates freely with minor resistance.

NOTE: Do not incorporate the mast extender in the assembly, if

alignment of vehicle headlamps over 45” in height are not
expected to be assessed. Majority of vehicles will fall
under the 45” allowance, FACT: MOST OVER THE
ROAD TRUCKS and SUV’s FALL UNDER THE 45”
HEADLAMP HEIGHT.

Move glide plate up and down the mast through its full motion, by
depressing handle.

NOTE: if glide plate moves without tension felt from the spring, it

is possible that the spring has dislodged during shipment.
It will be necessary to remove the mast spring cover and
reattach the glide plate spring.

Front of Base

TIGHTENING

SEQUENCE

“LOW”

BEAM

Tighten
this Bolt

ROTATIONAL

BEARING

1

4

3

2

4

d

2.3 OPTICAL ALIGNMENT HEAD

Remove optical alignment head from shipping carton.
Inspect for any damage that may have occurred during
shipment i.e. lens, case, etc..

Attach optical alignment head to the mast glide plate by
aligning mounting holes of glide plate with the holes in
the optical head. Insert ¼” x 20 x ¾” allen head machine
screws through glide plate, place a ¼” x

1

/8” (WHITE)

nylon spacer on each upper attachment screw, place a ¼”
x ¼” (BLACK) nylon spacer on each lower attachment
screw, attach optical head and tighten securely.

Remove protective paper covering from viewing window
on top of optical head.

Move optical head through the full range of movement to
assure of smooth operation.

2.4 SIGHTING UNIT

Sighting unit is the “L” bracket assembly enclosed
in the accessories box.

NOTE: Mount sighting unit so that unit is

located directly over the optical head.

Insert the 5/16” x 3” slotted head machine screw with

5

/16” nylon washer into the sighting unit.

Place a small nylon bushing on the screw and insert
screw through the holes provided at the top of the
mast, place two large nylon bushing on screw, sight
unit, and self-locking nut.

Tighten to a tension that allows for movement of
sighting unit, but provides sufficient friction to hold
unit in place when unattended.

NOTE: Sighting unit must be calibrated to the optical head prior

to alignment of headlamps.

2.5 SIGHTING UNIT CALIBRATION

Calibration of sighting unit must be performed prior to alignment of
headlamps.

Raise optical head of LCA 2EZ to the approximate center of
travel of mast.

Turn the sighting unit until you can see the front edge of the optical
head while looking through the sighting unit lens. Line on lens
should line up with the front edge of the optical head.

If line does not line up with the front edge of optical head, loosen
the thumbscrews on the lens and move the lens into alignment.
Tighten thumbscrews.

It is important that periodical checking of calibration of the sighting
unit be performed, to assure customer satisfaction.

NOTE: When technicians of differing heights are using the LCA

2

EZ and the sighting unit is rotated for better viewing,

the sight unit must be checked for calibration and
adjustment made accordingly.

2.6 FLOOR SLOPE LASER

The floor slope laser assembly is factory calibrated, DO
NOT turn the level adjustment set screw.

IN

Calibration

OUT of
Calibration

¼” x 20 x ¾”

Optical

Head

Allen hea

Optical
Head

¼” x 1/8”

Nylon Spacers

(WHITE)

Nylon Spacers

Optical
Head

Glide

Plate

¼” x ¼”

(BLACK)

Adjustment

Thumb Screws

5

The laser is used for floor slope measurement only. Remove
laser after floor slope measurements have been recorded

Remove floor slope laser from packaging and insert front
fixture placement pin into hole on top and at front of the
optical head, also there is an indentation provided for the
height adjustment screw to rest within.

Activate the laser by turning ON/OFF knob clockwise
(CAUTION: Excessive turning may damage laser
ON/OFF mechanism) to assure of functionality, turn off
laser. No further adjustment is required.

NOTE: Should calibration of the laser become necessary in

the future, Refer to “LASER CALIBRATION”.
Calibration, Section 5.1, Pg. 9.

Laser Battery Replacement

Unscrew back of laser and replace batteries with three (3), LR 44
button batteries. Reverse process for assembly.

After battery replacement, CALIBRATION REQUIRED.

3. OPERATION PROCEDURES

3.1 PREPARATION, ALIGNMENT BAY(s)

Prior to any headlamp alignment using the LCA 2EZ, the floor slope of the bay, or bays must be
determined, this is done by using the floor slope laser assembly and noting the position of the rear floor slope
wheel.

If the correct floor slope of the bay is not adjusted prior to any headlamp alignment, the technician will align
the headlamps in a higher, or lower position than what is correct. The LCA 2
plain as the vehicle that is to be aligned, if the vehicle is positioned on a floor that has an upward slope
running from fore to aft of vehicle, then the LCA 2EZ must be adjusted to have the same slope.

3.2 FLOOR SLOPE MEASUREMENT

Tool Required: Tape Measure or Ruler
Move the LCA 2EZ to the service bay to be used for headlamp alignment and place the LCA 2EZ at

the front of the vehicle, off to one side. If multiple bays are to be used, procedure for determining floor slope
will need to be performed in each bay and recorded.

Lower the optical head to the bottom of the mast. Adjust optical head by rotating eccentric wheel at rear of
base until level vial registers level. Turn the laser on with the thumbscrew on the front of the laser assembly.

At the center point of the front wheel of the vehicle measure the distance from the floor to the point where the
laser strikes the tape measure, RECORD.

Move to the center point of the rear wheel of vehicle and measure the point where the laser strikes the tape
measure, RECORD.

If the measurements at the front and rear wheels are
not equal, the bay has a slope.

Rotate the floor slope handle on rear wheel until equal
measurements are registered at the front and rear wheels.

NOTE: When rotating eccentric axle on LCA 2EZ, both

measurements will change at front and rear vehicle

ON/OFF

On / Off

Knob

LR44

EZ must be on the same

Knob

Fixture

Placement Pin

LR44

Level Adjuster
Set Screw

6

wheels, to achieve equal measurements, more than one
eccentric axle change may be required.

Note the number on the floor slope gauge and record that
number along with the bay designate on floor slope sticker
provided. Repeat procedure for other bays and record.

NOTE: After measurements have been taken, remove laser and store in a secure place

MEASURE

3.3 VEHICLE PREPARATION

 Remove ice or mud from under the fenders.
 Set the tire inflation to the values recommended by the manufacturer.
 See that there is no load in the vehicle unusual to normal driving conditions.
 Check vehicle springs for sag or broken leafs.
 Check function of any automatic leveling systems and specific manufacturers instructions

pertaining to vehicle preparation for headlamp alignment.

 Clean lenses, check for bulb burnout, broken mechanical aiming pads, moisture in lens and

proper beam switching.

 Stabilize suspension by rocking vehicle sideways.

4. HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT

4.1 ALIGNMENT OF OPTICAL HEAD TO VEHICLE

Place the LCA 2
Once the LCA 2
be approximately 18 inches (+/- 6 inches) from the face of the
headlamp.

Set the floor slope of the eccentric wheel for the bay in which the
vehicle has been parked.

Rotate the sighting unit so that the front of the vehicle can be seen
through the sighting unit. Locate two (2) common points on or
under the hood to align the line in the sighting unit on.

NOTE: Points can be hood stops, radiator supports, points of

While looking through the sighting unit, align the line of the
sighting unit on the two common points by rotating the base of the
machine.

The LCA 2EZ is now aligned with the vehicle. Repeat the
alignment process for each lamp.

4.2 CENTERING on the HEADLAMP

Turn headlamps on. Move optical head up, or down to the center of the
headlamp. Position of center of the headlamp is approximate; a  2”
allowance is acceptable.

TRICK: A method to determining if position is greater than 2” is by observing

EZ in front of the first headlamp to be aligned.
EZ is in place, the lens of the optical head should

fender, etc.

the shadows that appear on the aiming screen when moving the
optical head left/right and up/down. Position aimer until no shadows
appear. OR, watch “Visual Assist” meter for highest reading while
moving LCA 2

EZ left/right and up/down in front of the headlamp

to be aligned.

7

MEASURE

Common Points

R

4.3 SELECTING HEADLAMP PATTERN

Not all headlamps are created alike and different vehicles
may have different design patterns. To be certain of the
lamp pattern, a designate is located on the lamp at the
bottom of the lens. Patterns of lamps that may be aligned
with the LCA 2EZ are;

 SAE HIGH BEAM: All high beam lamps. Highest

intensity point is centered on the Horizontal /
Vertical axis.

 SAE LOW BEAM: All low beam lamps

manufactured prior to 1999, selective manufacture
after 1999. The high intensity area is located in the
lower right hand quadrant.

 FOG/DRIVING LAMPS: All fog/driving lamps the

top of the high intensity area is located 4” down and
centered on the Vertical axis.

NOTE: DO NOT use “Visual Assist” Meter

for alignment assistance for Fog /
Driving Lamps

 SAE LOW BEAM “

VOR” (Visual Optical Right):

Low beam lamps manufactured after 1999, some
vehicles. The high intensity area is located in the
lower right hand quadrant and the beam pattern is
aligned by placing the right upper portion of the
beam pattern on the Horizontal axis.

NOTE: “Visual Assist” meter can be used when

aligning this lamp type if the lamp is
switched to HIGH beam and aligned as
High beam procedure.

 SAE LOW BEAM “

VOL” (Visual Optical Left):

Low beam lamps manufactured after 1999, some
vehicles. The high intensity area is located in the
lower right hand quadrant and the beam pattern is
aligned by placing the left upper portion of the beam
pattern on the .4 Degree (2.096”) Down Horizontal
axis.

NOTE: “Visual Assist” meter can be used when

aligning this lamp type if the lamp is
switched to HIGH beam and aligned as
High beam procedure.

4.4 ALIGNMENT OF HEADLAMP PROCEDURE

 Locate LCA 2

front of the lamp to be aligned.

EZ approximately 18 inches from in

 Position LCA 2EZ in front of first lamp to be

aligned.

 Align LCA 2EZ to vehicle by sighting through the

sighting unit.

 Select headlamp pattern and press “Visual Assist”

Switch to lamp type, HIGH BEAM or LOW BEAM.

VISUAL ASSIST SELECTOR

“HIGH”

BEAM

“LOW”

BEAM

H

US Low Beam

H

US Low Beam

H

V

High Beam

H

Fog / Driving

V

Aim Area

VO

Aim Area

H

.4 Degree Down
(2.096 Inches)

US Low Beam

PROCEDURE for HEADLAMP

1. Measure and Adjust for Floor

2. Square LCA 2EZ to Vehicle by

3. Position LCA 2EZ in Front of

4. P ress “Visual Assist” Button to

5. Move LCA 2EZ to Next lamp and

ALIGNMENT

Slope. Refer to Instruction
Manual.

Looking Through Sighting Unit.
Align Two Common Points on
Front of Vehicle With Line in
Sighting Unit.

First Lamp to be Aligned.

Lamp Beam Type. While viewing
meter, Adjust Lamp to highest
achievable reading.

Repeat Steps 2 Through 4.

V

V

Lamp

V

VOL

8

 While viewing aim screen and “Visual Assist” meter,

adjust headlamp to position that appears as graphic
illustration of headlamp pattern selected and “Visual
Assist” meter has reached its highest achievable
reading for that lamp.

NOTE: Graphics on aiming screen denote position

of lamp position in inches.
Outer box denotes 8 inches, inner box

denotes 4 inches. Each hash mark
denotes 1 inch increment.

 Repeat steps 2 through 4 for remaining lamps.

6. LASER CALIBRATION / MAINTENANCE

5.1 FLOOR SLOPE LASER CALIBRATION

“LASER IS CALIBRATED AT THE FACTORY PRIOR TO SHIPMENT”

“Calibration Required ONLY if Rea r- LASER Adjustment Set Screw has

been tampered with”

Tools Required: Elevated Surface (wheel alignment, frame machine)

Locate an elevated surface and lay the straight edge on surface facing away from
optical head. Check straight edge for level, shim if necessary.

Move LCA 2EZ to end of straight edge, turn on the laser and adjust height of
optical head so that the mounted laser will shoot down the straight edge.

Adjust the rear floor slope wheel until the level in the optical head is centered. Readjustment of
height of optical block may be necessary.

Adjust the rear height adjustment set screw of the laser assembly (Lock Tight has been installed
on screw at factory, minor pressure should break seal) till laser is viewed at both ends of straight
edge equally.

Laser is now calibrated, installing lock tight or other adhesive to adjustment screw is
recommended.

5.2 MAINTENANCE

The LCA 2EZ will provide years of trouble free operation with minimum maintenance, however, care
should be taken in the day-to-day usage of this service instrument. Following are areas that should be
periodically checked and serviced;

 Check wheel axles nuts for tightness, minor

lubrication is recommended.

 Check the optical head mounting bolts for

tightness and tighten as required.

Level (carpenters level or other means)
6‘ Straight Edge (board or other means)
5/64” Allen Wrench

9

8 inches

H

H

4 inches

V

 Check all other mounting screws, bolts and nuts

for tightness.

 Clean the mast area where the brake rides with a

mild detergent to assure of secure holding.

 Clean the front lens, sighting unit and viewing

window with a mild detergent being careful to
use a non-abrasive soft cloth.

6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: Level in optical head is not centered during alignment procedure?

Answer: Level vial is used ONLY when checking the calibration of the floor slope laser.

Question: The high intensity (hot spot) area of the headlamp is difficult to determine?

Answer: All lamps are legislated to be created equal, but this has proven not to be the case. A trick in

determining where the high intensity (hot spot) area of a lamp is to move your hand around in the
front of the optical head lens while viewing the aim screen, the high intensity area will become very
apparent.

Question: Do I have to check for floor slope every time I perform a headlamp

Answer: Floor slope need only be performed one time in each bay that the LCA 2EZ is to be used. When

Question: Why is there a mast extender included with the LCA 2

Answer: The mast extender is provided to raise the optical head to a maximum height of 54”, which is the

Question: Must I re-calibrate the Sighting Unit when I rotate it around for taller, or shorter technicians?

Answer: YES. It is good operating procedure to always check the Sight Unit calibration prior to all headlamp

Question: I cannot attain equal readings at the front wheel and the rear wheel areas when determining the

Answer: The only time that this can occur is when the shop bay has an abnormally excessive angle of slope.

Question: What do I use as reference when squaring the LCA 2

Answer: It is always recommended to check the alignment of the sight unit to the vehicle for every lamp to be

alignment?

determining the floor slope, record the reading of the rear eccentric wheel on the sticker provided,
Each time you are in that bay, refer to the sticker and adjust the rear eccentric to that measurement.

EZ?

maximum legal limit of headlamp placemen t. It is not recommended that the mast extender be
assembled at time of initial set-up, as the majority of vehicles are below the 45” height of the LCA

EZ without the mast extender.

2

alignments. When different height technicians are using the system, re-calibration is sometimes
required when rotating the sight unit from a high to low position.

floor slope.

The most frequent problem with determining floor slope is patience in adjusting until the
measurements are equal. A TRICK to assist in making this measurement is to first measure the height
of the laser at the optical head. Then turn the eccentric wheel until the laser reading matches the
measurement of the optical head at the rear wheel area. Check readings at front and rear wheel areas
and make, if any, minor adjustments to equal measurements. RECORD READING OF ECCENTRIC
WHEEL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

EZ to the vehicle and do I need to

square again when moving from one lamp to another?

aligned. Some reference points that are prominent on most vehicles are the grill, hood line, radiator
support, hood bumpers and common assembly point bolts. Always pick two points that are of equal
proportion.

10

Question: Can the “Visual Assist” meter measure light intensity?

Answer: The “Visual Assist” meter DOES NOT MEASURE LIGHT INTENSITY. It assists in locating the

highest value reading of that particular lamp. If a light intensity meter is an instrument your facility
would like to procure, SYMTECH offers the “AIM 200”, a hand held, self-contained precision
instrument specifically designed for measuring automotive light intensities.

Question: Why does the “Visual Assist” meter have a higher reading on one side of the car than the other?

Answer: Most vehicles will have lamps of varying intensity and patterns. Just use the meter and adjust to the

highest value reading for that particular lamp.

Question: Can I use the “Visual Assist” meter to help line up the optical head with the headlamp?

Answer: YES. While observing the meter, roll the LCA 2EZ back and forth horizontally and raise and

lower the optical head vertically until you achieve the highest metered reading.

Question: How do I change the batteries in the “Visual Assist” meter?

Answer: The meter does not have batteries, power is provided by the light of the headlamp.

Question: Is there a calibration procedure for the “Visual Assist” meter?

Answer: NO calibration of meter is required.

All Symtech Corporation products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal user service for a period of one year after the sale of the product. Exception to this policy will be
individually evaluated and must be approved by Symtech Corporate. The sole obligation under this warranty shall
be to repair, or replace any defective products or parts thereof, which upon examination are deemed to the
seller’s satisfaction to be defective.

The warranty shall not apply to any product, which has been subject to misuse, negligence, or accident. The
seller shall not be responsible for any special or consequential damages and the warranty as set forth is in lieu
of all other warranties, either expressed or implied. However, the seller makes no warranty of merchantability in
respect to any products for any particular purpose other than that stated in literature and any applicable
manufacturer shop or service manuals referred to therein, including any subsequent service bulletins.

All Symtech Corporation Optical Headlamp Alignment Systems have been tested by an AMECA accredited
independent laboratory and found to comply with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended
practices prescribed in standards j599, j600, j1383 and j1735.

The seller makes no claims or warranties of any kind that the Symtech Corporation Optical Headlamp
Alignment Systems will align headlamps that do not conform to Society of Automotive Engineers recommended
practices described in j599, j600, j1383, and j1735.

WARRANTY

Safety by Design

11