Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Compass Variation Adjustment
Compass variance, also known as magnetic declination, is the difference in angle between magnetic north and true geographic north. In some geographic locations, the difference between magnetic and geographic north is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the compass variance setting may need to be changed.
To set the compass variance:
- Using the Variance Settings map, find your geographic location and note the zone number. See Fig 1 .
- Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If the compass/temperature data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the C/T push button to reach the compass/temperature display.
- Depress the Reset push button and hold the button down until "VARIANCE = XX" appears in the display. This takes about 5 seconds.
- Release the Reset push button. "VARIANCE =XX " will remain in the display. "XX" equals the current variance zone setting.
- Momentarily depress and release the Step push button to step through the zone numbers, until the zone number for your geographic location appears in the display.
- Momentarily depress and release the Reset push button to enter the displayed zone number into the EVIC module memory.
- Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.