Manual Compass Calibration

MANUAL COMPASS CALIBRATION

CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of the compass located in the overhead console. Do not place any electronic devices (cell phones, laptop computers, PDAs, portable DVD players, etc), on or near the instrument panel as the Remote Compass Module (RCM) performance may be effected. Do not use magnetic tools when servicing the RCM.

NOTE: Confirmation that the proper variance zone is programmed, is recommended whenever manual compass calibration is performed. Service and Repair for the appropriate procedure.





The electronic compass unit features a self-calibrating design, which simplifies the calibration procedure. This feature automatically updates the compass calibration while the vehicle is being driven. This allows the compass unit to compensate for small changes in the residual magnetism that the vehicle may acquire during normal use. If the compass readings appear to be erratic or the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays "CAL", perform the following manual calibration procedure. Also, any time EVIC service replacement components are installed, they must be calibrated using this procedure. Do not attempt to calibrate the compass near large metal objects such as other vehicles, large buildings, or bridges; or, near overhead or underground power lines.

Calibrate the compass manually as follows:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position. Press and release the MENU push button (1) until "Personal Settings" is displayed.
2. Press the STEP push button (4) until "Calibrate Compass" is displayed.
3. Momentarily depress and release the RESET push button (3) to initiate the calibration procedure. The "CAL" symbol will come on solid in the EVIC display.
4. Slowly drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from large metal objects and power lines, through one or two complete circles not exceeding 8 km/h (5 mph). The "CAL" message will disappear from the display to indicate successful compass calibration.

NOTE: A blank compass display indicates that vehicle degaussing (demagnetizing) may be necessary.

NOTE: If the "CAL" message remains in the display, either there is excessive magnetism near the compass, or the EVIC is inoperative. Attempt the calibration procedure at least one more time before performing EVIC diagnosis.

NOTE: If the wrong direction is still indicated in the compass display, the area selected for calibration may be too close to a strong magnetic field. Repeat the manual calibration procedure in another location.