Manual Compass Calibration

CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when servicing the overhead console.


Compass Calibration
This is a Fast Auto-Cal compass that manually enters the calibration mode when the US/M and Step buttons are pressed for more than 6 seconds in the Compass/Temperature screen. The 'CAL' will illuminate to indicate the compass is in calibration mode. Drive the vehicle around in all four compass directions, such as driving around a street block several times or driving in 2-3 circles with a slow to medium speed. When the calibration process is completed, the 'CAL' will go OFF and the compass will function normally. The calibration should take place in an area that is leveled and minimum of 50 feet away from metal objects, power lines, buildings and large steel structures.


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 out of calibration, perform the following calibration procedure. Also, new service replacement compass mini-trip computer modules must have their compass 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.

1. Start the engine. If the compass/temperature data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step push button to step through the display options until you have reached the compass/temperature display.
2. Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step push buttons at the same time for more than six seconds, until "CAL" appears in the display, then release both push buttons. The "CAL" in the display indicates that the compass is in the calibration mode.
3. Drive the vehicle on a level surface, at least fifty feet away from large metal objects and power lines, in all four compass directions, such as driving around a city block several times or driving in two to three complete circles at a slow to medium speed.
4. When the calibration is successfully completed, "CAL" will disappear from the display and normal compass mini-trip computer operation will resume.

NOTE: If the "CAL" message remains in the display, either there is excessive magnetism near the compass, or the unit is faulty. Repeat the calibration procedure at least one more time.
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 calibration procedure in another location.