Manual Compass Calibration

MANUAL COMPASS CALIBRATION

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

NOTE: Manual calibration is required anytime a new RCM is installed. The RCM can be calibrated by performing the following procedure.

The electronic compass unit features a continuous self-calibrating feature. This feature automatically updates the compass calibration as the vehicle is 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 Compass Temperature Displays "CAL", perform the following calibration procedure. Also, any time a new RCM is installed, it must be manually calibrated using this procedure.

Manually calibrate the compass as follows:

NOTE: 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 but leave the vehicle in "PARK".

2. Depress the instrument cluster button for approximately 10 seconds until the current variance zone is displayed.

3. Once in the current variance zone is displayed depress the instrument cluster button for approximately 10 seconds until the "CAL" message is displayed solidly not blinking.

4. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle in one or more complete 360 degree circles under 8 km/h (5 mph) in an area free of large metal objects such as other vehicles, large buildings, or bridges; or, near overhead or underground power lines, until the "CAL" indicator turns off. The compass will now function normally.

NOTE: If the compass display indicates an inaccurate compass heading or the display is locked up, the RCM may be inoperative or the vehicle may need to be demagnetized. Perform the Compass Demagnetizing Procedure prior to performing any system diagnosis.

NOTE: If the "CAL" message remains in the display or if the compass heading is inaccurate following the calibration procedure and there are no internal compass faults, either there is excessive magnetism near the compass, or the unit is inoperative. Repeat the calibration procedure at least one more time prior to performing any system 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 calibration procedure in another location.