Pinpoint Tests AC: The Compass Is Inaccurate

Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test AC: The Compass Is Inaccurate

Normal Operation

The compass sensor module (early build) or the auto-dimming mirror (late build) communicates the vehicle direction to the Instrument Cluster (IC) through the compass communication data plus and compass communication data minus circuits. The magnetic fields generated by the earths north and south poles are divided into zones that differ from each other with respect to how the magnetic fields appear. The magnetic north can change by up to 4 degrees between zones and become noticeable across multiple zones. The compass zone must be set to the correct zone for the compass to read accurately. Factors within the vehicle may affect the ability of the compass module to accurately read the magnetic north. Calibrating the compass allows the compass module to compensate for vehicle factors that influence the accuracy of the compass.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Calibration
- Zone setting
- Compass sensor module (early build)
- Auto-dimming mirror (late build)



PINPOINT TEST AC: THE COMPASS IS INACCURATE

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AC1 CHECK THE COMPASS ACCURACY


- Position the vehicle and observe the compass display as follows:





- Does the compass display as indicated?

Yes
The compass is OK.

No
GO to AC2.

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AC2 CHECK THE COMPASS ZONE SETTING AND CALIBRATION


- Set the zone. Refer to Compass Zone Adjustment Compass Zone Adjustment.
- Calibrate the compass. Refer to Compass Zone Adjustment Compass Zone Adjustment.
- Does the compass calibrate correctly?

Yes
The compass is OK. The concern may have been caused by an incorrect zone setting or the compass was out of calibration.

No
On early build vehicles, INSTALL a new compass sensor module.

On late build vehicles, INSTALL a new auto-dimming mirror.

SET the zone. REFER to Compass Zone Adjustment Compass Zone Adjustment. CALIBRATE the compass. REFER to Compass Calibration Compass Calibration. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.

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