Pinpoint Tests AR: The Compass Is Inaccurate (Without Navigation)

Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test AR: The Compass Is Inaccurate (Without Navigation)

Normal Operation

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) receives the compass display message from the Body Control Module (BCM) over the High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN) communication bus. The BCM receives the compass display message from the auto-dimming interior mirror over the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication bus. The BCM is only a gateway for the compass information and does not control the compass display. The auto-dimming interior mirror receives voltage from the BCM fuse 32 (15A). The magnetic fields generated by the earth's 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 auto-dimming interior mirror to compensate for vehicle factors that influence the accuracy of the compass.

NOTE: Outside factors such as bridges, steel structures, tall buildings and power lines also affect compass accuracy.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Zone setting
- Calibration
- Auto-dimming interior mirror

PINPOINT TEST AR: THE COMPASS IS INACCURATE (WITHOUT NAVIGATION)

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AR1 CHECK THE AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR POSITION

- NOTE: When correctly positioned, the electrical connector is on the lower portion of the mirror.

- Check to make sure the auto-dimming mirror is correctly positioned (not upside down).
- Is the auto-dimming mirror correctly positioned?

Yes
GO to AR2.

No
REPOSITION the auto-dimming mirror with the electrical connector on the lower portion of the mirror. TEST the system for normal operation.

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AR2 CHECK THE COMPASS ACCURACY

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





- Does the compass display as indicated?

Yes
The compass is operating correctly at this time.

No
GO to AR3.

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AR3 CHECK THE COMPASS ZONE SETTING AND CALIBRATION

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

Yes
The compass is OK. The concern may have been cause by an incorrect zone setting or calibration concern.

No
INSTALL a new auto-dimming interior mirror. REFER to Rear View Mirrors Interior Rear View Mirror. REPEAT the self-test. CLEAR the DTCs.

SET the zone. REFER to Compass Zone Adjustment Compass Zone Adjustment. CALIBRATE the compass. REFER to Compass Calibration Compass Calibration. TEST the system for normal operation.

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