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.
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.
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.
NOTE: Confirmation that the proper variance zone is programmed, is recommended whenever manual compass calibration is performed.
EVIC EQUIPPED VEHICLES
Calibrate the compass manually as follows:
1. Start the engine but leave the vehicle in "PARK".
2. Press and release the MENU push button (6) until "Personal Settings" is displayed within the EVIC display.
3. Press the STEP push button (4) until " Calibrate Compass " is displayed.
4. 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 next to the compass direction that is displayed.
5. Slowly drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from large metal objects and power lines, through two or morecomplete circles not exceeding 8 km/h (5 mph). The "CAL" message will disappear from the display to indicate successful compass calibration.
6. Momentarily depress and release the C/T push button (5) to display the corrected compass heading.
7. Confirm that the correct direction is now indicated by the compass.
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.
NON EVIC VEHICLES
On vehicles equipped with a Compass Mini trip Computer (CMTC), the compass calibration can be performed by two separate means. The compass calibration can be initiated by depressing the odometer push button, located on the instrument cluster face just below, and to the right of the odometer or, by the CMTC switches located in the left spoke of the steering wheel, and following the procedure listed below.
Calibrate the compass manually as follows:
1. Start the engine but leave the vehicle in "PARK".
2. Depress the ODOMETER push button (28) or the RESET button (3) for approximately 10 seconds until the "VAR" menu is displayed in the CMTC display (33). The current variance value will also be displayed.
3. Once in the "VAR" menu depress the ODOMETER push button (28) or the RESET button (3) for approximately 10 seconds until the "CAL" message is displayed solidly not blinking.
NOTE: A blinking "CAL" text message within the CMTC display indicates the module has determined that it is no longer within calibration parameters and the calibration procedure must be performed.
4. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle in two or more complete circles under 5 mph (8 km/h) 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 dashes "- -" , 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, Compass Demagnetizing for the appropriate procedure.
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.