STANDARD PROCEDURE
COMPASS CALIBRATION
CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of the compass. Do not place any electronic devices (cell phones, laptop computers, PDAs, portable DVD players, etc), on or near the instrument panel as the Remote Compass Module (RCM) performance may be effected. Do not use magnetic tools when servicing the RCM.
NOTE: Calibration is required anytime a new RCM is installed. Upon installation of the new RCM the “CAL” message will appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display. The RCM will automatically calibrate if the vehicle is driven in two or more circles, slowly, and away from large metal objects. The RCM can also 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 Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays “CAL”, perform the following calibration procedure. Also, any time a new RCM is installed, it must be calibrated using this procedure.
Calibrate the compass manually 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. Continue to depress and release the STEP button (33) until the “Personal Settings” menu is displayed.
3. Once in the “Personal Settings” menu depress and release the STEP button (33) several times until “Calibrate Compass (Yes)” is displayed.
4. A long (longer than two seconds) STEP button press will place the compass in calibration mode. The “Cal” indicator will change from flashing to on continuously in the EVIC display (32) to indicate that the compass is now in the calibration mode and that the vehicle can now be driven to calibrate. (A short STEP button press from the "Calibrate Compass (Yes)" screen will exit the EVIC Customer Programmable features, and return it to its normal operating mode).
5. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle in one or more complete 360 degree 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 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, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/MESSAGE CENTER/ELECT VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS DEMAGNETIZING).
NOTE: If the compass display indicates dashes "– –" the RCM may be inoperative or the vehicle may need to be demagnetized. Perform the Compass Demagnetizing Procedure prior to performing any system diagnosis, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/MESSAGE CENTER/ELECT VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS DEMAGNETIZING).
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.
COMPASS DEMAGNETIZING
A degaussing tool (Special Tool 6029) is used to demagnetize, or degauss, the roof panel above the overhead console. Equivalent units must be rated as continuous duty for 110/115 volts and 60 Hz. They must also have a field strength of over 350 gauss at 7 millimeters (0.25 inch) beyond the tip of the probe.
To demagnetize the roof panel proceed as follows:
1. Be certain that the ignition switch is in the Off position, before you begin the demagnetizing procedure.
2. Place a piece of paper approximately 22 by 28 centimeters (8.5 by 11 inches), oriented on the vehicle lengthwise from front to rear, on the center line of the roof at the windshield header. The purpose of the paper is to protect the roof panel from scratches, and to define the area to be demagnetized.
3. Connect the degaussing tool to an electrical outlet, while keeping the tool at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) away from the compass unit.
4. Slowly approach the center line of the roof panel at the windshield header, with the degaussing tool connected.
5. Contact the roof panel with the plastic coated tip of the degaussing tool. Be sure that the template is in place to avoid scratching the roof panel. Using a slow, back-and-forth sweeping motion, and allowing 13 millimeters (0.50 inch) between passes, move the tool at least 11 centimeters (4 inches) to each side of the roof center line, and 28 centimeters (11 inches) back from the windshield header.
6. With the degaussing tool still energized, slowly back it away from the roof panel. When the tip of the tool is at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) from the roof panel, disconnect the tool.
7. Calibrate the compass, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/MESSAGE CENTER/ELECT VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS CALIBRATION) and adjust the compass variance, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/MESSAGE CENTER/ELECT VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS VARIATION ADJUSTMENT).
COMPASS VARIANCE ADJUSTMENT
Compass variance, also known as magnetic declination, is the difference in angle between magnetic north and geographic north. In some geographic locations, the difference between magnetic and geographic north is great enough to cause the compass to give inaccurate readings. To optimize compass accuracy, the compass variance should be properly set according to the compass variance map zone for the region that the vehicle is in.
To set the compass variance:
1. Using the Variance Settings map, find your geographic location and note the zone number.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
3. Continue to depress and release the STEP button (33) until the “Personal Settings” menu is displayed in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) display (32).
4. Once in the “Personal Settings” menu depress and release the STEP button (33) several times until “Compass Variance” is displayed. The “Compass Variance” message and the current variance zone number will be displayed. The default variance zone is 8.
NOTE: During programming, the Zone value will wrap around from Zone 15 to Zone 1.
5. To change the zone, press and hold (longer than two seconds) the STEP button to increment the variance one step. Repeat as necessary, with individual long (longer than two seconds) STEP button presses for each increment, until the desired variance is achieved.
6. To exit the Variance Programming, press the STEP button with a short (less than one second) button press.
7. Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.