STANDARD PROCEDURE
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 at the top center of the instrument panel. Do not place any electronic devices (cell phones, laptop computers, PDAs, portable DVD players, etc), on or near the instrument panel 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 Mini Trip Computer (CMTC) 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 STEP button (35) for approximately 10 seconds until the “VAR” menu is displayed. The current variance value will also be displayed.
3. Once in the “VAR” menu depress the STEP button (35) 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 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/COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
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/COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - STANDARD 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.
COMPASS DEMAGNETIZING
A degaussing tool (Special Tool 6029) is used to demagnetize, or degauss, the overhead console forward mounting screw and 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 instrument panel, proceed as follows:
1. Be certain that the ignition switch is in the OFF position, before you begin the demagnetizing procedure.
2. Connect the degaussing tool to an electrical outlet, while keeping the tool at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) away from the Remote Compass Module (RCM).
3. Slowly approach the instrument panel top cover with the degaussing tool connected.
4. Contact the instrument panel top cover with the plastic coated tip of the degaussing tool. Using a slow, back-and-forth sweeping motion, and allowing 13 millimeters (0.50 inch) between passes, move the tool side to side over the area the RCM is located.
5. With the degaussing tool still energized, slowly back it away from the instrument panel top cover. When the tip of the tool is at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) from the instrument panel top cover, disconnect the tool.
6. Calibrate the compass, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/MESSAGE CENTER/COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - MANUAL COMPASS CALIBRATION) and adjust the compass variance, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/MESSAGE CENTER/COMPASS/MINI-TRIP COMPUTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS VARIANCE ADJUSTMENT).
COMPASS VARIANCE ADJUSTMENT
| Variance Settings |
NOTE: If the vehicle is taken on long trips into a new variance zone the compass function may be effected. Compass variance may need to be adjusted to the new zone number to function properly.
NOTE: The default for the compass variance from the factory is 8.
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. Depress the STEP button (35) for approximately 10 seconds until the “VAR” menu is displayed in the Compass Mini Trip Computer (CMTC) display (32). The current variance value will also be displayed. The default variance zone is 8.
NOTE: During programming, the Zone value will wrap around from Zone 15 to Zone 1.
NOTE: The US/Metric display will change from English to Metric or Metric to English before the “VAR” symbol appears, however, it will return back to the original US/Metric setting after programming the compass variance.
4. To change the zone, press and hold (longer than two seconds) the STEP button (35) 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. When the correct zone is displayed, wait approximately 15 seconds. The CMTC will store the new variance value in memory and the compass will resume normal operation.
5. Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.