MODULE, Compass

DESCRIPTION

The Remote Compass Module (RCM) features two driver-interactive displays. The display located in the lower left part of the instrument cluster (34) at the bottom of the speedometer (5) displays the compass/temperature and trip computer functions. The display located in the lower right part of the instrument cluster (25) at the bottom of the tachometer (16) displays the odometer related functions. This system conveniently allows the driver to select a variety of useful information by depressing the switch buttons of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) switch pod located on the left horizontal spoke of the steering wheel or the odometer and trip odometer select and reset button (24) on the right side of the instrument cluster. Once a resettable feature is displayed, pressing and holding the appropriate reset button will reset the resettable feature. Reset will only occur if a resettable function is currently being displayed. The RCM displays information related to the following:

• Compass display
• Outside temperature display
• Trip computer functions

The RCM system is comprised of several different components. Those components are:

• Instrument Cluster (also known as the Cab Compartment Node/CCN)
• Odometer and trip odometer select and reset button
• EVIC switch module
• Ambient Temperature Sensor
• Remote Compass Module (RCM)
• Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus
• Local Interface Network (LIN) data bus

The RCM display as well as the odometer and trip odometer select and reset button are part of the instrument cluster assembly and cannot be serviced as separate components. If the display or button are damaged or ineffective, the complete instrument cluster assembly must be replaced. (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8J - Instrument Cluster - Removal) .

OPERATION

The Remote Compass Module (RCM) uses both non-switched and ignition switched sources of battery current so that some of its features remain operational at any time, while others may only operate with the ignition switch in the ON position. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the RCM display (34) will return to the last function being displayed before the ignition was turned to the OFF position.

The RCM system includes several different components that communicate over the Controller Area Network (CAN) and Local Interface Network (LIN) data buses. If the RCM system is ineffective, a diagnostic scan tool and the appropriate diagnostic information must be used to diagnose the system and the related data buses.

The push buttons of the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) switch pod in the left horizontal spoke of the steering wheel are used to navigate through the different functions of the RCM system. Pressing and releasing the STEP button will scroll through the following RCM displays:

• Compass/Temperature
• Average Fuel Economy (AVG ECO)
• Distance To Empty (DTE)
• Elapsed Time (ET)

Once a resettable function or feature is displayed, pressing and holding the RESET button will reset that resettable function or feature. A reset will only occur if a resettable function or feature is currently being displayed.

The instrument cluster button (24) is the odometer and trip odometer select and reset button, which is used to navigate through the different functions and features of the odometer system. Pressing and releasing this button will scroll through the following displays:

• Odometer (ODO)
• Trip Odometer A (TRIP A)
• Trip Odometer B (TRIP B)
• Fuel saver indicator, Economizer (ECO) display (if equipped)

Once a resettable function or feature is displayed, pressing and holding the odometer and trip odometer reset and select push button will reset that resettable feature or function. Reset will only occur if a resettable function or feature is currently being displayed.

RCM DISPLAY MODES

SYSTEM STATUS MODE

The system status display mode overrides other RCM display modes to display warnings and user interaction messages on the RCM display. The driver can scroll to view multiple messages by using the EVIC STEP button.

When the appropriate conditions exist, the RCM displays the following messages:

• Door(s) Ajar
• Swing Gate Ajar
• Loose Fuel Cap
• No Ignition Off Draw (IOD) Fuse
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Off

Each of these messages can be manually acknowledged and turned OFF as they occur by correcting the condition or by pressing either of the EVIC buttons.

COMPASS/TEMPERATURE MODE

Compass heading and outside temperature are displayed on the RCM display screen. One of eight compass headings to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing (N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, SW) and one of 15 compass variance (VAR) settings can be displayed. Outside temperature is displayed in °C (degrees Celsius) or °F (degrees Fahrenheit).

AVERAGE FUEL ECONOMY MODE

The average fuel economy (AVG ECO) since the last reset is displayed. When the fuel economy is reset, the display will read RESET or show dashes for two seconds as the history information is being erased. Then the display will show the current (instantaneous) fuel economy and start calculating the new average fuel economy from the point of the most recent reset.

DISTANCE TO EMPTY

Distance to empty (DTE) shows the estimated distance that can be travelled with the fuel remaining in the tank. This estimated distance is determined by a weighted average of the instantaneous and average fuel economy, according to the current fuel tank level. This is not a resettable feature or function.

ELAPSED TIME

Elapsed time (ET) shows the total elapsed time with the ignition switch in the ON position since the most recent reset of this feature.

ODOMETER

Shows the total distance traveled. Press and release the odometer and trip odometer select and reset button on the right side of the instrument cluster to switch from the total odometer to the trip odometer A (TRIP A) or trip odometer B (TRIP B) function. Pressing and holding the select and reset button while either trip odometer is displayed will reset that trip odometer to zero.

TRIP A

Shows the distance traveled for trip odometer A since the last trip odometer A reset. Press and hold the select and reset button while TRIP A is displayed to reset this trip odometer to zero.

TRIP B

Shows the distance traveled for trip odometer B since the last trip odometer B reset. Press and hold the select and reset button while TRIP B is displayed to reset this trip odometer to zero.

FUEL SAVER INDICATOR

If the vehicle is so equipped, the ECO / ECO-on message will display in the odometer display. The message will appear whenever the vehicle is driven in a fuel efficient manner.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REMOTE COMPASS MODULE

The Remote Compass Module (RCM) data is obtained from several components on the Controller Area Network (CAN) and Local Interface Network (LIN) Data Bus circuits. The RCM will not function properly if the bus messages from any of these components is not received. If no RCM data is displayed or the display indicates dashes "– –", check the CAN Data Bus circuit communications, the Instrument Cluster functions, the Remote Compass Module (RCM) and the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). Should the RCM become disconnected, the instrument cluster display will go blank.

The use of a scan tool and the proper diagnostic procedures information are recommended for further testing of the RCM, the CAN Data Bus and Local Interface Network (LIN) Data Bus circuits. Refer to the appropriate wiring information for complete circuit schematic or connector pin-out information.

MANUAL COMPASS CALIBRATION

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 CAL (calibrate) indicator is displayed, perform the appropriate manual calibration procedure. Also, any time a new RCM is installed, it must be manually calibrated using the appropriate procedure.

EXCEPT WITH ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER

In vehicles not equipped with the optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), there are two methods for initiating compass calibration. The compass calibration can be initiated by depressing the odometer/trip odometer push button (24) located on the instrument cluster face just below, and to the right of the odometer; or, by using the RESET push button (3) in the EVIC switch pod (also known as the odometer switch pod) located in the left horizontal spoke of the steering wheel.

Manually calibrate the compass as follows:

1. Start the engine but leave the manual transmission in the Neutral (N) position or the automatic transmission in the Park (P) position.

 
2. Depress and hold the odometer/trip odometer push button or the RESET push button for approximately 10 seconds, until the current variance (VAR) zone number is displayed.

 
3. Release the odometer/trip odometer push button or the RESET push button, then depress and hold it again for approximately 10 seconds, until the direction is displayed, with the CAL symbol on solid (not blinking) in the display.
   
   

   NOTE:

   A blinking CAL symbol within the display indicates the RCM 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 one or more complete 360 degree circles, under 8 km/h (5 mph) in an area free from overhead or underground power lines and large metal objects such as other vehicles, large buildings or bridges. The CAL symbol will disappear from the display to indicate successful compass calibration.

 
5. Confirm that the correct direction is now indicated by the compass.

 

WITH ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER

Manually calibrate the compass as follows:

1. Start the engine but leave the manual transmission in the Neutral (N) position or the automatic transmission in the Park (P) position.

 
2. Depress and release the MENU push button (6), until the Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features) menu appears in the display.

 
3. Depress and release the Step / Down Scroll push button (4), until Calibrate Compass appears in the display.

 
4. Depress and release the Select / Reset push button (3) to start the calibration. The CAL symbol should appear solid (not blinking) in the display.
   
   

   NOTE:

   A blinking CAL symbol within the display indicates the RCM has determined that it is no longer within calibration parameters and the calibration procedure must be performed.


 
5. To complete the compass calibration, drive the vehicle in one or more complete 360 degree circles, under 8 km/h (5 mph) in an area free from overhead or underground power lines and large metal objects such as other vehicles, large buildings or bridges. The CAL symbol will disappear from the display to indicate successful compass calibration.

 
6. Confirm that the correct direction is now indicated by the compass.

 

COMPASS VARIANCE ADJUSTMENT

Variance Settings Map

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 where the vehicle is being operated.

If the Remote Compass Module (RCM) is being replaced with a new unit, if compass readings appear to be inaccurate or if a manual compass calibration is being performed, check and adjust the variance zone setting using the appropriate procedure.

EXCEPT WITH ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER

In vehicles not equipped with the optional Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), there are two methods for checking and adjusting the variance zone setting. The variance zone can be displayed by depressing the odometer/trip odometer push button (24) located on the instrument cluster face just below and to the right of the odometer; or, by using the RESET push button (3) in the EVIC switch pod (also known as the odometer switch pod) located in the left horizontal spoke of the steering wheel. Once the current zone is displayed, it can be adjusted using either the odometer/trip odometer push button on the instrument cluster, or by using the STEP push button (4) in the EVIC switch pod.

To view or adjust the compass variance zone setting:

1. Using the Variance Settings Map, find your geographic location and note the zone number.

 
2. Start the engine but leave the manual transmission in the Neutral (N) position or the automatic transmission in the Park (P) position.

 
3. Depress and hold the odometer/trip odometer push button or the RESET push button for approximately 10 seconds, until the current variance (VAR) zone number is displayed. Then release the push button.
   
   

   NOTE:

   The default variance zone number setting is 8. During programming, the variance zone number will wrap around, from zone 15 back to zone 1.


 
4. To change the zone, press and release the odometer/trip odometer push button or the STEP push button to increase the variance zone number upward incrementally. Repeat pressing and releasing the appropriate push button as necessary, until the desired variance zone number is reached.

 
5. After about 10 seconds, the new variance zone number is stored in memory and the compass will resume normal operation.

 
6. Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.

 

WITH ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION CENTER

To view or adjust the compass variance zone setting:

1. Using the Variance Settings Map, find your geographic location and note the zone number.

 
2. Start the engine but leave the manual transmission in the Neutral (N) position or the automatic transmission in the Park (P) position.

 
3. Depress and hold the MENU push button (6), until the Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features) menu appears in the display.

 
4. Depress and release the Step / Down Scroll push button (4), until Compass Variance along with the current variance (VAR) zone number appears in the display.
   
   

   NOTE:

   The default variance zone number setting is 8. During programming, the variance zone number will wrap around, from zone 15 back to zone 1.


 
5. Depress and release the Select / Reset push button (3) to increase the variance zone number upward incrementally. Repeat pressing and releasing the push button as necessary, until the desired variance zone number is reached.

 
6. After about 10 seconds, the new variance zone number is stored in memory and the compass will resume normal operation.

 
7. Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.

 

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.

 
2. Remove the passenger side airbag, (Refer to 10 - Restraints/AIR BAG, Passenger - Removal) .

 
3. Release the clips (3) securing the Remote Compass Module (RCM) (2) to the upper instrument panel cover.

 
4. Disconnect the RCM electrical connector (1) and remove the RCM from the vehicle.
   

 

INSTALLATION

1. Position the Remote Compass Module (RCM) (2) onto the upper instrument panel cover.

 
2. Reconnect the RCM electrical connector (1).

 
3. Reinstall the RCM engaging the clips (3) that secure the module to the upper instrument panel cover.

 
4. Reinstall the passenger airbag into the instrument panel. (Refer to 10 - Restraints/AIR BAG, Passenger - Installation) .

 
5. Reconnect the battery negative cable.