Manual Compass Calibration

MANUAL 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, PDA's, 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.

NOTE: Confirmation that the proper variance zone is programmed, is recommended whenever manual compass calibration is performed. Compass Variance Adjustment for the appropriate 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 EVIC displays "CAL", perform the following calibration procedure. Also, any time EVIC service replacement components are installed, they 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. Press and release the STEP button (31) until the "Personal Settings" menu is displayed.
3. Once in the "Personal Settings" menu, depress and release the STEP button (31) 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. The "CAL" symbol will disappear from the display to indicate successful compass calibration.

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.