Compass Malfunction

Compass Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

The compass module communicates with the body control module (BCM) through a bi-directional data circuit. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) receives compass information from the BCM via the serial data circuit. The IPC displays compass information in the driver information center (DIC).


Diagnostic Aids

* Check for aftermarket equipment installed or personal items that could create a magnetic field that could affect the performance of the compass.
* Cycle the ignition before performing the compass magnetic variation adjustment procedure.
* Check that the compass module is properly installed in the vehicle. The embossed arrow on the top of the module should be parallel with the centerline of the vehicle.



Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Driver Information Center (DIC) Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information


Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, compass ON, verify that there is a correct compass reading on the DIC.

If the compass is incorrect, refer to Compass Display Is Incorrect.


If the compass shows CAL or C, refer to Compass Displays CAL.


If the compass displays "- -" (dashes), refer to Compass Display Is Blank.



Circuit/System Testing


Compass Display Is Incorrect
1. Adjust or change the compass zone using the world magnetic variation map. Refer to Compass Calibration and Magnetic Variance (Description and Operation)

• If the compass is still incorrect, perform the compass magnetic variation zone adjustment procedure. Refer to Compass Calibration and Magnetic Variance (Description and Operation) .

2. If the compass is still incorrect, replace the compass module.



Compass Displays CAL
1. Perform the compass calibration procedure. Refer to Compass Calibration and Magnetic Variance (Description and Operation)
2. If the compass still displays CAL or C, replace the compass module.



Compass Display Is Blank
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the compass module.
2. Test for less than 1.0 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the voltage circuit terminal 1 and ground.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, repair the circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

4. Ignition OFF, test for greater than 1.0 ohm between the compass signal circuit terminal 3 and ground.

• If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground.

5. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the compass signal circuit terminal 3 and ground

• If the test lamp illuminates, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage.

6. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector X4 at the BCM.
7. Test for less than 1.0 ohm between the compass signal circuit terminal 3 to the BCM terminal 6

• If greater than the specified range, repair the signal circuit for an open/high resistance.

8. If all circuits test normal, replace the compass module.



Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.


Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for compass module replacement, setup, and programming