Console: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 PT Overhead Console:

OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The overhead console includes the Compass/Temperature read-out and two reading and courtesy lamps. This display provides the outside temperature and one of eight compass readings to indicate the direction the vehicle is facing. The outside temperature is monitored by the ambient temperature sensor mounted on the support brace in front of the A/C condenser, behind the front grille. The ambient temperature is hardwired directly to the overhead console. On vehicles equipped with a power sunroof option, the overhead console also houses the power sunroof switch between the two reading and courtesy lamps. The overhead console is snapped into place towards the front of the vehicle and indexes on the headliner. There is a STEP button for the compass/ temperature read-out located forward of the sunroof switch (if equipped), and between the map/reading/ courtesy lamps.

The overhead console is equipped with two individual reading and courtesy lamps. The lamp lenses are the only visible components of these lamps. The reading and courtesy lamp lenses are mounted near the rear of the overhead console housing. Each lamp has its own switch, bulb, reflector and lens; but both lamps share a common lamp housing within the overhead console. Each lamp is designed and aimed to provide illumination that will be directed only to that side of the vehicle on which the lamp is located.

The reading and courtesy lamp lenses and the lamp housing and reflector unit are serviced only as a unit with the overhead console housing. If either of the lamp lenses or the lamp housing is faulty or damaged, the overhead console housing unit must be replaced.

There is a STEP button to display the compass/temperature, and can be read in either F° or C°. When the vehicle is first turned ON, you may select to have the overhead console:
- Blank display
- Compass/Temperature displayed in Fahrenheit
- Compass/Temperature displayed in Celsius

To put the compass/temperature in the F° display, press the STEP button once. To put the compass/temperature in the C° display, press the STEP button twice. A third press of the STEP button will return it to the blank display.

The overhead console reading and courtesy lamps operate on battery current that is provided at all times, regardless of the ignition switch position. The ground feed for the lamps is switched through the integral reading and courtesy lamp switches or through the door jamb switches.

All reading and courtesy lamps located in the overhead console are activated by the doorjamb switches. When all of the doors are closed, these lamps can be individually activated by depressing the corresponding lens. When any door is open, depressing the lamp lenses to activate the lamp switches will not turn the lamps OFF.

Each light is turned ON by pressing the lens. Press the lens a second time to turn the light OFF. The lights also come ON when a door is opened or the dimmer switch is turned fully upward, past the second detent.

NOTE: The lights will remain ON until the switch is pressed a second time, so be sure they have been turned OFF before leaving the vehicle. They will not turn OFF automatically.

Automatic Compass Calibration
The self calibrating feature of the compass eliminates the need to calibrate the compass for normal conditions. After approximately 10 ignition cycles the CAL light will turn ON. The CAL symbol may also appear after the vehicle is subjected to a high level of magnetism. After completing three 360 turns in an area free from large metal or metallic objects, the CAL symbol will turn off and the compass will function normally.

Manual Compass Calibration
If the compass appears to be in the locked up position, you may calibrate the compass. Find an open area away from large metal objects. With the ignition OFF, press and hold the STEP button while turning ON the ignition. Release the STEP button and the CAL light will appear (about 10 - 15 seconds). Drive in 3 complete 360 circles. The CAL light will turn OFF and the compass will be calibrated.

Set Zone
Variance is the difference between magnetic North and geographic North. For proper compass function, the correct variance zone must be set. Refer to the variance map for the correct variance zone. To check the variance zone, the ignition switch must be ON and the compass/temperature displayed. Press and hold the STEP button for about 5 - 15 seconds until ZONE appears in the display, then release the button. The number displayed is the variance zone used by the compass. To change the zone, press the STEP button to scroll through numbers 1 through 15.

NOTE: When the correct variance is selected, the Compass/Temperature display will return to normal after approximately 15 seconds.

Outside Temperature
Because engine temperature can increase the displayed temperature, causing the readings to be slowly updated.

If the display shows OC (-49 °F (-45 °C) or SC (140 °F (60 °C), there is an OPEN or SHORT CIRCUIT and system diagnosis and repair is required.