Compass Variation Adjustment

Compass variance, also known as magnetic declination, is the difference in angle between magnetic north and true geographic north. In some geographic locations, the difference between magnetic and geographic north is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the compass variance setting may need to be changed.

To set the compass variance:

Fig. 2 Variance Settings:

1. Using the Variance Settings map, find your geographic location and note the zone number (Fig.2).
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. If the compass/thermometer data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the C/T push button to reach the compass/thermometer display.
3. On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles depress the Reset push button and hold the button down until "VAR = XX" appears in the display. This takes about five seconds.
4. Release the push button(s). "VAR =XX " will remain in the display. "XX" equals the current variance zone setting.
5. On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles momentarily depress and release the Step push button to step through the zone numbers, until the zone number for your geographic location appears in the display.
6. On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles momentarily depress and release the Reset push button to enter the displayed zone number into the EVIC/CMTC module memory.
7. Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.