Manual Compass Calibration

COMPASS CALIBRATION

CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when servicing the overhead console.

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 out of calibration, perform the following calibration procedure. Also, new service replacement Electronic Modules (EVIC, CMTC) must have their compass calibrated using this procedure. 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.

NOTE: Whenever the compass is calibrated manually, the variance number must also be reset. Refer to Compass Variation Adjustment.

The compass module has 2 types of auto-calibration; slow-cal and fast-cal. Slow-cal ensures that during normal vehicle operation the compass performs auto-calibration functions to keep the compass sensors in their proper operating range. Whenever the ignition is ON and the CMTC/EVIC receives PCI bus data indicating that engine RPM is greater than zero, auto-calibration is performed continuously.

If the calibration information stored in the compass module memory is not within the normal range after a power-up cycle, the compass will display CAL. The CMTC/EVIC will enter into the fast-cal mode until calibration is complete.

Calibrate the compass manually as follows:
1. Drive the vehicle to an area that has a level surface, away from any large metal objects or overhead power lines.
2. Ensure that the proper variance zone is selected. See "Setting Magnetic Zone Variance".
3. 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.
4. 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 "CAL" appears in the display, then release the push button(s). This takes about 10 seconds, and appears about 5 seconds after "VAR = XX" is displayed.
5. Drive the vehicle through three or more complete turns at between 5 and 8 km/h (3 - 5 mph) in not less than 48 seconds. The "CAL" message will disappear from the display to indicate that the compass is now calibrated.

NOTE:
- If the "CAL" message remains in the display, either there is excessive magnetism near the compass, or the unit is faulty. Repeat the calibration procedure one more time.
- 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.