Pinpoint Tests AN: The Compass Is Inaccurate

Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes

Pinpoint Tests

Pinpoint Test AN: The Compass Is Inaccurate

Normal Operation

The auto-dimming interior mirror communicates the vehicle direction to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) through the compass communication data plus circuit and compass communication data minus circuit. The magnetic fields generated by the earth's north and south poles are divided into zones that differ from each other with respect to how the magnetic fields appear. The magnetic north can change by up to 4 degrees between zones and become noticeable across multiple zones. The compass zone must be set to the correct zone for the compass to read accurately. Factors within the vehicle may affect the ability of the compass module to accurately read the magnetic north. Calibrating the compass allows the auto-dimming interior mirror to compensate for vehicle factors that influence the accuracy of the compass.

- DTC U0462:68 (Invalid Data Received from Compass Module) - sets in continuous memory in the IPC if the IPC receives invalid data from the compass module (located in the auto-dimming interior mirror). If the IPC receives invalid data from the compass module, the compass may display erratically.

NOTE: Outside factors such as bridges, steel structures, tall buildings and power lines also affect compass accuracy.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

- Zone setting
- Calibration
- Auto-dimming interior mirror


PINPOINT TEST AN: THE COMPASS IS INACCURATE

-------------------------------------------------
AN1 RETRIEVE THE RECORDED DTCs FROM THE IPC SELF-TEST


- Check for IPC DTCs from the self-test.
- Is DTC B0462:68 recorded?

Yes
INSTALL a new auto-dimming interior mirror. REFER to Rear View Mirrors Interior Rear View Mirror. REPEAT the self-test. CLEAR the DTCs.

No
GO to AN2.

-------------------------------------------------
AN2 CHECK THE COMPASS ACCURACY


- Position the vehicle and observe the compass display as follows:





- Does the compass display as indicated?

Yes
The compass is operating correctly at this time.

No
GO to AN3.

-------------------------------------------------
AN3 CHECK THE COMPASS ZONE SETTING AND CALIBRATION


- Set the zone. Refer to Compass Zone Adjustment Compass Zone Adjustment.
- Calibrate the compass. Refer to Compass Calibration Compass Calibration.
- Does the compass calibrate correctly?

Yes
The compass is OK. The concern may have been caused by an incorrect zone setting or calibration concern.

No
INSTALL a new auto-dimming interior mirror. REFER to Rear View Mirrors Interior Rear View Mirror. REPEAT the self-test. CLEAR the DTCs.

SET the zone. REFER to Compass Zone Adjustment Compass Zone Adjustment. CALIBRATE the compass. REFER to Compass Calibration Compass Calibration. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.

-------------------------------------------------