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 Remote Compass Module (RCM).

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 the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) displays “CAL”, perform the following calibration procedure. Also, any time a new RCM is installed, it must be calibrated using this procedure.

Calibrate the compass manually as follows:

NOTE: 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: If the compass display indicates an inaccurate compass heading or the display is locked up, the RCM may be inoperative or the vehicle may need to be demagnetized. Perform the Compass Demagnetizing Procedure prior to performing any system diagnosis, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE/ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS DEMAGNETIZING).

NOTE: If the compass display indicates dashes “– –” the RCM may be inoperative or the vehicle may need to be demagnetized. Perform the Compass Demagnetizing Procedure prior to performing any system diagnosis, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/OVERHEAD CONSOLE/ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFO CENTER - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS DEMAGNETIZING).

NOTE: If the “CAL” message remains in the display or if the compass heading is inaccurate following the calibration procedure and there are no internal compass faults, either there is excessive magnetism near the compass, or the unit is inoperative. Repeat the calibration procedure at least one more time prior to performing any system diagnosis.

NOTE: 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.