Compass Calibration

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Depress and hold down both the MODE and E/M buttons while the DIC is in the Compass/Temperature mode. Ignore the variation zone which shows up after 5 seconds and continue holding the buttons. After ten seconds the DIC will acknowledge that calibration is requested by illuminating the C indicator on the compass display if it's not already lit. To calibrate the compass, drive the vehicle through two circles less than 5 mph in a magnetically clean area. The C indicator will disappear and the DIC will display the proper vehicle display.

Fig 1: Compass Magnetic Variation Adjustment Mode Display

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Compass variation is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some areas of the country the difference is great enough to cause the compass to give a false reading. If this occurs, the compass variance must be set. View the Variance Zone Display to determine the correct zone. The zones are numbered 1 through 15. Depress and hold both the MODE and the E/M buttons simultaneously while the DIC is in the Compass/Temperature mode. After 5 seconds, the DIC will display the current variation setting. Release the buttons and adjust to the correct variation number using the E/M button. Consult the map for variation zone numbers. When the desired variation is reached press the MODE button to accept.

You cannot reset the Compass/Temperature mode. This mode is retained during ignition OFF.