Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The inside rearview mirror (ISRVM) uses 2 magnetic field sensors for compass direction. One sensor is for north and south, the other is for east and west. The ISRVM supplies a signal and low reference to each sensor. As the vehicle travels with or against the earths magnetic pull, there will be a change in voltage on one or both sensors. As a result of the change in voltage, the ISRVM changes the heading on the compass display. The internal fault detection for the compass is handled by the ISRVM.