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Compass Variance Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Identifying Compass Zone Variance Map
GC0102609Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Compass variance, also known as magnetic declination, is the difference in angle between magnetic north and geographic north. In some geographic locations, the difference between magnetic and geographic north is great enough to cause the compass to give inaccurate readings. To optimize compass accuracy, the compass variance should be properly set according to the compass variance map zone for the region that the vehicle is in.

To set the compass variance:

  1. Using the Variance Settings map, find your geographic location and note the zone number.
    Fig 2: Identifying Features Of Electronic Vehicle Information Center
    GC0102608Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
  3. Continue to depress and release the STEP  button (28) until the "Personal Settings" menu is displayed.
  4. Once in the "Personal Settings" menu depress and release the STEP  button (28) several times until "Compass Variance" is displayed. The "Compass Variance" message and the current variance zone number will be displayed. The default variance zone is 8.
    NOTE: During programming, the Zone value will wrap around from Zone 15 to Zone 1.
  5. To change the zone, press and hold (longer than two seconds) the STEP  button to increment the variance one step. Repeat as necessary, with individual long (longer than two seconds) STEP  button presses for each increment, until the desired variance is achieved.
  6. To exit the Variance Programming, press the STEP  button with a short (less than one second) button press.
  7. Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.