Manual Compass Calibration
Do not place any external magnets, such as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of the overhead console. Do not use magnetic tools when servicing the overhead console.
Whenever the compass is calibrated manually, the variance number must also be checked. for the appropriate procedure. Refer to CENTER, ELECTRONIC VEHICLE INFORMATION, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
If the vehicle is equipped with either NAV(RA4) or NAV-Ready (RA3) radio units, the vehicle heading direction will be based on the GPS unit in the radio. Therefor the Compass Calibration and Variance Change sections from the customer settings get automatically disabled as they are not needed.
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 manual calibration procedure. Also, any time EVIC service replacement components are installed, they must be calibrated using this procedure. 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.
Calibrate the compass manually as follows:
- With the vehicle in park, start the engine and press the SCROLL
push buttons (3) until "Calibrate Compass" is displayed in the EVIC.
- Press the SELECT push button (1) to enter the calibration mode.
- Slowly drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from large metal objects and power lines, through three complete circles not exceeding 8 km/h (5 mph). The "CAL" message will disappear from the display to indicate that the compass is now calibrated.
A blank compass display indicates that vehicle degaussing (demagnetizing) may be necessary.
If the "CAL" message remains in the display, either there is excessive magnetism near the compass, or the EVIC is inoperative. Attempt the calibration procedure at least one more time before performing EVIC diagnosis.
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 manual calibration procedure in another location.