Compass is stuck on East
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Compass is stuck on East
Woke up this morning with my compass stuck on East. Anyone else having a similar problem? I thought maybe the weather was causing it to be stuck...it was 38 degrees this morning in sunny socal....definitely not too cold. Stopping by the dealer this morning to see what's up.
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 0
From: Lawton, OK
Did you recently either take the dash cover off (right above the radio unit) or have a Daystar Dash Organizer installed? Or maybe even place a phone or other electronic item close to the dash? The compass module is mounted right under the dash panel and putting anything that causes an electromagnetic field close by will cause the compass to do that.
Here's a section from the 2007 JK Owners Manual that another member on here had posted. You can try these steps to see if it helps:
Manual Compass Calibration
NOTE: Before attempting a manual compass calibration, the engine must be running and the transmission in the P (Park) position (if equipped).
Compass calibration can also be requested. To manually calibrate the compass, you must first enter the variance mode. Press the and hold the left button (located on the instrument cluster) for approximately 10 seconds to enter the variance mode, and release the button when the VAR symbol appears. The current variance value will also be displayed. Once in the variance mode, it is necessary to release the button, and then press and hold it again (approximately 10 seconds) until CAL is displayed (solid not blinking). Manual compass calibration has been initiated.
Drive the vehicle slowly in one or more circles under 5 mph (8 km/h) in an area free from large metal objects until the CAL symbol is extinguished. When the CAL symbol no longer is displayed, the compass is calibrated and should display correct headings. Verify proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East (E), andWest (W). If the compass does not appear accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.
Here's a section from the 2007 JK Owners Manual that another member on here had posted. You can try these steps to see if it helps:
Manual Compass Calibration
NOTE: Before attempting a manual compass calibration, the engine must be running and the transmission in the P (Park) position (if equipped).
Compass calibration can also be requested. To manually calibrate the compass, you must first enter the variance mode. Press the and hold the left button (located on the instrument cluster) for approximately 10 seconds to enter the variance mode, and release the button when the VAR symbol appears. The current variance value will also be displayed. Once in the variance mode, it is necessary to release the button, and then press and hold it again (approximately 10 seconds) until CAL is displayed (solid not blinking). Manual compass calibration has been initiated.
Drive the vehicle slowly in one or more circles under 5 mph (8 km/h) in an area free from large metal objects until the CAL symbol is extinguished. When the CAL symbol no longer is displayed, the compass is calibrated and should display correct headings. Verify proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East (E), andWest (W). If the compass does not appear accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.
Last edited by interceptor_1972; Feb 28, 2011 at 07:50 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Originally Posted by interceptor_1972
Did you recently either take the dash cover off (right above the radio unit) or have a Daystar Dash Organizer installed? Or maybe even place a phone or other electronic item close to the dash? The compass module is mounted right under the dash panel and putting anything that causes an electromagnetic field close by will cause the compass to do that.
Here's a section from the 2007 JK Owners Manual that another member on here had posted. You can try these steps to see if it helps:
Manual Compass Calibration
NOTE: Before attempting a manual compass calibration, the engine must be running and the transmission in the P (Park) position (if equipped).
Compass calibration can also be requested. To manually calibrate the compass, you must first enter the variance mode. Press the and hold the left button (located on the instrument cluster) for approximately 10 seconds to enter the variance mode, and release the button when the VAR symbol appears. The current variance value will also be displayed. Once in the variance mode, it is necessary to release the button, and then press and hold it again (approximately 10 seconds) until CAL is displayed (solid not blinking). Manual compass calibration has been initiated.
Drive the vehicle slowly in one or more circles under 5 mph (8 km/h) in an area free from large metal objects until the CAL symbol is extinguished. When the CAL symbol no longer is displayed, the compass is calibrated and should display correct headings. Verify proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East (E), andWest (W). If the compass does not appear accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.
Here's a section from the 2007 JK Owners Manual that another member on here had posted. You can try these steps to see if it helps:
Manual Compass Calibration
NOTE: Before attempting a manual compass calibration, the engine must be running and the transmission in the P (Park) position (if equipped).
Compass calibration can also be requested. To manually calibrate the compass, you must first enter the variance mode. Press the and hold the left button (located on the instrument cluster) for approximately 10 seconds to enter the variance mode, and release the button when the VAR symbol appears. The current variance value will also be displayed. Once in the variance mode, it is necessary to release the button, and then press and hold it again (approximately 10 seconds) until CAL is displayed (solid not blinking). Manual compass calibration has been initiated.
Drive the vehicle slowly in one or more circles under 5 mph (8 km/h) in an area free from large metal objects until the CAL symbol is extinguished. When the CAL symbol no longer is displayed, the compass is calibrated and should display correct headings. Verify proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East (E), andWest (W). If the compass does not appear accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Just left dealer...they tried exactly what you said above and still doesn't work....the compass is now stuck at NW. Dealer diagnosed it as a faulty compass module....part not in stock....coming back wednesday :/...when I get home I think I might just try your fix just for $h!t and giggles. Thanks
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 0
From: Lawton, OK
Just left dealer...they tried exactly what you said above and still doesn't work....the compass is now stuck at NW. Dealer diagnosed it as a faulty compass module....part not in stock....coming back wednesday :/...when I get home I think I might just try your fix just for $h!t and giggles. Thanks
Worst case scenario, if it is faulty, they should replace it under warranty (if you have warranty).Oh, and once you do get it fixed, you can't put any cell phones or other electronic devices that might cause interference or you'll have that issue again
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JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,036
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From: Westfield, MA
Mine has done this too a few times on occasion with no rhyme or reason only to correct itself shortly after and I've owned the Jeep for almose a year and a half now. I usually always have my cell phone in the Jeep with me so I don't quite think its that. Add it to the list of quirks these things have I guess. 
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
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From: Downers Grove, Il
I found out that if I lay my cell phone on the flat surface, the compass quits working but if I lean it across the back, no problem. guess I'll be doing the bungie strap mod for the back soon.