Has anyone had their compass go wacky? Mine has started to act backwards a couple of times. I'll tell the dealer on the next oil change but wondered if it has happened to anyone else.

 

Only when i put my phone on the dash. The compass module is right under the center dash cover

Sent from my Etch A Sketch using my knobs

 

I was wondering where it was, thanks. I had a large ladder on the roof the other day, I wonder if that messed with it.

 

Same here, everytime I put the phone on the dash the compass gets lost.

 

Known issue, they talk about it in the owners manual. There is also instructions on how to reset it in there.


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From the Manual



Compass Calibration

The compass on your vehicle will automatically calibrate when new, and will continuously adjust itself over the life of the vehicle. If the CAL indicator is on (or flashing), drive slowly (under 10 MPH [16 kmh]) in an open area until the CAL indicator is off.

Note:
A good calibration requires a level surface and an environment free from large metallic objects such as buildings, bridges, underground cables, railroad tracks, etc.
Magnetic and battery powered devices, (such as cell phones, iPod's, radar detectors, PDA's and laptops) should be kept away from the top of the instrument panel. This is where the compass module is located and such devices may interfere and cause false compass readings.


Automatic Compass Calibration

The self-calibrating feature of the compass eliminates the need to calibrate the compass for normal conditions. During a short initial period, the compass may appear erratic and the CAL symbol will appear (blinking) on the display. After the vehicle has completed at least one complete circle under 5 mph (8 km/h) in an area free from large metal objects, calibration will be complete when the CAL symbol is extinguished.

After initial calibration, the compass will continue to automatically update this calibration whenever the vehicle is in motion.


Manual Compass Calibration

Note: Before attempting a manual compass calibration, the engine must be running and the transmission in the PARK position (if equipped).

If the compass appears erratic or inaccurate and the variance has been properly set, you may wish to manually recalibrate the compass. To manually calibrate the compass:

First enter the variance mode. Press 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 (Compass Variance) 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 is no longer displayed, the compass is calibrated and should display correct headings. Verify proper calibration by checking North (N), South (S), East (E), and West (W). If the compass does not appear accurate, repeat the calibration procedure in another area.


Compass Variance (VAR)

Compass Variance is the difference between Magnetic North and Geographic North. To ensure compass accuracy, the compass variance should be properly set according to the variance map for the zone where the vehicle will be driven. When properly set, the compass will automatically account for this difference.


Setting the Compass Variance

Refer to the variance map for the correct compass variance zone. To check the variance zone, the ignition must be ON. Press 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. To change the zone, press the left button once to increment the zone. The default is Zone 8. After Zone 15, the values will wrap around to Zone 1. When the correct zone is displayed (per the Compass Variance Zone Map) for the zone that the vehicle is located in, wait for about five seconds; then the trip computer will store the variance value in memory and the compass will resume normal operation.

Note: The U.S./Metric display will change from English to Metric or Metric to English before the VAR symbol appears, however, it will revert back to its original setting after programming the compass functions.

 

Thanks doubleusn! Great response.

 

Glad to help

I created a dmg file from my owners manual dvd, so I can look stuff up on the fly...

 

Yes, it is in the above description under the manual calibration section

 

I'm pretty sure I saw somewhere that you drive in circles 2-5 times.

 

Once it is in calibration mode, I just drove around my neighborhood till it went out, and all was good again.