My overhead compass is stuck on cal and the degrees vary from 310 to 10, and only show north or northwest. All other functions good-temp/mileage, etc.
I tried calibrating but no go, I've got the manual and the only thing I haven't done is degauss. Has anyone ever degaussed or is the compass part of the computer shot? Thanks.

 

My 96 is doing something like that and I checked the computer and it has a code so I'm going to find out what that is because I think that has something to do with the problem.
DM01

 

Check the owners manual, it seems like you have to do something stupid like hold the button down for 10 seconds then drive around in 3 complete circles or something ridiculous like that.
Ross

 

Yeah, done all that, the CAL indicator is supposed to go out but it never does. I haven't "degaussed" or demagnetized it yet. The power-on self test shows "PASS" so it "thinks" it's ok. Anyone ever get degaussed? Did it work?

 

STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
CALIBRATION
CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such
as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of
the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when servicing
the overhead console.
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 read-ings
appear to be erratic or out of calibration, per-form
the following calibration procedure. Also, new
service replacement compass mini-trip computer
modules must have their compass calibrated using
this procedure. Do not attempt to calibrate the com-pass
near large metal objects such as other vehicles,
large buildings, or bridges; or, near overhead or
underground power lines.

(1) Start the engine. If the compass/temperature
data is not currently being displayed, momentarily
depress and release the Step push button to step
through the display options until you have reached
the compass/temperature display.

(2) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step
push buttons at the same time for more than six seconds,
until “CAL” appears in the display, then release
both push buttons. The “CAL” in the display indicates
that the compass is in the calibration mode.

(3) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, at least
fifty feet away from large metal objects and power
lines, in all four compass directions, such as driving
around a city block several times or driving in two to
three complete circles at a slow to medium speed.

(4) When the calibration is successfully completed,
“CAL” will disappear from the display and normal
compass mini-trip computer operation will resume.

NOTE: If the “CAL” message remains in the display,
either there is excessive magnetism near the compass,
or the unit is faulty. Repeat the calibration
procedure at least one more time.
NOTE: 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 calibration procedure in another location.

 

I've also unplugged the unit for 10 minutes or so, reconnected it, drove in circles and it calibrated.

 

Thanks guys. This truck did not come with a owners manual so I did not know that.
DM01

 

Good point J Body, I'll disconnect it. When I do the self-test it passes and everything else works. How do I disconnect it, is it up under the molding on the ceiling?