My compass no longer registers correctly and the letters "cal" are displayed on the screen. I assume that means it needs to be calibrated. Can anyone tell me how to do it? Thanks

 

From the '02 FSM:

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 readings
appear to be erratic or out of calibration, perform
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 compass
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.

 

Thanks for the quick and thorough answer! I'll give it a shot tomorrow.

 

You're welcome. Cut and paste is a beautiful thing.

 

I tried that once here, but I just got this all over the screen:


PS: Don't forget that you can enter the magnetic variation in for your location as well.

~Rob