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Digital compass only reads N, NE, & NW

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Old 01-23-2012, 06:59 AM
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Default Digital compass only reads N, NE, & NW

So I ran some power wires behind my console. I had to remove my gauge cluster to do so, and now my compass in the "info center" (the digital display on the gauge cluster) won't accurately show my direction. Has anyone had this issue, or know how to fix it? Could my wiring be throwing it off?

Any help would be appreciated.
Old 01-23-2012, 07:16 AM
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Any chance you have an Artic edition? ... Sorry, couldn't resist
Old 01-23-2012, 07:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Nwapache
Any chance you have an Artic edition? ... Sorry, couldn't resist
Zing!!! +1 to you kind sir!
Old 01-23-2012, 08:27 AM
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The wiring could definitely be causing it.

Not sure on a good fix, outside of moving the wiring you added to be further away from that top panel above the radio. From what I understand, that's where the compass lives.
Old 01-23-2012, 08:32 AM
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I ran into the same when I installed the daystar dash piece, I was placing iphone and hand held gps on top of the jeep unit, when I removed them and reset the jeep it cleared it.
Old 01-23-2012, 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by dozer2012
So I ran some power wires behind my console. I had to remove my gauge cluster to do so, and now my compass in the "info center" (the digital display on the gauge cluster) won't accurately show my direction. Has anyone had this issue, or know how to fix it? Could my wiring be throwing it off?

Any help would be appreciated.
It will most likely auto correct itself. But the user manual has instructions on how to fix it.
Old 01-24-2012, 05:30 PM
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Haha... No artic here. I'll look into the manual fix and I'd that doesn't do the trick ill move around some wiring. Thanks for the help!
Old 01-25-2012, 12:09 PM
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Go to a parking lot, and try driving around in circles a couple of times, that will sometimes reset it.
Old 01-25-2012, 12:34 PM
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Here is info from the owner's 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) 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:
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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), andWest (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.
Old 01-26-2012, 05:53 PM
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Get a map and a rambo knife, preferably with a compass.


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