I was driving home last night and I just happened to glance at my compass. It read I was going North but I know I was facing south. Ever since then, it's been in "CAL" mode. What does ths mean and how do I get it calibrated? I bought my D second hand and I didn't get an owner's manual. Any help?

 

The sensor is mounted behind the grille on the frame in the front corner between the inner section of the passenger headlight and the washer fluid refill area (draw an imaginary line between the two, in the middle is the sensor.) It is mounted with a single bolt if I remember correctly. Perhaps it needs replaced or has been broken there.

IndyDurango

 

And in order to calibrate it find an open parking lot and drive in circles. It's all in your owners manual I don't remember how many times you have to go around. I actually need to reset mine since I'm in a new region but I don't really care since I know which way I'm facing anyway.

 

Thanks for the advice Indy and Mean..
Indy: I'll look for the sensor, I DID adjust my headlights that night... Hmmm...
Mean: Like I stated before, I didn't get an owner's manual when I bought my D.

 

STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS

VARIATION ADJUSTMENT

Compass variance, also known as magnetic declination,

is the difference in angle between magnetic

north and true geographic north. In some geographic

locations, the difference between magnetic and geographic

north is great enough to cause the compass

to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the

compass variance must be set.

To set the compass variance:

(1) Using the Variance Settings map, find your

geographic location and note the zone number (Fig.

1).

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. 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.

(3) Depress both the U.S./Metric, and the Step

push buttons and hold the buttons down until “VAR�

appears in the display. This takes about five seconds.

(4) Release both of the push buttons. “VAR� along

with the current variance zone will appear in the display.

(5) Momentarily depress and release the U.S./Metric

push button to step through the zone numbers,

until the zone number for your geographic location

appears in the display.

(6) Momentarily depress and release the Step push

button to enter the displayed zone number into the

compass unit memory.

(7) Confirm that the correct directions are now

indicated by the compass.

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

Fig. 1 Variance Settings

8M - 2 MESSAGE SYSTEMS

AN

OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

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.

NOTE: Whenever the compass is calibrated manually,

the variation number must also be reset. See

Compass Variation Adjustment in the Service Procedures

section of this group.

Calibrate the compass manually as follows:

(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. 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. Hold the push buttons down until

“CAL� appears in the display. This takes about ten

seconds, and appears about five seconds after “VAR�

is displayed.

(3) Release both of the push buttons.

(4) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from

large metal objects and power lines, through three or

more complete circles in not less than 48 seconds.

The “CAL� message will disappear from the display

to indicate that the compass is now calibrated.

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 dont know what state you live in to tell you which zone number to to choose, but if you tell me I can look it up for you no problem. I'm not too computer savvy, but if you knkow a way I could email you the pdf of an '01 dakota, lemme know and I'll try to do it. I can't do it through my account because it is an 75mb pdf.

 

I didn't see that part sorry. get one on ebay I got mine for 10 bucks.

 

I have a pdf version of the manual for an '01 dakota and its on page 481-482. section 8M-3 or something like that.

 

That is one good manual I have it too.

 

Hey Deerang, I can't seem to access my PM. Could you tell me my variance here? If you can read my PM to you, I'll sent you my email for the pdf for the '01 Dakota. Thanks for your help.

 

Update: Somehow the compass calibrated itself tonight. I was driving home and the "CAL" sign went off and the compass was correct again. Don't ask me how, but it's working again.