I have a 97 Expedition and the compass started reading wrong when I drove to Kentucky. Ive tried to reset it from the manual but it didnt work. Does anyone know how to reset it other than the manuals way?

 

I don't know how to break this to you, but it's not your compass. It's the state you drove through. Could be worse though. You could have driven through Bill Clinton's home state - where absolutely nothing works.

 

Did the manual say anything about driving around in circles to calibrate the compass? Id did it a while back and it seemed to do the trick.

 

Try This
Calibrate Your Compass
A Short Introduction
Because the vehicle's sheet metal magnetism tends to change over time, the compass may lose accuracy and need to be calibrated. This condition is indicated if the True North Adjustment does not correct an inaccurate compass. A compass that is newly installed in a vehicle must also be calibrated. The compass is calibrated as follows:

Find an open area free from steel structures and high voltage power lines
Ensure that all doors are closed and the map lamp in overhead console is off
Place a paperclip, toothpick, or similar object into the compass recessed button "A" hole (by temperature button) and push up gently until the CAL indicator turns ON. Release recessed button.
Slowly drive vehicle less than 5 km/h (3 mph) in a circle until the CAL indicator turns OFF. At this point, calibration is complete.
Perform Compass True North Adjustment as outlined.
NOTE: The electronic compass senses magnetic North to determine direction. Most roads and maps are based on geographic "true north", which varies considerably from magnetic north across the country. Components made of ferrous metals (such as iron and steel) and vehicle electrical accessories affect compass readings, by changing the magnetic field.

Compass True North Adjustment

Compass/thermometer calibration and vehicle demagnetizing have been performed by the manufacturer. However, the True North Adjustment has not been performed. Vehicle location will determine how accurate the compass is without performing the True North Adjustment. In coastal or mountainous areas the differences between true north and magnetic north vary considerably. Whenever a vehicle is received from the manufacturer or whenever a compass is thought to be inaccurate, the first step taken should be to perform the True North Adjustment. The compass True North Adjustment is set as follows:

Place a paperclip, toothpick, or similar object into compass recessed button "B". Push up gently and hold until the word VAR lights up and a number 1 appears to the left of VAR. Remove object from adjustment hole
Determine which zone of the country you are in by use of the map below
Press compass button until the correct zone number appears
Complete the true north setting by again placing a paperclip or a similar object in the compass recessed button "B" and push up gently and release

)

copy from f-150.net

 

See there in lies the problem. I havent any access hole to insert the paper clip. Am I supposed to remove part of the compass itsself?

 

Anyone have more info?

 

I don't have the A and B buttons either. Might be a model year thing. Anyway, according to my owner's manual, you need to press the black select button and hold it down for about 8 seconds until the display shows "CAL" then release it. Drive in a circle SLOWLY (less thatn 3mph) until the "CAL" disappears from the display. The compass is then supposed to be calibrated.

To set the variation, you need to press and hold the select button until you see "VAR" in the display then release. Press the select button to scroll to the appropriate zone setting for the area of the country you live in. The manual has a small (hard to read) map of the US and Canada divided into different zones. There are about 15 different VAR zone settings. NJ should be zone 11.

Now if I could find a way to recalibrate my thermometer I'd be all set!

Mike
2000 F150 7700

 

I think the lesson learned here is not to drive to Kentucky.

 

https://www.fordf150.net/howto/calibratecompass.php is the whole article.

 

OK Ive read the reset instructions about 100 times and and its all illrelavant if I dont have a hole to insert the paperclip HUH?

 

Read MCA7700's reply again - pressing and holding the black button will do that same thing as the paperclip for your model. Mine doesn't have the A/B holes, either.

Reading this thread makes me want to check out mine, but it will have to wait until the snow melts.

John