Is there a way to reset the digital Compass in the overhead console? Mine is showing the wrong directions.

 

In the Manual, there is a procedure that involves 2 steps.

1 - is to enter the region of the country your in (I'ts a number I think from 1 east to 14 west) because magnetic north to someone in Maine is not the same direction as for someone in Oregon.

2 - Once you have set your region, you must calibrate the compass. You have to put it in Cal mode and slowly drive around in circles to recalibrate it. (Try not to look too stupid when you do this)

Dennis (Fully Operational and Calibrated Compass) Post

 

Thanks, I got the instructions for number 2, but I do not know how to do the first part. I do not know what region I am in, and can not find it in my book. How do I get to my region set, and what is my region? I live in the Houston Texas area.

 

01silvergt,

Lets see if my typing skills are up to this:

I quote my book,

Press and hold the SELECT control until VAR appears in the display, then release. The display should show the current zone number. (Texas is 6)

Press the SELECT control until the desired zone number appears. The diplay will falsh and then reutrn to normal operation. The zone is now updated.

I know you said you got the calibration, but for those that don't have a book here it is:

Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and high voltage lines.

Press and hold the SELECT control until CAL appears in the display (approximately eight seconds) and release.

Drive the vehicle slowly (less than 3 mph) in circles until the CAL indicator turns off. (about 2-3 complete circles)

The compass is now calibrated.

Gene

 

Thanks Triumphman for setting my info straight. I coudn't remember that the "technical" term was VARIATION

Anyway, It is also suggested that you go through the calibration process when ever you add something to the front part of your cab, such as a remote start antenna, or a satelite radio antenna. Even after a few years, the metal composition of the cab might slighly change enough to throw off the CAL on the compass.

I have compared the compass in my truck to my good hunting compass and the truck compass actually is fairly consistent.

Dpostman

 

dpostman,

Good point on the recalibration when making a change to cab.

Short story, years ago (before GPS) my brother in Lake Charles, LA added a marine radio to the dash of his boat. We fished an oil rig off shore out of site of land and ended up in Port Arthur,TX on our return trip becuase of that.

Gene

 

Wow, that is quit a drift. Stupid thing is that the compass in the truck will be accurate only in the region the variation is set to. And that happens to be home where I know witch way I'm going

Dpostman

 

Thanks for the info Guys. I also just got this from a friend who is a ford technician. From the Book:

The zone setting is factory pre-set to Zone 8. Check the Compass Calibration Zone map to verify the correct compass zone setting for your geographic location.
Insert an appropriate-diameter rod, preferably non-metallic, into the switch access hole underneath the compass module. Gently press the switch for one to two seconds until ZONE and the current zone setting are displayed.
Release the switch.
Press the switch repeatedly to cycle the display through all possible zone settings. Stop cycling when the correct zone setting for your location is displayed.
Release the switch to exit the zone setting mode.
TEXAS IS ZONE #6
If you need to calibrate it:
Calibration Adjustment
For optimum calibration, turn off all non-essential electrical accessories (rear window defrost, heater/air conditioning, map lamps, wipers, etc.) and make sure all doors are shut.
Drive to an open, level area away from large metallic objects or structures and high voltage lines.
Insert an appropriate-diameter rod, preferably non-metallic, into the switch access hole underneath the compass module. Press gently for two to four seconds until CAL and a direction are displayed.
Release the switch and drive slowly in a circle until CAL disappears from the display (about two to three circles).
The compass is now calibrated.

So i hope this helps others.

 

here is the zone map from my 2003 FSM

 

There's a link in this caption with more info: