2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission computer compass not working

[CElliott]

I just bought a 1999 Ram 3500 with the 24v cummins. I am very happy with the truck! I did notice on a longer drive that the compass always says I am headed east. Is there a fix for this problem? The owners manual is missing, so please forgive me if the answer is really an easy one.



Thanks,



Clint

 

[CElliott]

compass computer

Hey, I found the answer, here it is:



This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with the compass mini trip computer (sales code CUS). The subject model vehicles are shipped from the assembly plants with the compass mini trip computer NOT calibrated. This will be identified by “CAL” displayed on the compass mini trip computer. To calibrate the compass mini trip computer, drive the vehicle in a complete circle until “CAL” is no longer displayed on the compass mini trip computer.



So if this happens to you, you now know what to do.



Clint

 

[B.G. Smith]

Compass

Don't laugh, this is from the manual. Start the engine, make sure the compass/temp display is on. Drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from large metal objects or power lines, through three or more complete circles 30 to 90 feet in diameter at a speed of 5 to 11 mph. Cal should appear on the display as the compass is recalibrated. bg

 

[CElliott]

computer compass

I Know, but I just bought the truck and it didn't have an owners manual. I do have one on order though. Thank you,



Clint

 

[ntillm01]

I just was playing with mine today. I did the "CAL" thing, drove around in circles in a parking lot. Took about 1 1/2 circles for the CAL to complete and the "CAL" to go off in the display.



In addition, there is a compensation setting that must be set to correspond to what part of the country/world you are in. It's different than the CAL. Push both buttons in and quickly release them. you can then scroll through the numbered VARiations. When you get the owners book, you will see the map that shows what areas use what numbers.

 

[CElliott]

Okay, I remember seeing the numbers, which one would be the correct one for Alberta, Canada? My manual isn't here for another 13 days.



Thank you,



Clint

 

[B.G. Smith]

#

A four should do it. bg

 

[CElliott]

Thank you



Clint

 

[ntillm01]

You're welcome, Clint.



B. G. - Thanks for looking up the numbers, I didn't have the map in front of me to help. Think they should add this to the calibration instructions?



"drive in circles until the CAL go off, you get dizzy or passerbys start pointing and laughing. "

 

[B.G. Smith]

Addendum

Originally posted by ntillm01

You're welcome, Clint.



B. G. - Thanks for looking up the numbers, I didn't have the map in front of me to help. Think they should add this to the calibration instructions?



"drive in circles until the CAL go off, you get dizzy or passerbys start pointing and laughing. "

You're right about that, should also add: "Don't do this in your neighborhood or where anyone who knows you will see it and especially not where a Ford owner will see you" bg

 

[Moose Truck]

Ok, I have read the posts, and it does not help my truck. I have a 2000 Quad cab, and the Compass is stuck on East, with the "CAL" lamp on. The previous owner kept the truck in a low garage, and the automatic door opener magnetized the roof. I have verified the roof is magnetized with a Boy Scout compass. What do I do to de- magnetized this roof?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"What do I do to de- magnetized this roof?



This might be a good time to cut out part of the roof and install one of those dandy moon roofs...

 

[ntillm01]

BobP, there is a service procedure to do just that, demag the roof. There is a special tool they use, but it really just a cassette tape head demagnitizer. Radio Shack has them. You plug the "wand" in, and starting at the front edge of the roof, slowly sweep back and forth in about three-inch spaces between each pass. When you get to the back edge of the roof, slowly pull the wand away and your done.

 

[tbrudder]

I think what you need is a degaussing wand. Not sure where you'd find one, but I've seen them used to get rid of those green spots on televisions and computer monitors that you get when you stick a magnet next to one.



Might see if a TV repair shop close to you would wave one over the roof for you. I think the dealer might have one, too--seems I saw a TSB about this somewhere...



edit...



Hmm... beat me to it!

Didn't know Radio Shack had them, though...



--Ty

 

[ntillm01]

tbrudder, sorry about that

You have the right name though, a de-gaussing magic wand.

If you're into recording, TASCAM makes a similar device for tape head demagnitizing that looks just like the one in the service manual.