Problems with Built-in Compass
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Problems with Built-in Compass
I have a 97 Ford Expedition 4x4 E.B. that has a compass that reads the same all the time N.E.
All the other data reads accurate, "fuel amount", "mpg" , etc. does anyone know if the compass has a directional device say under the hood that may be stuck?
I have activated the re-set with no results, maybe I'm doing it wrong...I think something has to tell the compass in what direction the truck is heading.
I would appreciate any feedback
Cobrah...
All the other data reads accurate, "fuel amount", "mpg" , etc. does anyone know if the compass has a directional device say under the hood that may be stuck?
I have activated the re-set with no results, maybe I'm doing it wrong...I think something has to tell the compass in what direction the truck is heading.
I would appreciate any feedback
Cobrah...
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If I hold the reset in the screen clears and several fast flashes of non-ledgeable garb is shown and then returns to where I have it set. 
It was working perfect until I let a mechanic do some work for me, when I got the veh. back my compass lost it's direction...
That's why I think the compass gets it's reading from some signaling device planted in some hidden area. I have looked into the area where the screen is and all that's there is circuit boards.
The small box beneath the screen that has the reset is the same way.
Ford say's "we will fix it for $300.00 plus labor"...
cobrah...
It was working perfect until I let a mechanic do some work for me, when I got the veh. back my compass lost it's direction...
That's why I think the compass gets it's reading from some signaling device planted in some hidden area. I have looked into the area where the screen is and all that's there is circuit boards.
The small box beneath the screen that has the reset is the same way.
Ford say's "we will fix it for $300.00 plus labor"...
cobrah...
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Michigan
did you get an owners manual,I am trying to remember 97 in my head,but it needs calibration too I think,I can tell ya that on the newer ones,and ya your gona laugh and think I`m pulling your leg,but I`m not.when we calibrate a compass we have to take the vehicle out into the open,and slowly drive in a circle,a couple times until it finishes calibrating itself,I cant tell ya how many salesmen have come out and asked me if I was lost!
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Sooo tell me... do I push the reset while driving in a circle? You see, mine resets in about 3-5 seconds.
I have no manual, and I don't remember the astronomical amount Ford say's they will sell me one for...it was in excess of $80.0
At any rate I will try your valued information, after all what do I have to loose? ( drivers license? )
No..I think you are on the up and up about this and I'm gonna try it!
cobrah
I have no manual, and I don't remember the astronomical amount Ford say's they will sell me one for...it was in excess of $80.0
At any rate I will try your valued information, after all what do I have to loose? ( drivers license? )
No..I think you are on the up and up about this and I'm gonna try it!
cobrah
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From: Blue Hill Township
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The compass display is only the display. The compass has a separate module mounted under the rear view mirror, about a 2 inch by 2 inch box. If its unplugged it wont work. If its a bad module you can replace it for a lot less than 300.00 plus labor. The display might cost that much but its not the problem.
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Thanks to all for imfo...
And a special thanks to "KING TRITON"...here is what I did!
The re-set is on the box on the mirror, if you look close you can see the tiny hole for this.
I used a larger paper-clip that fit the hole and was easier to hold while driving.
I went to a vacant lot and started going counterclock in a circle at a moderate slow speed. (20-30' dia.circle)
I inserted the clip and held in the reset until a small display read "cal".bottom right hand corner.
I continued to circle (releasing the reset) and all of a sudden the display started doing it 's thing The cal. mode I guess means callabrating when you see this be sure to let go the reset or it will recycle.
This process probably took 5 min. with my error's included!
Maybe this will help those who think their compass is broken like me. And ya know what, I got to thinking Ford Place would have probably done the same thing and put the $300.00 in the bank... Ok, sorry about that "I take it back"
cobrah
The re-set is on the box on the mirror, if you look close you can see the tiny hole for this.
I used a larger paper-clip that fit the hole and was easier to hold while driving.
I went to a vacant lot and started going counterclock in a circle at a moderate slow speed. (20-30' dia.circle)
I inserted the clip and held in the reset until a small display read "cal".bottom right hand corner.
I continued to circle (releasing the reset) and all of a sudden the display started doing it 's thing The cal. mode I guess means callabrating when you see this be sure to let go the reset or it will recycle.
This process probably took 5 min. with my error's included!
Maybe this will help those who think their compass is broken like me. And ya know what, I got to thinking Ford Place would have probably done the same thing and put the $300.00 in the bank... Ok, sorry about that "I take it back"
cobrah
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