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Overhead compass not working right??

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Old Oct 17, 2009 | 11:37 PM
  #1  
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From: Palmer, ALASKA
Overhead compass not working right??

I've put it in the right zone and drove around in circles in a parking lot (NOT the easiest thing to do, finding one enpty enough to turn around this thing) for the calibration mode. It kind of works sometimes but NEVER gets itself out of the "cal" mode under the N S E W block. What else could it be?
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 12:27 AM
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Just kidding, you probably did that. I doubt if anyone can answer but maybe try another one from a wrecking yard for starters.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 10:29 AM
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Since you noted the difficulty in making circles, my first guess is that you didn't find an open enough spot and make enough circles. Maybe drive out a little farther and find a truly open spot where you can turn true circles and keep at it until CAL disappears. Late at night if necessary. Make sure it is not only a large area, but an open area where there is no chance of electromagnetic interference from buildings or towers.

Alaska is way far up there. Anyone else from AK have any problem with their compass?
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 12:14 PM
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Thanks for the input Bill but I did drive in circles until "CAL" disappeared, then it kind of worked for a while but then "CAL" popped up within a few miles...and the direction block went blank again??? The compass in my old truck and many other vehicles I've been in all worked like a champ ALL THE TIME without any adjustments or calibration. So the whole "being in Alaska" theory doesn't fly.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 01:13 PM
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I'm curious as to what zone you use. They all seem to come together in Alaska with very little distance between them. For obvious reasons.

Well, good luck with it. If you decide to replace the unit, this guy has the parts for good prices:
Retrofit Ford F150, F250, F350 Overhead Console Kits

BTW, that guy, George, has been good to work with for me. You might run your problem by him before you buy, just to see if he has any ideas.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 03:42 PM
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If it was me I'd forget about the display and quit driving in circles and go the the store and spend a few bucks on one of those stick on compases for the windshield and be done with it. If its like the lie-o-meter its probibally wrong anyway.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 05:06 PM
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If you find the answer I would like to know to as mine seems to be dooing the same thing recently.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 05:50 PM
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09' with 5,400mile and mine is doing the same thing
 
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Old Oct 18, 2009 | 10:27 PM
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Time for a nice little compass on top of the dash.
 
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