GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Compass Calibration

Depress and hold down both the MODE and E/M buttons while the DIC is in the Compass/Temperature mode. Ignore the variation zone which shows up after 5 seconds and continue holding the buttons. After ten seconds the DIC will acknowledge that calibration is requested by illuminating the C indicator on the compass display if it's not already lit. To calibrate the compass, drive the vehicle through two circles less than 5 mph in a magnetically clean area. The C indicator will disappear and the DIC will display the proper vehicle display.

Compass Magnetic Variation Adjustment


Object Number: 300398  Size: SH

Compass variation is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some areas of the country the difference is great enough to cause the compass to give a false reading. If this occurs, the compass variance must be set. View the Variance Zone Display to determine the correct zone. The zones are numbered 1 through 15. Depress and hold both the MODE and the E/M buttons simultaneously while the DIC is in the Compass/Temperature mode. After 5 seconds, the DIC will display the current variation setting. Release the buttons and adjust to the correct variation number using the E/M button. Consult the map for variation zone numbers. When the desired variation is reached press the MODE button to accept.

You cannot reset the Compass/Temperature mode. This mode is retained during ignition OFF.