GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The inside rearview mirror uses 2 magnetic field sensors for compass direction. One sensor is for the north and south, the other sensor is for the east and west. The mirror supplies a signal and low reference to each sensor. As the vehicle travels with or against the earth's magnetic pull, there will be a change in voltage on one or both sensors. As a result of the change in voltage, the mirror changes the heading on the compass display.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Driver Information System Schematics
    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Inside Rearview Mirror Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views
    •  Mirror Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition ON, verify that the mirror compass does not display "C" or "CAL".
  2. If the mirror compass displays "C" or "CAL", perform the Compass Calibration and Magnetic Variance procedure. Refer to Compass Calibration and Magnetic Variance .
  3. Verify that the mirror compass display is not blank.
  4. If the compass display is blank, replace the inside rearview mirror.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement
    •  Compass Calibration and Magnetic Variance for the inside rearview mirror equipped with a compass