GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Compass Zone Adjustment and Calibration Procedure During Pre-Delivery Inspection

Subject:Compass Zone Adjustment and Calibration Procedure During Pre-Delivery Inspection

Models:2004-2005 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
2004-2007 Buick Rendezvous
2005-2008 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse, Terraza
2006-2008 Buick Lucerne
2004-2008 Cadillac CTS, CTS-V, DeVille, SRX
2004 Cadillac Seville
2005-2008 Cadillac STS
2004-2005 Chevrolet Venture
2004-2007Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2004-2008 Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Malibu Maxx
2005-2008 Chevrolet Equinox, Uplander
2008 Chevrolet Express
2008 GMC Savana
2004-2008 Light Duty Trucks
2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette
2004-2005 Pontiac Aztek, Bonneville, Montana
2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2005-2008 Pontiac Montana SV6
2006-2008 Pontiac Torrent
2005-2008 Saturn Relay
2004-2008 HUMMER H2



This bulletin is being revised to update the models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-48-005B (Section 08-Body & Accessories).


Important: Vehicles with an electronic compass display either on the inside rearview mirror or in the driver information center (DIC) MUST have the correct geographic zone set and be calibrated during the PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION (PDI).

This bulletin is being issued to emphasize the importance of following the Pre-Delivery Inspection instructions in order to eliminate unnecessary part replacements and comeback repairs.

Some inside rearview mirror assemblies and DICs with a compass display, from the above listed vehicles, have been returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) for compass not operating properly. Analyses of these parts show no out of specification condition or No Trouble Found (NTF) AFTER the Compass Variance (Zone) and Calibration Procedure were performed.

During the new vehicle PDI, it is important and required that the Compass Variance (Zone) and Calibration Procedure be performed even if a vehicle arrives displaying a compass heading. This will ensure the accuracy of the compass information. Refer to the Compass Variance (Zone) and Compass Calibration procedure in the vehicles owners manual.

Additional Information

Refer to the Compass Variance (Zone) and Compass Calibration procedure during diagnosis of compass concerns. This may eliminate unnecessary part replacement.

Refer to the Compass Calibration procedure if one of the following occur:

    • If the letter "C" or "CAL" is displayed in the rearview mirror compass window or DIC display.
    • If after five seconds, the display does not show a compass heading or displays a stuck (non-changing) heading. This may be due to a strong magnetic field (such as a magnetic-mounted CB antenna, aftermarket speakers or magnetic-mounted emergency lights) interfering with the compass.