2002 Explorer Limited Compass Problem?

[mobrie01]

Hello all,

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer Limited, and there is something wrong with the in dash compass. At worst, it is a nuisance, but I would like to try and correct the situation.

Basically, the compass *always* shows some variation of South.

If I am travelling in what the vehicle perceives to be a cardinal direction (N,E,S,W) the display will always indicate "S" for South.

If I am travelling in an intermediate direction (NE, SE, NW, SW) the compass will always read SE or SW.

Is there a way to recalibrate or reset the compass on this year and model? Is it a mater of cleaning something or bonking it with a hammer? I've seen in the newsgroup archives some older models - but
the information doesn't seem to apply to mine...

Worth noting is that:

1) It hasn't always been this way - it worked fine for the first year or so.

2) The vehicle did have some front end damage at one point that was repaired by Ford - the compass worked for a while after those repairs, then began it's current "stuck" state.

3) The oxygen sensors have been replaced several times, but I don't know that would have any relevance to this issue?

An acquaintance of mine who builds Ford F-150s said that there was usually "some way to reset them" but had no idea how to do it, other than it probably exists?

Does anyone have any advice to offer? I've gone through the owners manual, but the portion regarding the compass basically says "Yeah, it has one, it's located on this part of your dashboard display."

Thanks,
Mike O'Brien

P.S. I also posted this in rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer, apologies to any who may read this twice.

Any advice appreciated! Thanks!

 

[99exEB1]

'02? Wouldn't that still be under warrenty??

 

[Robb]

You may need to recalibrate the compass. I believe the procedure is in the owner's manual.

 

[mobrie01]

I'm not sure about the warranty.

Honestly, yes, it probably is - but it's getting very close and it's a gigantic pain to have the car in to the dealership for several days when I'm driving 50-60 miles per day and they don't have loaners.

(So basically, I'm trying to avoid the pain and suffering of the whole dealership experience.)

Almost as much fun as driving the 50-60 miles/day. (Gotta love those 3 time / 2 week tank ups.)



Actually, I will go pull the owners manual now and look *again* to see - maybe I'm missing it...

 

[mobrie01]

Crud - it is in the manual, I must have been missing it before.

I will give it a try and see what kind of luck I have.

Thanks for the info!

Mike

 

[mobrie01]

Yep, after going back and re-reading the fine manual.

All is now well.

Thanks for everybody's help - I would've bet you it wasn't in the manual.

go figure!

Thanks!

 

[Robb]

Glad it worked out!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Welcome to the site. I noticed live in KC and thought I would let you know that there is a local site KC Area Explorers that you are more than welcome to check out.
Just click on the link below.
There is around 40 members on the local site with roughly 12 of us on both.