Compass issues

[msimano]

I drive an 02 Merc Mountaineer.

The Compass, which I understand is controlled by the little box behind the rear view mirror only points in about 3 directions, N, NE, and NW.

The dealer tells me it needs de-magnetized and is willing to do it for about $115

I've already tried to calibrate by following the users manual, driving around in cirlces at the shopping mall like a nut.

I originally had a Sirius Satellite antenna mounted in the front middle of the vehilce between the windshield and the sunroof. I've since moved it to the running left of the rain "gutter" on the passenger's side about the same distance from the windshield as before.

Can I de-magnetize myself? How?

Will the antenna continue to present a problem.

The compass thing isn't a big issue, just one of those annoying things I see everytime I look at the dash cluster.

Thanks.

Mike.

 

[abarkl]

If that's truly what's needed, here is the procedure:

CAUTION: During demagnetizing, the demagnetizer coil will be pulled toward the vehicle. Place a cloth over the vehicle roof to protect the vehicle surface if contact occurs. Make sure the cloth covers the front third and the entire width of the roof.

NOTE: The demagnetizing process requires the use of a demagnetizing coil commonly used by television repair technicians to demagnetize television tubes.

NOTE: To demagnetize, use a constant circular motion over the vehicle roof. Do not turn off the demagnetizer while sweeping the vehicle roof to prevent remagnetizing ferrous materials contained in the vehicle.

NOTE: During the demagnetizing process, make sure the phenolic surface of the tool (the side opposite the handle) is closest to the vehicle surface.

Demagnetize the front third of the vehicle roof.
Turn on the demagnetizer at least 1 meter (3 ft) away from the vehicle.
Holding the demagnetizer no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) from the roof and starting on the passenger side, demagnetize the front third of the roof closest to the windshield using a constant circular motion. Keep the circle radius within 30 cm (12 in) while sweeping across the entire surface of the roof closest to the windshield. Continue the circular motion four times.
After the fourth pass and without stopping, move the demagnetizer at least 1 meter (3 ft) away from the vehicle.
Turn the demagnetizer off.
NOTE: The demagnetizer must be located over the outside of the windshield no greater than 2.5 cm (1 in).

Demagnetize the inside rear view mirror mounting pad.
Turn on the demagnetizer at least 1 meter (3 ft) away from the vehicle.
Using a circular motion, pass the demagnetizer over the outside of the windshield near the inside rear view mirror mounting pad. Without stopping, move the demagnetizer at least 1 meter (3 ft) away from the vehicle.
Turn the demagnetizer off.
Carry out the Compass Zone Adjustment procedure. Refer to Compass Zone Adjustment in this section.
Carry out the Calibration Adjustment procedure. Refer to Compass Calibration in this section.