Electrical Compass Acura MDX II

Scheme 112

Compass Operation (Canada models, without navigation)

The electrical compass unit shows the direction of the vehicle on the center information display. Compass operation can be affected by driving near power lines or stations, across bridges, through tunnels, over railroad crossings, past large vehicles, or driving near large objects that can cause a magnetic disturbance. If you see " - - " in the direction display, the compass is self-calibrating.

The compass may need to be manually calibrated after exposure to a strong magnetic field. If the compass seems to be continually showing the wrong direction, and is not self-calibrating, complete the compass calibration procedure, on the next page. In most areas, there is a variation between magnetic north and true north. Zone setting is required so the compass can compensate for this variation. To check and select the zone set into the compass, complete the compass zone setting procedure on the next page

Scheme 113

1. Press and hold the "SET" button, the ↓ arrow down button, and the ↑ arrow up button, then turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
2. Release all buttons after one second.
3. Within 3 seconds, press and release the "SET" button, press and release the ↓ arrow down button, and finally press and release the ↑ arrow up button.
4. The self-diagnosis function begins with a blank display. Press and release the ↑ arrow up button to scroll through the three modes.
5. Press the "SET" button to exit the self-diagnosis function.

Compass Adjustment Mode menu

The compass zone setting and the compass calibration can be done in the compass adjustment mode. Each adjustment can be done independently from one another.

Compass Zone Selection

Note. During compass zone selection, if no buttons are pressed for 10 seconds, (the "SET" button, the ↑ arrow up button, or the ↓ arrow down button the compass adjustment mode will cancel and the display will return to normal display.

You should do this procedure in an open area away from buildings, power lines, and other vehicles.

In most areas, there is a variation between magnetic north and true north. Zone selection is required so the compass can compensate for this variation. To check and select the zone, do this

Scheme 114

1. Press and hold the "SET" button for five seconds until the Clock display changes to "ZON ? N" (clock adjustment mode will be started after the first two seconds).
2. Press the ↓ arrow down button. "ZON ? Y" will be displayed.
3. Press the "SET" button. The display will show which zone is currently selected.
4. Find the zone for your area on the map.
5. If the zone is incorrect, press the ↓ arrow down button to cycle the count down, or press the ↑ arrow up button to cycle the count up. Once the correct zone is displayed, continue to step 6.
6. Press the "SET" button to set the zone selection.
7. Press and hold the "SET" button for about 5 seconds to exit the zone selection menu and return the display to normal.

Compass Calibration

Note. During compass calibration, if no buttons are pressed for 10 seconds (the "SET" button, the ↑ arrow up button, or the ↓" arrow down button) the compass adjustment mode will cancel and the display will return to the normal display. You should do this procedure in an open area away from buildings, power lines, and other vehicles.

If you see "- -" in the compass display and "CAL" and are shown in the calendar display, the compass is self-calibrating.

The compass may need to be manually calibrated after exposure to a strong magnetic field. If the compass seems to be continually showing the wrong direction and is not self-calibrating, do the following.

Scheme 115

1. Press and hold the "SET" button for five seconds until the Clock display changes to "ZON ? N" (clock adjustment mode will be started after the first two seconds).
2. Press the "SET" button. "CAL ? N" will be displayed. At this point, pressing the "SET" button will exit the calibration mode.
3. Press the ↓ arrow down button. "CAL ? Y" will be displayed.
4. Press the "SET" button. The compass display will change to "- -" and "CAL" and are shown.
5. Drive the vehicle slowly in two complete circles.
6. When the display goes from "- -" to an actual heading, the unit is calibrated and the display returns to normal.

Scheme 116

Scheme 117

1. Remove the dashboard upper visor (see «DRIVER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#dashboard) ).
2. Remove the center panel (see «DASHBOARD CENTER PANEL REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#dashboard) ).
3. Remove the four screws, and the center information display (A).
4. Disconnect the 12P connector (B) from the center information display.
5. Inspect the connector and socket terminals to be sure they are all making good contact. If the terminals are bent, loose, or corroded, repair them as necessary, and recheck the system. If the terminals look OK, go to step 6.
6. Reconnect the connector to the center information display, turn the ignition switch ON (II), and make these input tests at the connector. If any test indicates a problem, find and correct the cause, then recheck the system. If all input tests prove OK, the center information display must be faulty; replace it. CAVITY AND TEST CONDITION CHART Cavity Wire Test Condition Test: Desired result Possible cause if desired result is not obtained 11 BLK Under all conditions Measure the voltage to ground: There should be less than 0.5 V. Poor ground(G501) An open in the wire 12 WHT Under all conditions Measure the voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 7 (10 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box An open in the wire 6 YEL Ignition switch ON (II) Measure the voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 21 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box An open in the wire 10 BLU Under all conditions Check for continuity between the No. 10 terminal and PCM connector A (49P) No. 30 terminal. There should be continuity. An open in the wire

Scheme 118

1. Remove the headliner (see «HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__headliner-removalinstallation) ).
2. Disconnect the 6P connector (A) from the electrical compass unit (B).
3. Inspect the connector and socket terminals to be sure they are all making good contact. If the terminals are bent, loose, or corroded, repair them as necessary, and recheck the system. If the terminals look OK, go to step 4.
4. Reconnect the connector to the electrical compass unit, turn the ignition switch ON (II), and make these input tests at the connector. If any test indicates a problem, find and correct the cause, then recheck the system. If all input tests prove OK, the electrical compass unit must be faulty; replace it. CAVITY AND TEST CONDITION CHART Cavity Wire Test Condition Test: Desired result Possible cause if desired result is not obtained 2 BLK Under all conditions Measure the voltage to ground: There should be less than 0.5 V. Poor ground(G501) An open in the wire 1 YEL Ignition switch ON (II) Measure the voltage to ground: There should be battery voltage. Blown No. 21 (7.5 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box An open in the wire 3 RED Under all conditions Measure the voltage to ground: There should be about 4 V. Faulty center information display An open in the wire A short to ground in the wire 4 BLU Under all conditions Measure the voltage to ground: There should be about 4 V. Faulty center information display An open in the wire A short to ground in the wire 5 ORN Under all conditions Measure the voltage to ground: There should be about 4 V. Faulty center information display An open in the wire A short to ground in the wire 6 GRY Under all conditions Measure the voltage to ground: There should be about 4 V. Faulty center information display An open in the wire A short to ground in the wire

See also:
• DRIVER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• HEADLINER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION