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Electrical Compass - Electronic Compass: Other Ford Escape I facelift 2

Mirrors ~673 words

Vehicles With Navigation

The compass signal originates from the Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna. No calibration or zone adjustment is available, as the compass heading is based on the GPS signal. Refer to INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS .

The vehicle heading is displayed as a 1 or 2 character display located in the ACM and indicates the current direction of the vehicle (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW).

Vehicles Without Navigation

The compass signal originates from the compass module, which is integrated into the interior rear view mirror. Refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS .

The vehicle heading is displayed as a 1 or 2 character display located in the lower LH side of the FDIM and indicates the current direction of the vehicle (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW). The compass continuously re-calibrates due to changes in the magnetic field and remains accurate during most driving conditions.

All Vehicles

The MODE button that allows the driver to operate the calibration and zone setting procedures is located on the center bottom of the interior rear view mirror. The compass display is on with the key in the ON or START positions. When the key is first turned to the ON or START position, there is a momentary delay of approximately 6 seconds before the compass display illuminates. If the battery saver has been activated and the key is turned to ON or START, the momentary delay before the compass display illuminates is approximately 3 seconds. The compass display will turn off as soon as the key is turned to the OFF or ACC position.

Compass Accuracy (without Navigation)

Driving near power lines, or driving in the area of large iron or steel structures can temporarily change the compass heading. If the compass remains inaccurate after driving near such objects, calibrate the compass. Refer to COMPASS CALIBRATION .

Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. This variation is 4 degrees between the adjacent zones and becomes noticeable as the vehicle crosses multiple zones. A correct zone setting eliminates the error. Refer to COMPASS ZONE ADJUSTMENT .

Compass Accuracy (with Navigation)

Driving near power lines, or driving in the area of large iron or steel structures have no effect on the compass heading.

Compass calibration and compass zone setting procedures are not required if the vehicle is equipped with navigation.

Vehicle Demagnetizing

Note. During demagnetizing, the demagnetizer coil pulls 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.

  1. Demagnetize the front third of the vehicle roof. Turn on the demagnetizer at least 1 m (3 ft) away from the vehicle. Holding the demagnetizer no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) from the vehicle roof and starting on the passenger side, demagnetize the front third of the vehicle 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 vehicle roof closest to the windshield. Continue the circular motion 4 times. After the fourth pass and without stopping, move the demagnetizer at least 1 m (3 ft) away from the vehicle. Turn the demagnetizer off.
  2. Carry out the compass zone adjustment procedure. For additional information, refer to «COMPASS ZONE ADJUSTMENT»(ref-344146-S06374941492009101600000) .
  3. Carry out the compass calibration adjustment procedure. For additional information, refer to «COMPASS CALIBRATION»(ref-344146-S14919551672009101600000) .