Over head compass does not work

For optimum calibration, drive to an open, level location away from large metallic objects or structures such as bridges, steel buildings, etc. Disable aftermarket electronic accessories and switch off all non essential electrical accessories (heated rear window, heater fan, A/C, map lamps and wipers) and make sure all doors are closed. Start the vehicle. NOTE: The vehicle remains in the CAL mode until the compass has been successfully calibrated. NOTE: While holding the Front Controls Interface Module (FCIM) 7 and 9 buttons down, the compass display first enters the ZONE setting mode (after 5 seconds) and then after another 5 seconds (approximately 10 seconds total), the compass display enters the CAL mode. Press and hold (for approximately 10 seconds) the FCIM 7 and 9 buttons until the CAL indicator appears in the display, then release the buttons. NOTE: If the CAL indicator does not turn off after the vehicle is driven in a circle at least 5 times, repeat the procedure. Drive the vehicle slowly at less than 5 km/h (3 mph) in a continuous circle until the CAL indicator disappears from the display and the compass heading is shown. If the CAL message does not turn off after driving in a circle at least 5 times (and the procedure has been repeated at least once), install a new compass module (integral to the interior rear view mirror). For additional information, refer to Interior Rear View Mirror.

Electronic Compass The compass display and module are contained in the overhead console and are replaced as an assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 501-12 . The compass display can be turned off and on by pressing the MODE button in the overhead console. The vehicle heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW.
Inspection and Verification
NOTE: Press the MODE button to turn on the display.

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the vehicle along roads of known direction to duplicate the customer concern with the compass.

1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical

• Compass module

• Central junction box (CJB) fuse 15 (7.5A)
• Circuitry

1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

1. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart .

Pinpoint Test A: The Compass Is Inaccurate/Inoperative
Normal Operation The compass receives battery voltage from the central junction box (CJB) through circuit 964 (DB/LG). Ground for the compass is supplied through circuit 676 (PK/OG).

Possible Causes
• fuse
• circuit 676 (PK/OG) open
• circuit 964 (DB/LG) open or short to ground
• compass zone setting
• compass calibration
• compass module

PINPOINT TEST A: THE COMPASS IS INACCURATE/INOPERATIVE NOTE: Always set the zone and calibrate the compass before replacing an inaccurate compass.
NOTE: After installing a new compass, always set the zone and calibrate.
Test Step Result / Action to Take A1 CHECK THE OVERHEAD COMPASS DISPLAY

• Key in ON position.
• Check the overhead display.
• Does the overhead compass display remain on after prove out?

Yes
GO to A3 .

No
GO to A2 . A2 CHECK THE COMPASS MODE

• Press and release the SELECT switch on the overhead console.
• Does the overhead compass display turn on?

Yes
If the compass display turns on correctly, GO to A3 . If the compass display turns on, but the heading is inoperative/inaccurate or the display indicates VAR, GO to A4 . If the compass display turns on, but it does not display all directions, or indicates CAL, GO to A5 .

No
GO to A7 . A3 CHECK THE COMPASS DIMMING

• Turn the headlamp switch to the parking lamps ON position.
• Does the compass display dim?

Yes
TURN the headlamp switch to the OFF position. GO to A4 .

No
TURN the headlamp switch to the OFF position. GO to A8 . A4 CHECK THE COMPASS ZONE SETTING

• Set the compass to the correct zone for your location. Refer to Compass Zone Adjustment in this section.
• Does the zone adjustment set correctly?

Yes
GO to A5 .

No
INSTALL a new overhead console. REFER to Section 501-12 . TEST the system for normal operation. A5 CALIBRATE THE COMPASS

• Calibrate the compass. Refer to Compass Calibration in this section.
• Is the compass calibrated correctly?

Yes
GO to A6 .

No
INSTALL a new overhead console. REFER to Section 501-12 . TEST the system for normal operation. A6 CHECK THE COMPASS ACCURACY

• Position the vehicle at each of the 8 directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) and verify that the displayed heading is accurate. The vehicle must be stationary for at least 10 seconds at each direction.
• Is the compass display accurate in each direction?

Yes
The compass is OK. REVIEW the operation of the compass with the customer.

No
INSTALL a new overhead console. REFER to Section 501-12 . TEST the system for normal operation. A7 CHECK THE VOLTAGE SUPPLY TO THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE

• Key in OFF position.
• Disconnect: Overhead Console C930.
• Key in ON position.
• Measure the voltage between the overhead console C930-1, circuit 964 (DB/LG), harness side and ground.
• Is the voltage greater than 10 volts?

Yes
TURN the key to the OFF position. GO to A9 .

No
VERIFY the CJB fuse 15 (7.5A) is OK. If OK, REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation. A8 CHECK THE DIMMING CIRCUIT

• Key in OFF position.
• Disconnect: Overhead Console C930.
• Turn the headlamp switch to the parking lamps ON position.
• Measure the voltage between the overhead console C930-4, circuit 484 (OG/BK), harness side and ground while rotating the instrument panel dimmer switch.
• Does the voltage vary between 0 and 10 volts?

Yes
GO to A9 .

No
REFER to Section 413-00 for further diagnosis of the instrument cluster and panel illumination. A9 CHECK CIRCUIT 676 (PK/OG) FOR OPEN

• Measure the resistance between the overhead console C930-2, circuit 676 (PK/OG), harness side and ground.
• Is the resistance less than 5 ohms?

Yes
INSTALL a new overhead console. REFER to Section 501-12 . TEST the system for normal operation.

No
REPAIR the circuit. TEST the system for normal operation.

There are two fuses one in the right I/P junction block an one in the left I/P junction block ! The right is marked DK / RKE 10amp fuse. The left is marked A/C / CRUSE 10amp fuse ! I don't think these are the problem ! These fuses supply power to the microprocessor in the driver information center . According to my service information the microprocessor supply's power to the ambient air temperature sensor an to the compass.
This mode displays an 8 point compass heading on the left hand side of the DIC. The compass will display the current vehicle direction relative to one of 8 compass headings using N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW for the readout. The ambient temperature displays on the right hand side of the DIC. If the ambient temperature is below 3?°C (37?°F), the temperature reading will toggle between displaying the outside temperature and the word ICE for two minutes. If the temperature is less than minus 40?°F for more than 2 seconds, OC will display. If the temperature is above 140?°F for more than 2 seconds, SC will be displayed. If OC or SC is displayed DTC's will be set. For compass calibration and compass magnetic variation adjustment refer to Electronic Compass Calibration .

Yes. Wish I could tell you which button for sure, but to reprogram the Compass you hold one of the buttons and drive in a circle one or two times to reacquire your position.

The flashing "C" in the Instrument cluster if for the Compass. Here's the bulletine...

Subject: Compass Displays a Steady or Flashing "C" In Place Of Directional Heading
Models: 2008 Saturn VUE built on or after 11/09/2007
This PI was superseded to update Recommendation/Instructions. Please discard PIT4699.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern: The compass displays a steady or flashing "C" in place of directional heading.

To return to a normal heading display, press and hold the cluster stem for approximately 2 Seconds.

The displayed heading is not correct after driving for 30 seconds, use the following "Compass Calibration" routine.

Press cluster stem until the Season Odometer is displayed (Not Trip A or B).

Press and hold cluster Stem until the solid "C" is displayed. To the right of the "C" will be the "Zone". Refer to the variation zone map above for the correct setting. Turn the stem Right to increase, Left to decrease. It will take a few seconds for a change of zone to be updated in the display.

Once the Zone is correct, press the Stem to display the Flashing "C". Do not touch the Stem again until the direction is learned. Drive the vehicle in slow circles in an open area until you see a compass (oc tant) heading replace the flashing C.

Note: Vehicles built prior to 11/09/2007 were not built with a compass.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Engineering is aware of this condition and is in the process of root causing. It is known that the Remote Compass Module (RCM), Body Control Module (BCM) and Cluster hardware are not at fault, and these parts should not be replaced.

Reinforce with the PDI technicians that the Compass Zone and calibration is still required as part of PDI.

Hope helps (remember to rate and comment this answer).

The flashing "C" in the Instrument cluster if for the Compass. Here's the bulletine...

Subject: Compass Displays a Steady or Flashing "C" In Place Of Directional Heading
Models: 2008 Saturn VUE built on or after 11/09/2007
This PI was superseded to update Recommendation/Instructions. Please discard PIT4699.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern: The compass displays a steady or flashing "C" in place of directional heading.

To return to a normal heading display, press and hold the cluster stem for approximately 2 Seconds.

The displayed heading is not correct after driving for 30 seconds, use the following "Compass Calibration" routine.

Press cluster stem until the Season Odometer is displayed (Not Trip A or B).

Press and hold cluster Stem until the solid "C" is displayed. To the right of the "C" will be the "Zone". Refer to the variation zone map above for the correct setting. Turn the stem Right to increase, Left to decrease. It will take a few seconds for a change of zone to be updated in the display.

Once the Zone is correct, press the Stem to display the Flashing "C". Do not touch the Stem again until the direction is learned. Drive the vehicle in slow circles in an open area until you see a compass (oc tant) heading replace the flashing C.

Note: Vehicles built prior to 11/09/2007 were not built with a compass.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Engineering is aware of this condition and is in the process of root causing. It is known that the Remote Compass Module (RCM), Body Control Module (BCM) and Cluster hardware are not at fault, and these parts should not be replaced.

Reinforce with the PDI technicians that the Compass Zone and calibration is still required as part of PDI.

Hope helps (remember to rate and comment this answer).

Compass Calibration
Before calibrating the compass, drive the vehicle to an area that is magnetically clean or free of large metallic objects. Verify there are no magnetized objects on the inside or outside of the vehicle close to the mirror.

Start the engine.
Press and hold the switch for the compass, which may be depicted as COMP, COMPASS, or On/Off (w/UE1) depending on the type of mirror on the vehicle, until the letter "C" or "CAL" is displayed.
Drive the vehicle in circles at a speed of less than 8 km/h (5 mph) until the "C" or "CAL" is replaced by a proper vehicle heading. The calibration procedure is now complete.
Compass Magnetic Variation Adjustment
Magnetic variation adjustments are required when the compass displays a constant error in heading. Variation is the difference between magnetic north and true north due to geographical location.

1. Stop the vehicle and place it in "Park."
   

2. 
   

   Press and hold the "Set" button on the compass for about two seconds. The button is located directly below the compass to the right.
   

3. 
   

   Press the "E/M" button repeatedly until the correct zone is displayed. If you do not know your zone, you might have to contact your dealer for this information.
   

4. 
   

   Press and hold the "Set" button for about two seconds until the display flashes, indicating that the compass is reset.
   

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The "OC" indicates your compass is "Out of Calibration". Below is the proceedure to recalibrate your compass.

Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration if:

After five seconds, the display does not show a
compass heading (N for North, for example), there
may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the
compass. Such interference may be caused by a
magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder
or a similar magnetic item.

The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, the letters CAL must be displayed
in the mirror compass windows. If CAL is not
displayed, push in the COMP button for approximately
eight seconds or until the letters CAL are displayed.
The compass can be calibrated in one of two ways:

Drive the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less
until the display reads a direction, or

drive the vehicle on your everyday routine and after
several turns the compass will become calibrated and
will display a direction.

Good luck.

Typically the "OC" indicates your compass is out of calibration.
If you check your owners manual it will tell you how to re-calibrate the compass.
Let me know.
Regards,