Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Service procedures

Compass variation adjustment

Variance is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some geographic locations, the difference between magnetic and geographic north is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the compass variance must be set.

To set the compass variance: (1) Using the Variance Settings map, find your geographic location and note the zone number (Fig.

1).

Fig. 1 Variance Settings

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If the compass/temperature data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step button to step through the display options until you have reached the compass/temperature display.

(3) Depress both the U. S./Metric, and the Step buttons. Hold the buttons down until "VAR" appears in the display. This takes about five seconds.

(4) Release both of the buttons. The current variance zone number setting will appear in the display.

(5) Press and release the U. S./Metric button to step through the zone numbers, until the zone number for your geographic location appears in the display.

(6) Press the Step button to enter this zone number into the compass unit memory.

(7) Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.

Compass calibration

CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when servicing the overhead console.

The electronic compass unit features a self-calibrating design, which simplifies the calibration procedure.

This feature automatically updates the compass calibration while the vehicle is being driven.

This allows the compass unit to compensate for small changes in the residual magnetism that the vehicle may acquire during normal use. Do not attempt to calibrate the compass near large metal objects such as other vehicles, large buildings, or bridges.

NOTE: Whenever the compass is calibrated manually, the variation number must also be reset. See Compass Variation Adjustment in the Service Procedures section of this group.

Calibrate the compass manually as follows: (1) Start the engine. If the compass/temperature data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step button to step through the display options until you have reached the compass/ temperature display.

(2) Depress both the U. S./Metric and the Step buttons. Hold the buttons down until "CAL" appears in the display. This takes about ten seconds, and appears about five seconds after "VAR" is displayed.

(3) Release both of the buttons.

(4) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from large metal objects, through three or more complete circles in not less than 48 seconds. The "CAL" message will disappear from the display to indicate that the compass is now calibrated.

NOTE: If the "CAL" message remains in the display, either there is excessive magnetism near the compass, or the unit is faulty. Repeat the demagnetizing and calibration procedures at least one more time.

NOTE: If the wrong direction is still indicated in the compass display, the area selected for calibration may be too close to a strong magnetic field. Repeat the calibration procedure in another location.

Compass demagnetizing

A degaussing tool (Special Tool 6029) is used to demagnetize, or degauss, the overhead console forward mounting screw(s) and the roof panel. Equivalent units must be rated as continuous duty for 110/ 115 volts and 60 Hz. They must also have a field strength of over 350 gauss at 7 millimeters (0.25 inch) beyond the tip of the probe.

To demagnetize the roof panel and the overhead console forward mounting screw(s), proceed as follows: (1) Be certain that the ignition switch is in the Off position, before you begin the demagnetizing procedure.

(2) Plug in the degaussing tool, while keeping the tool at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) away from the compass unit.

(3) Slowly approach the head of the overhead console forward mounting screw with the degaussing tool plugged in.

(4) Contact the head of each screw with the plastic coated tip of the degaussing tool for about two seconds.

(5) With the degaussing tool still energized, slowly back it away from the screw. When the tip of the tool is at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) from the screw head, unplug the tool.

(6) Place a piece of paper approximately 22 by 28 centimeters (8.5 by 11 inches), oriented on the vehicle lengthwise from front to rear, on the center line of the roof at the windshield header (Fig. 2). The purpose of the paper is to protect the roof panel from scratches, and to define the area to be demagnetized.

(7) Plug in the degaussing tool, while keeping the tool at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) away from the compass unit.

(8) Slowly approach the center line of the roof panel at the windshield header, with the degaussing tool plugged in.

(9) Contact the roof panel with the plastic coated tip of the degaussing tool. Be sure that the template is in place to avoid scratching the roof panel. Using a slow, back-and-forth sweeping motion, and allowing 13 millimeters (0.50 inch) between passes, move the tool at least 11 centimeters (4 inches) to each side of the roof center line, and 28 centimeters (11 inches) back from the windshield header.

Fig. 2 Roof Demagnetizing Pattern

(10) With the degaussing tool still energized, slowly back it away from the roof panel. When the tip of the tool is at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) from the roof panel, unplug the tool.

(11) Calibrate the compass and adjust the compass variance as described in the Service Procedures section of this group.