[rsnyderjr2]

Hi Guys - I just got a '99 1500 Laramie - only thing I've found wrong with it so far is that the compass is stuck on East...

I did the diagnostic test found in this thread when searching for a fix - http://www.ramforumz.com/showthread.php?t=87153&highlight=compass

Got a "PASS" result. I'm assuming it's probably a bad compass sensor/sender perhaps?? If anyone can suggest most likely problem/solution - and where the likely culprit part is located/where to get new one - it would be very much appreciated. Thanks!!

PS - on my car forum we all bought our new parts from a Dealer in Indy who gave us a nice discount for being members of the forum - do we have a "Go To" dealer like that here for our needed Truck Parts?? Thanks Again!

 

[snrusnak]

Turn the truck in a different direction....

I would assume the "sensor" or whatever is bad also.

I'm not aware of any preferred dealer but there are several site sponsors that give good prices to members.

 

[rsnyderjr2]

OK - I found the answer posted on another forum - posting here in case anyone runs across this thread and needs the answer...

Just needed to recalibrate the compass - after I did the diagnosis test it apparently left it in calibration mode (it said "CAL" under the direction indicator)... to calibrate it I just drove around in a tight circle a few times...

Here's how to do the diagnosis test again:

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
A self-diagnostic test is used to determine that the compass mini-trip computer module is operating properly electrically. Initiate the self-diagnostic test as follows:
(1) With the ignition switch in the Off position, simultaneously depress and hold the Step button and the U.S./Metric button.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
(3) Continue to hold both buttons depressed until the compass mini-trip computer module enters the display segment test. In this test, all of the Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) segments are lighted while the compass mini-trip computer module per- forms the following checks:
• Microprocessor RAM read/write test • Non-volatile memory read/write test • Microprocessor ROM verification test • CCD communications test.
(4) Following completion of these tests, the com- pass mini-trip computer will display one of three messages: “PASS,” “FAIL,” or “CCd.” Respond to the respective test results as follows:
• If the “PASS” message is displayed, but compass mini-trip computer operation is still improper, the use of a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are required for further diagno- sis.
• If the “FAIL” message is displayed, the compass mini-trip computer module is faulty and must be replaced.
• If the “CCd” message is displayed, the use of a DRB�� scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Proce- dures manual are required for further diagnosis.
• If any VFD segment should fail to light during the display segment test, the compass mini-trip com- puter module is faulty and must be replaced.
(5) If all tests are passed, or if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, the compass mini-trip computer module will automatically return to normal operation.

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And here's an alternate routine:

Turn on the ignition and set the display to CompTemp.
While pressing the USMetric button, press the Comp
Temp button for at least 10 seconds until the CAL symbol
appears. Release both buttons and complete three 360 d
turns in an area free from large metal objects in not less
than 48 seconds. The CAL symbol will turn off and the
compass will (or should) function normally.