Standard Procedure - Compass Variation Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2004 Dodge Caravan, and 2004 Chrysler Town & Country. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Compass variance, also known as magnetic declination, is the difference in angle between magnetic north and true 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 setting may need to be changed.

To set the compass variance:

Using the Variance Settings map, find your geographic location and note the zone number (Fig 1 ).

Fig 1: Identifying Variance Settings Map
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If the compass/thermometer data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the C/T push button to reach the compass/thermometer display.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVEC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles depress the Reset push button and hold the button down until "VAR = XX" appears in the display. This takes about five seconds. On Compass Temperature Module (CT) equipped vehicles depress the C/T push button and US/M push button down until "VAR = XX" appears in the display. This takes about five seconds.
Release the push button(s). "VAR =XX " will remain in the display. "XX" equals the current variance zone setting.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVEC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles momentarily depress and release the STEP push button to step through the zone numbers, until the zone number for your geographic location appears in the display. On Compass Temperature Module (CT) equipped vehicles depress the US/M push button to step through the zone numbers, until the zone number for your geographic location appears in the display.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles momentarily depress and release the RESET push button to enter the displayed zone number into the EVIC/CMTC module memory. On Compass Temperature Module (CT) equipped vehicles depress the C/T push button to enter the displayed zone number into the electronic module memory.
Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.