Did you know that some Ford models come with electronic compasses? The purpose of an electronic compass is the same as the conventional one and that is to assist with navigation and orientation. If you own a Ford that has a compass and are getting a compass data error, read this article to learn what the error is about and how you can fix it.
A Compass data error on Ford means there’s something wrong with the compass system of the vehicle. This can usually be solved by recalibrating the compass or replacing/repairing the compass control module.
If you rarely use the compass in your vehicle, you may not be bothered by the compass error data message as it has no effect on other components of your car. However, if you use the compass regularly or just like every component of your car in working condition, you’ll most likely want the compass fixed. And this is what you’ll learn in this article.
Benefits Of A Car Compass
There are some benefits to having a compass installed in your car and the most significant of these is navigation as compasses show directions. So, a compass installed in your car can guide you when driving in unfamiliar areas and point you in the right direction. With an electronic compass installed in your car, you don’t have to rely on your maps, mobile phones, or even landmarks while driving.
Depending on the type of compass you have, you may also get other functionalities like distance measurement, longitude, latitude, and vehicle speed measurements. Some car compasses, especially the add-on ones, can even alert the driver when they are overseeing.
Some car compasses are very stylish, effectively acting as adornment and enhancing the look of a car. We’ve seen compasses with sapphire jewel construction and boy, those compasses are aesthetically pleading, very aesthetically pleasing to be accurate. However, those installed by car manufacturers aren’t usually that stylish.
Do Ford Vehicles Have Electronic Compasses?
Yes, some Ford vehicles come with electronic compasses which can be used by drivers for navigation. Depending on the model of the car, the compass could have a control located in the back of the car. Sometimes, the control module can be located behind the driving mirror.
In many Ford models, the compass tells you the direction you are driving by displaying a letter. N is for North, E for East, S for South, W for the west, SE for South East, NW for North West, and so on. You get the gist.
Compass Data Error Explained
A Compass data error pops up when something is wrong with the compass. When this happens, you’ll have to fix the underlying cause. Until you successfully fix the underlying problem, you won’t be able to use your compass.
There are a number of reasons why you may get the compass data error. One of these could be loss of calibration due to interference from power lines or strong magnetic fields. In case you don’t know, your car’s compass system uses a magnetic field to calibrate and tell the direction you are driving.
Your car’s compass is usually calibrated before you take it from the dealership. However, this calibration can be lost over time resulting in an error message and necessitating the need for recalibration.
Another reason why you may get the error message could be due to an issue with the compass control module. When this happens, you may need to replace the control module. Your mechanic may be able to repair the control module if the problem isn’t big enough to render it useless.
How To Fix Compass Data Error
There’s no need to panic when you get a compass data error. Most times the problem can be resolved by recalibrating your compass. Below are ways to fix the compass data error. Here we go:
Recalibrate Your Compass
Consult the owner’s manual for instructions on how to recalibrate your compass. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you can try to see if you’ll find an electronic copy online. That said, we’ll take you through the general procedure of recalibrating your compass.
The first thing to do is to crank your engine. Then, press the preset buttons on your radio. These are usually the 9 and 7 buttons. Hold these buttons for about 10 seconds or until you see ‘CAL’ in the display.
When you see CAL, drive your car in a very slow circle taking care not to exceed 3 mph. Your compass is calibrating itself during this time and CAL will disappear when the calibration is complete.
Important things to take note of when calibrating your car include:
- Turn all electronics off during the calibration process to avoid any interference.
- Drive slowly in a circle. You may need to make up to 5 circles before your car is fully calibrated.
- Ensure all doors are closed.
Replace The Compass Control Module
Sometimes, the compass control module is faulty and needs to be repaired or replaced. Unless you are replacing the compass control module, you will need a mechanic for any repair job.
To know where the compass control module is located, consult the owner’s manual. Depending on the model and make of your Ford, the compass control module could be behind the driving mirror or in the back of the car.
After locating the compass control module, you can use a screwdriver to remove the existing one and then replace it with a new one. If you are letting your mechanic handle the job, they can tell you if the current control module can still be salvaged or not.
Dealership May Fix Your Compass For Cheap
If your car is still under warranty, the dealership where you bought it from can do repairs on your vehicle for cheap or even free depending on the nature of the problem. Chances are, your dealership is willing to fix the compass data error for you for free.
If the problem is with the calibration of your compass, they can easily help you with the recalibration process. If it’s a new compass transducer or control module that you need, you may also get that for free or at a discount.
