COMPASS function working without PCM ?

[Guest]

I was reading about the COMPASS Activation beeing available only for the cars that have the PCM installed, more exactlly the PCM2.1.

However, the other day, a friend of mine with a 2003-2004 PCS came to me to clear some error codes, and what I discovered is that he had this function running even if he didnt have the PCM installed; the car came with the CDR23 installed. So, I assume that the GPS antennas are allready in the car? On the main gauges settings, there was also a setting that allowed you to run test and callibrate the COMPASS, so that I had to drive the car in a full circle, and it worked.

Anyone know how is this possible?

the picture that I tooked doesnt show the actual configuration, but I will get another one in a few days to show all the dashboard.

[wirunner]

My 04 CS without nav has the compass (same as in your pic). If you look at the order guides available on this website, they were only an $80 option. And yes, there is a recalibration selection in the menu, not that I've ever used it. I am not sure having a compass requires a GPS antenna.

I was reading about the COMPASS Activation beeing available only for the cars that have the PCM installed, more exactlly the PCM2.1.

However, the other day, a friend of mine with a 2003-2004 PCS came to me to clear some error codes, and what I discovered is that he had this function running even if he didnt have the PCM installed; the car came with the CDR23 installed. So, I assume that the GPS antennas are allready in the car? On the main gauges settings, there was also a setting that allowed you to run test and callibrate the COMPASS, so that I had to drive the car in a full circle, and it worked.

Anyone know how is this possible?

the picture that I tooked doesnt show the actual configuration, but I will get another one in a few days to show all the dashboard.

[Guest]

Didnt knew that this was possible, without a GPS configuration. so, as the TSB says it's only a software. that is what I think also about the option that you got. still interesting and still think it uses a gps antenna for doing it.

[mudman2]

There is a magnetic field sensor package which I think is installed under the rear seat (955-642--23-00)

The option is not software activateable without that hardware.

Didnt knew that this was possible, without a GPS configuration. so, as the TSB says it's only a software. that is what I think also about the option that you got. still interesting and still think it uses a gps antenna for doing it.

[RFM]

The compass sits in the cluster and works autonomous, the reason is if the car is equipped with the navigation option and you drive through a long tunnel, the GPS antenna ( sat. signal reception ) may be disturbed or drop out, the compass will take over temporary and limited.