Compass frpzem at due north

[JohnMayo]

The only thing wrong with my 2014 MKZ is that the compass froze a couple of months ago. I clean and polish this car almost continuously to the point of OCD. I have no idea where the compass is or if I could have somehow "plugged" with wax. And if that isn't it, what else could it be? Should I do a master reset? I'm lost here, help!

[Smokestone10]

I *think* the magnetic sensors for the compass are behind the bumper covers, but I'm not sure of that. You can reset the compass yourself- if these don't work then it might be a job for the dealer. 

http://www.linhelps.com/content-1115.html

Here is resetting the compass zone, which can vary a bit depending on what part of the country you're in. There's a map on the page showing where to set it. 

http://www.linhelps.com/content-1114.html

[R2D2]

10 hours ago, Smokestone10 said:

I *think* the magnetic sensors for the compass are behind the bumper covers, but I'm not sure of that. You can reset the compass yourself- if these don't work then it might be a job for the dealer. 

http://www.linhelps.com/content-1115.html

Here is resetting the compass zone, which can vary a bit depending on what part of the country you're in. There's a map on the page showing where to set it. 

http://www.linhelps.com/content-1114.html

Smokestone,

Are those the instructions from your 2010 vehicle? They do not make sense for a 2014 that JonMayo lists in his info as the radio doesn't match.

In search through the 2014 manual online, there are no compass reset instructions that I can find.

John, I do not know if the Master Reset would help you but surely other will chime in with their thoughts on that

Edited October 4, 2018 by R2D2

[drolds1]

8 hours ago, R2D2 said:

Smokestone,

Are those the instructions from your 2010 vehicle? They do not make sense for a 2014 that JonMayo lists in his info as the radio doesn't match.

In search through the 2014 manual online, there are no compass reset instructions that I can find.

John, I do not know if the Master Reset would help you but surely other will chime in with their thoughts on that

That's correct.  There are no compass reset instructions for Gen-2 cars.  First-gen cars had a separate compass module.  IDK how the compass in Gen-2 cars operates.  I suspect it's integrated into Sync or the programming of the IC.  

To the OP:  you might try a master reset or disconnecting the battery to see if it resets.  If not, you'll probably need to visit a dealer.  One thing I can be certain of is that no amount of waxing your car is going to adversely affect the compass.   

[Smokestone10]

13 hours ago, R2D2 said:

Smokestone,

Are those the instructions from your 2010 vehicle? They do not make sense for a 2014 that JonMayo lists in his info as the radio doesn't match.

In search through the 2014 manual online, there are no compass reset instructions that I can find.

John, I do not know if the Master Reset would help you but surely other will chime in with their thoughts on that

They are not- the radio doesn't look like mine either (I think two head units were available in the 2010s- the one with the in-dash changer and the one without... I'd have to double check to make sure). It was linked under 2013 so I'm thinking the site has a mix up. I bookmarked it earlier after a buddy had a compass freeze on his Explorer, that time everything matched up.