Dodge Dakota (R1). Manual - part 336

front-mounted reading and courtesy lamps, a sun-
glasses storage bin, universal transmitter and either
a standard paperclip or an optional compass mini-
trip computer.

The overhead console is secured with two snap

clips at the rear and a single screw at the front to
the overhead console mounting bracket. The front of
the overhead console mounting bracket is secured to
the roof header near the windshield with two screws,
and the rear of the bracket is secured with double-
faced tape to the inside surface of the roof panel. A
single electrical connection joins the overhead console
wire harness to the roof wire harness.

Following are general descriptions of the major

components used in the overhead console. See the
owner’s manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information on the use and operation of the various
overhead console features.

SUNGLASS STORAGE BIN

A sunglasses storage bin is included in the over-

head console. The storage bin is located near the cen-
ter of the overhead console and is held in the closed
position by a spring-loaded latch mechanism that is

integral to the storage bin door. The interior of the
bin is lined with a foam rubber padding material to
protect the sunglasses from being scratched. A
damper spring is snapped onto the pivot shaft of the
sunglasses storage bin door. The damper spring
engages two flats on the shaft and is anchored in a
slot in the rear flange of the overhead console read-
ing and courtesy lamp housing to provide a smooth
opening action and an open detent position for the
storage bin unit.

The sunglasses storage bin and door unit is avail-

able for service replacement. The bin and door unit
includes the spring-loaded latch mechanism, the bin
liner and the damper spring. If any of these compo-
nents is damaged or faulty, the sunglasses storage
bin and door unit must be replaced.

The sunglasses storage bin is opened by pressing

the latch on the rear edge of the door towards the
front of the vehicle, then pulling the bin downward to
the open detent position. The spring-loaded latch
mechanism on the sunglasses bin door will automat-
ically engage when the bin is closed. See the owner’s
manual in the vehicle glove box for more information
on the use and operation of the sunglasses storage
bin.

PAPERCLIP

A paperclip is standard equipment on the base ver-

sion of the overhead console. The paperclip provides
a convenient place for storage and easy retrieval of
notes, maps, toll tickets or stubs and other paper

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items that may be required or desired while driving.
The paperclip is located near the front of the over-
head console and is secured in the overhead console
housing by four screws.

The paperclip is available for service replacement,

but it cannot be adjusted or repaired. If the paperclip
is damaged or faulty it must be replaced.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
VARIATION ADJUSTMENT

Compass variance, also known as magnetic decli-

nation, is the difference in angle between magnetic
north and true geographic north. In some geographic
locations, the difference between magnetic and geo-
graphic north is great enough to cause the compass
to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the
compass variance must be set.

To set the compass variance:
(1) Using the Variance Settings map, find your

geographic location and note the zone number (Fig.
1).

(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If

the compass/temperature data is not currently being
displayed, momentarily depress and release the Step
push button to step through the display options until
you have reached the compass/temperature display.

(3) Depress both the U.S./Metric, and the Step

push buttons and hold the buttons down until “VAR”
appears in the display. This takes about five seconds.

(4) Release both of the push buttons. “VAR” along

with the current variance zone will appear in the dis-
play.

(5) Momentarily depress and release the U.S./Met-

ric push button to step through the zone numbers,
until the zone number for your geographic location
appears in the display.

(6) Momentarily depress and release the Step push

button to enter the displayed zone number into the
compass unit memory.

(7) Confirm that the correct directions are now

indicated by the compass.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
CALIBRATION

CAUTION: Do not place any external magnets, such
as magnetic roof mount antennas, in the vicinity of
the compass. Do not use magnetic tools when ser-
vicing the overhead console.

The electronic compass unit features a self-cali-

brating design, which simplifies the calibration pro-
cedure.

This

feature

automatically

updates

the

compass calibration while the vehicle is being driven.
This allows the compass unit to compensate for small
changes in the residual magnetism that the vehicle
may acquire during normal use. If the compass read-
ings appear to be erratic or out of calibration, per-
form the following calibration procedure. Also, new

Fig. 1 Variance Settings

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OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

service

replacement

compass

mini-trip

computer

modules must have their compass calibrated using
this procedure. Do not attempt to calibrate the com-
pass near large metal objects such as other vehicles,
large buildings, or bridges; or, near overhead or
underground power lines.

NOTE: Whenever the compass is calibrated manu-
ally, the variation number must also be reset. See
Compass Variation Adjustment in the Service Pro-
cedures section of this group.

Calibrate the compass manually as follows:
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If

(2) Depress both the U.S./Metric and the Step

push buttons. Hold the push buttons down until
“CAL” appears in the display. This takes about ten
seconds, and appears about five seconds after “VAR”
is displayed.

(3) Release both of the push buttons.
(4) Drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from

large metal objects and power lines, through three or
more complete circles in not less than 48 seconds.
The “CAL” message will disappear from the display
to indicate that the compass is now calibrated.

NOTE: If the “CAL” message remains in the display,
either there is excessive magnetism near the com-
pass, or the unit is faulty. Repeat the calibration
procedure at least one more time.

NOTE: If the wrong direction is still indicated in the
compass display, the area selected for calibration
may be too close to a strong magnetic field. Repeat
the calibration procedure in another location.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - COMPASS
DEMAGNETIZING

A degaussing tool (Special Tool 6029) is used to

demagnetize, or degauss, the overhead console for-
ward mounting screw and the roof panel above the
overhead console. Equivalent units must be rated as
continuous duty for 110/115 volts and 60 Hz. They
must also have a field strength of over 350 gauss at 7
millimeters (0.25 inch) beyond the tip of the probe.

To demagnetize the roof panel and the overhead

console forward mounting screw, proceed as follows:

(1) Be certain that the ignition switch is in the Off

position, before you begin the demagnetizing proce-
dure.

(2) Connect the degaussing tool to an electrical

outlet, while keeping the tool at least 61 centimeters
(2 feet) away from the compass unit.

(3) Slowly approach the head of the overhead con-

sole forward mounting screw with the degaussing
tool connected.

(4) Contact the head of the screw with the plastic

coated tip of the degaussing tool for about two sec-
onds.

(5) With the degaussing tool still energized, slowly

back it away from the screw. When the tip of the tool
is at least 61 centimeters (2 feet) from the screw
head, disconnect the tool.

(6) Place a piece of paper approximately 22 by 28

centimeters (8.5 by 11 inches), oriented on the vehicle
lengthwise from front to rear, on the center line of
the roof at the windshield header (Fig. 2). The pur-
pose of the paper is to protect the roof panel from
scratches, and to define the area to be demagnetized.

(7) Connect the degaussing tool to an electrical

outlet, while keeping the tool at least 61 centimeters
(2 feet) away from the compass unit.

(8) Slowly approach the center line of the roof

panel at the windshield header, with the degaussing
tool connected.

Fig. 2 Roof Demagnetizing Pattern

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OVERHEAD CONSOLE (Continued)

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