Compass Demagnetizing

Compass Demagnetizing

A degaussing tool (Special Tool 6029) is used to demagnetize, or degauss, the overhead console front mounting screw and the roof panel.
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 1/4-inch beyond the tip of the probe.

To demagnetize the roof panel and the console forward mounting screw, proceed as follows:

1. Be certain the ignition switch is in the OFF position, before you begin the demagnetizing procedure.
2. Plug in the degaussing tool, while keeping the tool at least two feet away from the compass unit.
3. Slowly approach the head of the overhead console front mounting screw with the plastic coated tip of the degaussing tool.
Contact the head of the screw with the tip of the tool for about two seconds.
4. With the degaussing tool still energized, slowly back it away from the screw.
When the tool is at least two feet from the screw head, unplug the tool.
5. Place an 8-1/2 X 11-inch piece of paper, oriented on the vehicle lengthwise from front to rear, on the center line of the roof at the windshield header.
The purpose of the paper is to protect the roof panel from scratches, and to define the area to be demagnetized.
6. Plug in the degaussing tool, while keeping the tool at least two feet away from the compass unit.
7. Slowly approach the center line of the roof panel at the windshield header, with the degaussing tool plugged in.
8. Contact the roof panel with the tip of the tool.
Be sure the template is in place to avoid scratching the roof panel.

Roof Demagnetizing Pattern:

Using a slow, back-and-forth sweeping motion, and allowing 1/2-inch between passes, move the tool at least four inches to each side of the roof center line, and eleven inches back from the windshield header.
9. With the degaussing tool still energized, slowly back it away from the roof panel.
When the tip of the tool is at least two feet from the roof panel, unplug the tool.
10. Calibrate the compass Compass Calibration and adjust the compass variance. Compass Variation Adjustment