How to Calibrate the Digital Compass in a Subaru Forester’s Rearview Mirror?

March 20, 2024

Every Subaru owner should be familiar with the incredible features and innovation that the brand offers. After all, Subaru designs its vehicles with the utmost consideration for functionality and sophistication. One such impressive feature that many Subaru Forester owners appreciate is the digital compass integrated into the rearview mirror. Despite its convenience, some may find it a bit challenging to calibrate it. Fear not; we’ll guide you through the process of setting your mirror’s digital compass.

Understanding the Functionality of the Rearview Mirror Compass

Before you begin the calibration process, it’s essential to understand the function of the rearview mirror compass. Subaru has integrated this feature into many of their models, including the popular Outback and Forester. This compass display provides you with a real-time directional reading, helping you navigate the roads with ease.

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Built into the interior rearview mirror, the electronic compass will show you which direction your car is heading, displayed in abbreviations (N for North, S for South, E for East, and W for West). It’s a convenient feature, especially when you’re traversing unfamiliar territory. But to function accurately, it requires periodic calibration.

Steps to Calibrate Your Subaru’s Rearview Mirror Compass

An improperly calibrated compass can affect your navigation and overall driving experience. Fortunately, compass calibration in Subaru vehicles is a pretty straightforward process.

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Firstly, press the button located on the lower right side of the mirror. Hold it down for about 9 seconds until you see the compass display flashing ‘C.’ Once you see this, release the button.

Next, drive your vehicle in one or two tight circles at a slow pace, approximately 5 mph. As you do this, your compass will start to calibrate itself. Once calibrated, it will display the correct direction.

Remember, it’s crucial to carry out this calibration process in a zone free from magnetic interference. Large metallic structures, high voltage lines, and even other vehicles can affect the calibration.

Troubleshooting Calibration Issues

If your compass doesn’t calibrate correctly after following the above steps, there may be a deeper issue at hand. It’s time to put on your detective hat and dive deeper into potential problems.

Power-related issues are one of the common culprits. Check if your Subaru’s battery is in good condition. A weak or dying battery can prevent the compass in the mirror from calibrating correctly.

Another potential issue could be the location where you’re attempting the calibration. As mentioned earlier, nearby magnetic fields can affect the compass. Try changing your location and repeat the process.

If you’re still facing problems, it’s advisable to consult the vehicle’s manual or reach out to a Subaru forum. Online forums are a valuable source of information. Thousands of Subaru owners and enthusiasts are members of these forums, ready to share their experiences and solutions to common issues.

Leveraging Subaru Forums for Assistance

Subaru forums have proven to be a treasure trove of information for Subaru vehicle owners. With countless threads, replies, and active members, these forums are a great place to seek answers for all your Subaru-related queries.

To leverage the power of these forums, start by searching for threads related to your issue. For example, you can search "Subaru digital compass calibration issue" or "Subaru Forester rearview mirror compass not working."

Browse through the search results and read the discussions. Chances are, other Subaru owners have faced a similar problem and have found a solution that worked for them. If you don’t find a conclusive answer, don’t hesitate to start your own thread. Provide a detailed description of your problem, and other members of the forum will likely offer their advice and guidance.

Final Words

Maintaining the functionality of your Subaru’s rearview mirror compass is essential for a seamless driving experience. While the calibration process is straightforward, understanding how to troubleshoot potential issues is equally important. Be sure to consult your Subaru vehicle’s manual and stay active in Subaru forums to keep abreast of all things Subaru. Remember, a perfectly calibrated compass will never lead you astray.

Exploring Further Features of the Subaru’s Mirror Compass

Aside from the standard compass functionality, Subaru’s rearview mirror compass also integrates with an auto dimming feature. This function is designed to reduce glare from headlights of vehicles behind you, enhancing your comfort and safety during nighttime driving. In addition to its standard letters to indicate the direction, the mirror compass also includes an indicator to show if the auto dimming feature is active.

The auto dimming feature, paired with the mirror compass, offers an added layer of sophistication in models like the Subaru Outback, Subaru Impreza, and Subaru Crosstrek. However, it’s important to note that both features are tied to the vehicle’s power system. As such, if you encounter issues with either your mirror compass or auto dimming mirror, it might be related to power supply problems.

The auto dim feature can be turned on or off by pressing the button on the lower left of the mirror for about three seconds. When the feature is on, a green LED light will illuminate on the mirror. It’s worth noting that the auto dimming function and the compass display are independent of each other. So, even though they are located in the same rearview mirror, one feature can work while the other does not.

Navigating Subaru’s Technical Forums for Additional Support

If you’re still experiencing issues with your Subaru’s rearview mirror compass after following the calibration process and checking for power-related problems, Subaru technical forums can be your next destination for solutions.

In these forums, you’ll find a wealth of information from Subaru Forester, Outback Subaru, and Subaru Crosstrek owners who have faced similar issues and found remedies. With a simple search – like "subaru rear view mirror compass calibration" or "auto dimming mirror not working" – you’ll come across numerous threads that offer diverse solutions and advice from forum members.

However, it’s important to remember that these forums are not just for troubleshooting. They also host lively discussions about everything Subaru-related – from new models to adventurous road trip experiences. Therefore, even if you’ve resolved your compass issue, staying an active participant in these forums can keep you updated on the latest Subaru news and give you access to a community of passionate Subaru owners.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the digital compass in the rearview mirror of your Subaru Forester or any other Subaru model is a marvelous asset for convenient navigation. Even though its calibration seems technical, it’s a rather simple process once you get the hang of it. Additionally, don’t forget about the power of the Subaru community. Whether you’re facing technical issues or just want to share your Subaru experiences, engaging with Subaru forums can provide valuable insights and enrich your Subaru owner experience. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and enjoy the drive. After all, in a Subaru, every journey is an adventure.