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newbie w/ a broken compass

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Posted by: marksarcade

Hello all, I'm new to this site, and a new 96 VIII owner. The compass is not working , when you push down the button for compass, the display says to check compass system. ANY IDEAS ? Also did my homework reading up on the air ride & regular suspension posts, just trying to decide if I want to switch over to regular suspension. EXCELLENT WEBSITE !!!

Posted by: MsM8tress

Welcome, and congragtulations on the most enjoyable purchase of your whole life.

I've had a few Mark VIII's but none w/a bad dir. sys. actually I really depend on mine (I get lost, alot! - lol) but I am sure one of these guys have, ifnot, they will know where to steer ya!

Again welcome and enjoy!
MsM8tress

Posted by: MsM8tress

Have you tried resetting the compass? Got the manual, (pg 70 reset compass)?

If not I found this - too funny I google for the subject lines from the manual, and 1st on the search was, these guys have skillz!!!

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=4614

Oh, taking the air off a Lincoln is like neutring your dog.

I'm pretty new member myself myself but I have owned a Mark VIII for the last 11 years, there isn't anything else worth driving.

God Luck!
Debi

Posted by: 1wykdmk8

First off....

to the LvC! And thanx for the props on the site.....we really appreciate it.

As for your compass....hopefully you have a multimeter.....that is what it is going to take to test what is wrong with your compass.....here is what you will need to do:

1) Disconnect the 6 pin wire connector on the compass module in the trunk.

2) Check for 12 volts between pin 3 (white with pink wire) and ground (key must be in the ACC position.

3) If there is no voltage then service the white with pink wire for an open circuit. If there is 12 volts then continue on.

4) Measure resistance between pin 5 of the compass module and pin 35 of the message center. Check to see if the resistance is between 7000 and 8500 ohms.

5) If the resistance is not between 7000 and 8500 ohms then service that wire for an open. If the resistance is between 7000 and 8500 ohms then continue on.

6) Measure resistance between pin 4 of the compass module and pin 26 of the message center. Check to see if the resistance is between 1600 and 2000 ohms.

7) If the resistance is not between 1600 and 2000 ohms then service that wire for an open. If the resistance is between 1600 and 2000 ohms then continue on.

8) Verify ground between pins 5 & 6 of the compass module.

9) If the ground is no good then service the black wire for an open. But, if the ground is good then you will need to replace the compass module.

Hope that helps.....

Also, please deposit $2.00 into my paypal account for services rendered......you like that one Rich (mespock?)

Posted by: Kbob

Welcome! Air ride is nicer, but regular suspension is cheaper IMO. If price is a big factor, make the switch. If not, keep the air.

Posted by: Lincolnpimpin

to LVC as you already can see you've got a question they've got ansers.

(not me on this subject though IDK what the F yall talkin about

accepet the air ride part

)

Posted by: JoeyLincolnMK8

welcome aboard, i agree with the majority here when it comes to the air ride with our cars, i re-did my whole front end, spend roughly close to $900! both front struts, upper control arms, and ball joints! when the bags die out again, i will switch over to coil conversion kit! good luck!

Posted by: pepperman

Posted by: marksarcade

Thanks for all the help, I will check out the compass this weekend, I also need to order front air struts, I bought a compressor last week from strutmasters off ebay and installed it.The car lifts up but sometimes after sitting a while the bags slowly starts to lose air. Thanks again all.

Posted by: 1wykdmk8

Either give Max a call (1-800-866-1520 ext. 236) or try American Air for the front struts....also go with the 97-98 cause they ride better....and are lighter....

Posted by: MonsterMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1wykdmk8

Either give Max a call (1-800-866-1520 ext. 236) or try American Air for the front struts....also go with the 97-98 cause they ride better....and are lighter....

Sure wish you were coming to the meet Ray so you could help me with the stereo install. I'm totally lost trying to add an amp to the stock system.

Posted by: 1wykdmk8

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonsterMark

Sure wish you were coming to the meet Ray so you could help me with the stereo install. I'm totally lost trying to add an amp to the stock system.

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