ECU programmer to clear message center red flag - 2010 Limited

[rpeary]

So I recently replaced my factory rear view mirror with an aftermarket model with a built-in dvr and front facing camera. It constantly records both the front and rear cameras. My problem now, is that whenever I start the engine, the message center says "Compass Not Detected", (even though the digital compass on the map works fine), and I have to press the reset button on the dash to clear it. Kind of annoying so when brought to the dealer they said that the ECU would have to be reprogrammed for about $150 and IF there is a disabler for that flag then it could be done.

 

My question is, has anyone attempted to use a programming module on their Edge and if so, what were you attempting and was it successful? Are there any recommendations on ECU programmers?

 

Joe

[Waldo]

In case it's not obvious, the OE rear view mirror is what contains the actual compass. So since you've removed that, obviously the compass is not detected, because it's not there. The map screen doesn't use the compass input, it uses the GPS signal, so that is why it still works. But what about the compass in the message center in the cluster? I assume it's just not there anymore.

 

You have three options:

 

1, You could reinstall the compass. You should be able to separate it from the rear view mirror, then you could wire it in somewhere in the car. Even though it might not be accurate, at least it wouldn't flip the message.

2. You could find some resistor to close the open circuit of the compass. I don't know what kind of resistor, but maybe something like a 20 Ohm resistor might just "fake" the computer into thinking you're always going north.

3. You could reprogram the cluster (not the ECU, there really is no single ECU, there are about 30 different computers). It is possible, but it's not something the dealers would normally have access to. There would have to be a tech that has knowledge beyond what they teach in training or publish in the service documentation. I'm pretty sure the dealer tools are the only ones that will be able to do it and often they need a special password to have access to those parameters in the module. Without the password, you're not going to be able to change it.

Edited October 10, 2013 by Waldo

[rpeary]

Correct, the compass in the message center isn't there anymore after I clear the red flag message upon vehicle start. That's fine, that is a fair trade off for proof to others' insurance companies of my honest driving.

 

I've thought about installing the circuit board from the factory mirror into the headliner to resolve this but the thing seems to be 1 sealed unit. I do not want to destroy it in the event I want to re-install it down the road.

 

The resistor idea briefly floated around my head in the past but don't know which pins to cross on the factory harness, any ideas?

[rpeary]

Just wanted to add an update here to see if anyone has any suggestions. So I've managed to obtain a wiring diagram and factory mirror harness pinout from my service advisor at the dealer, see attached. I'm still trying to get the message center to stop giving me the compass missing warning every time I start the vehicle. It looks like pins 2 and 6 are for the compass. So far I've tried connecting them with a 100, 1k, 10k, 1MEG ohm resistors and no luck. Bravely, I took it a step further and also connected 2 to 10 (ground), then 6 to 10 with all the same loads, still no go. I also, ditched the resistor theory, and shorted 2 and 6 with no luck still. I suppose I could try something much smaller like 10 or 20 ohms, will have to obtain. Just wondering if anyone has any experience attempting this...

 

Oh, yes, just FYI, dealer has confirmed there is no disabler flag in the programming to silence this message btw, which is why I'm still chasing this.

 

Edited December 28, 2013 by rpeary