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Chevrolet Silverado: How to Calibrate Rear View Mirror

If your rear view mirror is not functioning as it should, then continue reading to find the possible reasons. This article will help you diagnose as well as repair the problem, and then help you calibrate it.

By Charlie Gaston - June 2, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT800, GMT900, and K2XX (1999-Present).

If the compass and temperature readings on your rear view mirror have gone out, don't panic. There are a number of reasons why your rear view mirror is not working properly. While not all of these problems can be resolved on your own, many can be resolved in just several minutes and using nothing more than your hands. Yep, there are no tools required. Continue reading to find out how to troubleshoot your rear view mirror as well as determine if the sensor or wiring is bad. Before getting started, make sure your rear view mirror is working properly. Once you have done that, move on to how to calibrate your compass.

Materials Needed

  • Owner's manual
  • Replacement fuse (optional)

Step 1 – Check for a problem

If the temperature display on your mirror reads "SC" or "OC," the sensor is most likely bad. Alternately, the wiring could be faulty due to a poor connection. In either case, you would not be able to calibrate your rear view mirror at this time. Make a service appointment with your local Chevrolet dealership to have the sensor and wiring diagnosed as well as repaired.

Figure 1. Check for signs of a malfunctioning sensor before getting started.

Pro Tip

If your rear view mirror is functioning properly, it will turn on as well as show accurate compass and temperature readings. Other signs of a properly functioning rear view mirror include automatic dimming and a working airbag indicator light.

Step 2 – Check your fuse

Pop the hood and check your fuses. If the fuse is blown, you can re-calibrate your rear view mirror by installing a fresh one. Make sure the amperage is correct before installing the new one. If the amperage is not correct, the fuse might blow.

Pro Tip

Check your owner's manual for the exact fuse number.

Step 3 – Get behind the wheel

Drive to an empty parking lot, or an open space that is free of traffic. Before getting started, make sure the letter "C" displays in the mirror compass window. Press and hold the COMP switch for six seconds if it does not. The letter "C" should display momentarily. Perform the following steps:

  • Drive your truck in a 360-degree circle moving at a speed of less than 5 MPH.
  • Do so until the display reads a compass direction (i.e., "N" for "North," "NE" for "North East," "S" for "South," etc.)
  • If your compass does not calibrate after three 360-degree laps, you will need to replace the mirror assembly. You will know your compass has calibrated when the display reads "C."
  • If the compass displays "C" to begin with and then displays all segments after two minutes, check that your area is free of all metal as well as metallic objects.
  • There could be interference from a CB radio or satellite antenna.

Pro Tip

Your compass should calibrate by simply driving your vehicle in a slow circular motion for several laps.

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