In my RX300 (2001) the electronic compass on the rearview mirror is not working anymore. It is pointing only "E" , if I tilt to one side it resets "--" then it may point to "NE" .Does anyone know if this is battery operated, needs replacing, etc.
I don't normally use it for directions but now that I know its pointing wrong direction it has become somewhat annoying.
Thx

 

To fix this, check in your manual for a section on "compass calibration". It describes the process step by step. Essentially, what you do is put the compass in calibration mode, and then drive around in a 360 degree circle. Obviously, you need to go to a parking lot or some other place where you can do this without stopping or running into something.

The compass itself is powered by the main vehicle battery. It doesn't have separate batteries. It can be confused by strong magentic fields, and re-calibrating solves the problem. However, if other electronics start acting strange as well, that's an early signal that it's time to replace the battery. If the battery has never been replaced, 4 years is more than enough for one battery.

 

Rxdriver,
I followed the "compass calibration" instructions (mostly what you mentioned) from the RX300 manual and it is working fine. Thx