91 Caprice Classic Keyless Entry receiver and Calibrating Compass

[BrettSutherland]

I have recently picked up a 1991 Caprice Classic and after catching up on a LOT of ignored maintenance by the previous owner, I have come down to last couple of problems that I hope someone here can help me out with. The receiver(where-ever it might be located) for the keyless locking system apparently has given up working .... all electronics (locks, windows seats, trunk latch etc.) work from inside the car. I installed a new battery in the remote and had it tested and it is working fine .... but nothing happens when you try to lock or unlock the doors and trunk with the remote. Any suggestions ? The other problem is the calibration of the in the mirror electronic compass. Sometimes it is 90 degrees out ... sometimes 180 degrees occasionally like a stopped clock it is actually correct .... VERY occasionally. I have found the button on the windshield end that you push to "CAL"ibrate the compass, but all I get is a flashing N for quite a while and then back to it's wandering ways. If anyone can give me the correct procedure to calibrate the doggone thing I would be most grateful.

regards

Brett Sutherland

[capricesrgreat]

I have a 91 also. I was lucky enough to purchase from a good owner who kept the original owners manual. Send me your em address and i will send you instructions. They are too long to post here.

[BrettSutherland]

E address is [email protected]

Many thanks

Brett

[BrettSutherland]

STILL haven't heard a word about the remote door lock receiver ... someone has suggested that it has perhaps lost it's frequency lock ..... anyone have any ideas ?

Brett

[GranniesCaprice]

Here's a GM service bulletin about your compass. Sounds like thats your problem. As far as the keyless entry? I dunno. Most GM parts departments have a keyless entry fob tester. Ask them if you can test yours. Its really simple to do. If they direct you to service and want you to pay, give them the finger and try the next GM dealer down the street.
MIRROR COMPASS INOPERATIVE (REMOVE MAGNETIC FIELD) #92-103A-10 - (Oct 1, 1992)

SUBJECT: MIRROR COMPASS INOPERATIVE

MODEL and YEAR: 1991-92 CAPRICE WITH COMPASS MIRROR

THIS BULLETIN CANCELS AND SUPERSEDES DEALER SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 92-103-10, DATED FEB. 1992. THE PROCEDURE HAS BEEN REVISED. ALL COPIES OF 92-103-10 SHOULD BE DISCARDED.
CONDITION: The compass mirror (option DDl) on the B car may become inoperative or erratic and cannot be calibrated following normal instructions in the Owner's Manual and Service Manual.
CAUSE: Electro-static build-up on the vehicle may interfere with the functioning of the compass. The compass feature was eliminated in production on "B" cars midway thru the 1992 model year.
CORRECTION:

---------- "B" Cars: To insure customer satisfaction, the compass mirror should be replaced with an Electo-Chromatic (automatic self-dimming) mirror, P/N 10232109, if the customer comments about the inoperative compass. To replace the mirror, use the following procedure:
1. Disconnect the four-way electrical connector to the existing mirror, then remove the #15 Torx screw.
2. Remove and discard the plastic cover over the wire harness. Pull the mirror upward (toward the top of the windshield) to remove it. Discard the existing mirror.
3. Obtain the new mirror. Cut off the single wire lead. This lead supplies a signal from the park/neutral switch, which is not used in the 1991-1992 application. Install the new mirror onto the bracket, and tighten the screw snugly. Connect the four-way electrical connector.
4. Copy the attached Owner's Manual update and provide it to the owner. It will explain the operation of the automatic feature.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
If the mirror needs service in the future, the 1993 Service Manual can be used. Note that the wire from the park/neutral switch is not used. Warranty Information:
Labor Operation: C0040
Use applicable labor time guide for labor hours.
1991-92 CAPRICE OWNER'S MANUAL UPDATE -------------------------------------
Automatic Mirror

Your car has the automatic inside mirror.
The automatic mirror adjusts for the glare of headlights behind you. It detects changes in light, and then adjusts for day or night operation.
During the day the mirror reflects all the light from behind your car. At night, when the glare is too high, it changes to the night mode. Then, it reflects only part of the light from behind you. When the mirror changes to the night mode, it holds that position until glare is no longer present.
Time Delay

The mirror delays before switching from the night back to the day position. This delay prevents rapid changing of the mirror as you drive under lights and through traffic.
Automatic/Off Switch --------------------
Push the switch up for the AUTO position. The switch cap will light indicating the mirror will automatically adjust for glare.
To turn the automatic adjust off, push the switch down.
Front Reading Lights

There are two reading lights located on the rearview mirror. Push the switch closest to the light to turn it on or off.
Cleaning Photocells

Use a cotton swab and glass cleaner to clean the two photocells that make the mirror work.