Most cars have a compass that helps the driver know the direction they are driving. Occasionally, and for some reason, the compass may lose its calibration, and messages are displayed to notify the driver.
The message, slow circles to calibrate is displayed when your car’s compass has lost calibration. This message is common in Ford vehicles and is usually cleared by circling slowly and continuously. I usually refer to the user’s manual to learn the ideal steps to calibrate the compass, including selecting the zone.
I have discussed more about this message, including why it appears and how to clear the message in the article. Therefore, read on to learn more.

What Are Slow Circles to Calibrate
Slow circles to calibrate is an error message that appears in most Ford vehicles when there’s an issue with the compass. The message is shown on the instrument cluster display.
Most times, it comes on when the compass loses calibration and requires recalibration. While there’s no issue when you continue driving with the message displayed, it’s necessary to fix it promptly.
Sometimes, the compass will correct itself when it loses its calibration. However, if it doesn’t, you ought to manually do it. Calibrating the compass will allow you to know the direction you’re heading when driving.
What Causes Slow Circles to Calibrate?
As mentioned earlier, this message tells of an issue with the vehicle’s compass. Sometimes, I notice the compass readings are stuck or incorrect before this message comes on.
1. Battery
Disconnecting a vehicle’s battery for some time resets many of the car’s electrical devices and components. It’s known to reset the Radio, clear some fault codes, and reset the car’s computer. But will disconnecting battery unlock doors?
The compass can develop this issue if you leave the battery off for a long time.
2. Magnetic Material In The Car
Another reason the compass can develop this issue and cause the error message is when there are magnetic materials in the vehicle. If you forgot to put magnet in transmission pan during a repair, avoid placing it in your car. This magnet can affect the compass, resulting in this error.
3. Magnetic Objects Near the Car
Another potential cause behind the message displayed on the instrumental cluster is if the vehicle is near powerful magnetic objects. Parking your car near powerful broadcasting antennas or metallic objects can affect the compass, causing it to lose calibration.
4. Large Buildings and Bridges
The readings on the compass may also be affected while you drive near large buildings and bridges. While these objects are not major causes, the compass accuracy for the vehicles driven mostly near them is affected.
How To Clear Slow Circles to Calibrate
If the message doesn’t clear after driving the car for several days, calibrate it manually. The user manual contains the steps for calibrating the compass. However, some don’t cover this information, and in this case, follow the steps I have listed below to clear this message.
Step 1. Preparations
The first step to clear the “slow circles to calibrate” message is to drive the vehicle to an ideal location. This location should be far from steel structures and high-voltage lines, which can cause electromagnetic interference.
Also, the area should have enough space to turn around in full circles without interference. I prefer an empty parking lot or an open field. All electrical accessories, including the heater and AC, should be off and the doors shut.
Step 2. Determine the Compass Zone
The next step should be to determine the magnetic zone you are in. The magnetic zone varies with the geographic location, and you can learn yours by referring to the zone map.
The zone map features various zones running from the North, and each is marked with a number between 1 and 15. Most of the States in The United States fall between zone 4 and 14. Refer to the figure below to determine your magnetic zone or the compass reference guide.
Step 3. Adjust The Compass Zone
Once you have determined your zone, check whether your vehicle is set to the correct one. Turn your car’s ignition to the on position, then start it. For a Ford Freestyle 2005-2007, consult the user manual.
In most Ford models between 2002 and 2008, you press and hold the ODO reset button for about six seconds, then release it. The reset button is on the car’s odometer (usually the upper right side of the speedometer).
Ford Explorers between these years have a hole in the base of the mirror, where the sensor is mounted. Insert a pin into the hole and hold until the words “Zone” appear in the display in the instrumental cluster.
However, in some models, you press and hold the number 7 and 9 radio preset buttons simultaneously for five seconds. Some models, like the Ford Expedition, have a SETUP control button. Press the button until the display shows “RESET FOR ZONE SETTING.” Now, press the reset button.
The ZONE XX will appear on the vehicle’s Centre Information Display (CID). Press the reset or the number 7 and 9 preset buttons simultaneously until the ideal magnetic zone number is displayed.
Step 4. Enter Calibration Mode
With the vehicle set to the ideal zone, the next step is to select calibration mode. For older models, between 2002 and 2008, press and hold the reset button on the odometer for more than eight seconds. The words “CAL” will be displayed on the instrument cluster, as shown below.
On the Ford Expedition, press the setup button until the display shows the words “RESET FOR CALIBRATION.” Press the reset button, and the words “CIRCLE SLOWLY TO CALIBRATE” will display.
In the Explorers, insert a pin and press it for more than eight seconds to get the CAL on the display. In other models, hold the RESET or 7 and 9 buttons for about 10 seconds till the message appears.
Step 5. Start Driving
Start driving the car in circles at speeds below 3 mph (5km/h) while checking the display. The circles should be perfect and in one direction, so avoid steering the other way during the process.
Also, don’t drive faster than the required speed, as doing so will nullify the process. Don’t stop either before the words CAL have disappeared from the display and directions values displayed.
Usually, three circles should be enough to complete the calibration process and reset the compass. However, it can take up to five circles to calibrate the compass.
When done with these steps, the compass should be calibrated, and this message should disappear.
Final Words
In summary, the message “slow circles to calibrate” is displayed on your Ford to show an issue with the compass. I have covered various reasons this message may come on your vehicle to help you avoid the avoidable ones. In most cases, the compass will calibrate itself after several days.
However, if the message is still on, follow the steps I have discussed to clear this message and calibrate the compass accordingly. Take the vehicle to the dealership to get it calibrated if you find it hard to do it yourself.
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