Compass unreadable

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

I have a 2002 Subaru Outback with inside mirror with compass. Problem - the compass is unreadable because the light is too dim to read the direction showing. Does the mirror have to be replaced or is there a way of fixing the problem?

2

You could forget the mirror and get a real compass:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=440704&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50714&subdeptNum=50715&classNum=50717#.UmqJI6N5mSM

(RitchieSport X10 Compass from West Marine, if the link doesnt work)

3

Did it used to be ok or is this a new condition ?
is this display tied to your instrument cluster dimmer ?
Is that dimmer turned down some… and what happens when you turn the gauge light dimmer all the way bright ?

I keep my instruments dimmed way down for night visibility , but in the daytime I can’t see the numbers on the radio.

4

This is a fairly common issue. If you want to try and fix it yourself it isn’t real hard. You need a small solder iron for the repair. The clocks in the Soobs have a similar problem also. Here is a link to refer to: