# Compass unreadable

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/compass-unreadable/81942>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** outback, subaru\
**Created:** [October 25, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/compass-unreadable/81942 "2013-10-25T18:42:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SubaruDan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bcef8e/32.png) [@SubaruDan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SubaruDan)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/compass-unreadable/81942/1 "2013-10-25T18:42:47Z")

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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?

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**Author:** ![jesmed1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jesmed1/32/2097_2.png) [@jesmed1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jesmed1)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 7:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/compass-unreadable/81942/2 "2013-10-25T19:08:15Z")

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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](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)

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**Author:** ![ken\_green](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/ken_green/32/816_2.png) [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\
**Post date:** [October 25, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/compass-unreadable/81942/3 "2013-10-25T21:44:43Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [October 26, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/compass-unreadable/81942/4 "2013-10-26T21:59:47Z")

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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:

> **[DIY : 06-07 WRX In-Mirror Compass Display Repair - NASIOC](https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2309488&highlight=mirror+repair)**
>
> NASIOC