Questions and Answers

Degaussing A Honda Accord Q. Hi, Vince! I was reading your article about "Jeep Grand Cherokee Compass", compass problem that needs roof demagnetization. You mentioned a Degaussing Special Tool 6029. I've asked a Radio Shack sales person about this tool, but they told me that they don't have that tool in their inventory. Is that ST 6029 a Radio Shack tool/product item?

If not where can I buy it, and do you have any idea where I can find it, besides Radio Shack? Have any idea how much this tool cost? What substitute can you recommend that will do the same job in demagnetizing car roofs? Is there a place or shop that does this kind of job, demagnetizing stray magnetic fields?

One last question, is there any potential damage that could result in using this Special Tool in the instrument cluster panel, or front dashboard, or on car's on board computer module(s)? I've got a 2003 Honda Accord 4-door sedan, and was installing an aircraft magnetic compass, the error in compass reading when brought inside the car is an unacceptable 90° to 180°off, depending on location.

In the windshield right below the rear view mirror (is where I'm planning to install it), the error is 90° off the desired reading. Like, car facing N and I'm reading W. When the compass is brought outside the car in the open, the compass reads correct and precise direction. So, I'm assuming my car needs roof demagnetization. What would your recommend to fix this problem?

Thanks,
Fermin

A. That number is a Chrysler part number. I believe you can order it at a Chrysler parts department. Or perhaps, with a deposit, the Dealer will lend you theirs. As for cost, I have no idea. If you do a search for "Sky Ranch" you can find one you can rent for $75.00. I have never used it so I can't vouch for it's effectiveness.

The degaussing will not hurt any of the vehicle components. The first car I degaussed also degaussed about 30 cassettes tapes the customer had in her console. So I would recommend removing any magnetic media from the vehicle before degaussing.