What does the 'OC' mean on my 1999 Dodge Dakota mini trip computer. The compass works but the temp just displays 'OC'.

If the compass is working and the thermometer is stuck (or wrong), it probably a bad sender which is located behind the bumper on the driver's side bolted to the radiator support.

If the compass is not responding, it will probably need to be recalibrated and might need to reset the VAR. You can try to recalibrate first but if you have the owner's manual handy, go ahead and do the whole thing.

In the owner's manual there is a VAR (variation) code to tell the truck which part of the planet you're in so it will be accurate. Locate that code and then do the following:

To reset the variation:
1. Ignition on.
2. Hold down both buttons (US/Metric and Comp/temp) until VAR appears. (about 5 seconds)
3. Release both buttons. VAR remains.
4. Press and release the US/metric button. VAR1 appears. Press and release the US/metric button until the correct VAR is shown.
5. Press the Comp/temp button to store the new variation.

To recalibrate:
1. Start the engine.
2. Depress both buttons until CAL appears, about 5 seconds after VAR.
3. Release both buttons.
4. Drive the vehicle on a level surface, away from large metal objects, through three or more complete circles in less than 48 seconds. The CAL message will disappear from the display to indicate that the compass is now calibrated.

Hi Roger, I'm glad to help. Below is the procedure for resetting the compass on your vehicle.



COMPASS VARIATION ADJUSTMENT Compass variance, also known as magnetic declination, is the difference in angle between magnetic north and true geographic north. In some geographic locations, the difference between magnetic and geographic north is great enough to cause the compass to give false readings. If this problem occurs, the compass variance setting may need to be changed.
To set the compass variance:

1. Using the Variance Settings map, find your geographic location and note the zone number Figure 1.
Figure 1 - Variance Settings 2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. If the compass/thermometer data is not currently being displayed, momentarily depress and release the C/T push button to reach the compass/thermometer display. 3. On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles depress the Reset push button and hold the button down until "VAR = XX" appears in the display. This takes about five seconds. On Compass Temperature Module (CT) equipped vehicles depress the C/T push button and US/M push button down until "VAR = XX" appears in the display. This takes about five seconds. 4. Release the push button(s). "VAR =XX " will remain in the display. "XX" equals the current variance zone setting. 5. On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles momentarily depress and release the STEP button to step through the zone numbers, until the zone number for your geographic location appears in the display. On Compass Temperature Module (CT) equipped vehicles depress the US/M push button to step through the zone numbers, until the zone number for your geographic location appears in the display. 6. On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and Compass Mini-Trip Computer (CMTC) equipped vehicles momentarily depress and release the RESET push button to enter the displayed zone number into the EVIC/CMTC module memory. On Compass Temperature Module (CT) equipped vehicles depress the C/T push button to enter the displayed zone number into the electronic module memory. 7. Confirm that the correct directions are now indicated by the compass.

That means that the computer is having trouble talking to the sensors.

It means "Crystal Clear Display" but in basic term its called a ccd bus, basically the OH console module is not communicating with body control module so you want to check power and ground pins or you just might have a bad module, sorry.
A self-diagnostic test is used to determine that the
compass mini-trip computer module is operating
properly electrically.
CCD communications test.
Following completion of these tests, the compass
mini-trip computer will display one of three
messages: “PASS,” “FAIL,” or “CCd.”
if the “CCd” message is displayed, the use of a
DRBt scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures
manual are required for further diagnosis.

The "OC" indicates your compass is "Out of Calibration". Below is the proceedure to recalibrate your compass.

Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration if:

After five seconds, the display does not show a
compass heading (N for North, for example), there
may be a strong magnetic field interfering with the
compass. Such interference may be caused by a
magnetic antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder
or a similar magnetic item.

The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, the letters CAL must be displayed
in the mirror compass windows. If CAL is not
displayed, push in the COMP button for approximately
eight seconds or until the letters CAL are displayed.
The compass can be calibrated in one of two ways:

Drive the vehicle in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less
until the display reads a direction, or

drive the vehicle on your everyday routine and after
several turns the compass will become calibrated and
will display a direction.

Good luck.

OC means out of calibration,,, go to a big parking lot and drive in circles,this lets the compass relearn its position,if this doesnt work,,take it to the dealer there may be something else wrong

Typically the "OC" indicates your compass is out of calibration.
If you check your owners manual it will tell you how to re-calibrate the compass.
Let me know.
Regards,

you could always try unplugging the battery for about ten minutes to see if that resets it. make sure you have the code for the stereo first if it requires one.

Generally. . . do you still have the door open when you start the car? "Check Trip Computer" relates to the display above the stereo (with the odometer,temp,compass,etc. . . ) I've noticed this a few times also. . . but it has ALWAYS been a case of either the door open or that I've accidentally popped the latch on the trunk prior to starting the car. Hope this helps.