display probs, gas mileage

[stang99x]

The display in my 98 base is doing odd things. It keeps flashing different delay times for the autolamp feature. Its also not keeping accurate gas mileage. I can fill up, and it read 285 miles to go, drive one mile, turn it off, and turn it back on and it will read 350 miles to go. And the mileage itself suddenly went to :q:q:q:q. I was getting about 23mpg and suddenly I find myself getting about 16mpg. WTF?

 

[The Rev]

I'd take 16 mpg and run!

 

[stang99x]

a sudden 30% drop in mileage is something to worry about.

 

[kustomizingkid]

Are you getting an actual calculated 16mpg or some made up computer 16mpg?

 

[Calabrio]

My display gives me inaccurate fuel information too. Usually it's wrong by about 2 gallons of fuel used. I've yet to find a fix or good explanation.

 

[MediumD]

The automatic headlight switch is probably the cause of that issue... potentiometer is on it's way out, probably time for a new switch.

As for the fuel economy, how suddenly? One tank? Have you run another couple tanks through it during similar driving conditions to verify it?