96 Explorer: Elevation change...tuneup needed?

I bought my '93 Explorer in northern New Mexico (I lived at 7400 ft above sea level) and it had the "high elevation package" - whatever that is. Anyways, when I moved to sea level 10 years ago, my gas mileage immediately dropped 15% on the highway, and has stayed there ever since. I never did anything about it - I now get about 18 mpg in mixed driving.

I did seem to have a bit more power however.

Tom

Hello. I'm not an auto expert, but would like to offer my 2 cents anyway. I remember my dad's old car had a carburator, and whenever we'd drive to Colorado for vacation (we live in Houston) he'd have to get it adjusted for the higher climate. Then, upon return, he'd get it adjusted back to the way it had been. This was necessary because of the difference in oxygen at the two levels, but with modern cars having so much controlled by computer, I don't know of anything you must do yourself. Newer mass air sensors compensate for the intake of air, and adjust fuel accordingly. I drove my 96 XLT to Colorado several years ago, and experienced the same thing. My mileage increased significantly when I reached the higher elevations, and stayed that way until I dropped back to sea level. Sorry I can't suggest anything to improve the situation, but wanted to share my similar experience.

Randy

We're living in a world that's been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit?