Somehow the odometer reading on my 97 XK8 got changed to the trip odometer reading. The buttons (clear, etc.) on the dash switch don't seem to have any effect. The mileage reading shows only before starting and after turn off. Any thoughts?

 

Have you looked in the vehicle's Owner's Manual?

 

That's the first thing I did but didn't find anything useful. Thanks for your comment.

 

You can scroll through the display menu with the button on the end of the left stalk.

 

dont have the car next to me but i thing swithing is at the steering wheel (wiper or indicator stick) and/ or the button on the right side of the dash near the odo

 

The scroll function for the message center (odometer) is the button at the end of the signal light stalk. Push it and watch it change the message. The button you identified only affects the trip functions, and only when they are selected.

 

I tried the button on the left stalk and it appears to have fixed the problem. Obviously I'm still getting to know this car.
Thanks to all who replied. This forum is a great resource.