
Pajero V73 consumes 11.6 liters per 100 kilometers. Methods for calculating fuel consumption: By measuring the amount of fuel added in one refill and recording the distance traveled, the vehicle's fuel consumption can be calculated. The fuel consumption obtained through these two methods represents the average fuel consumption of the vehicle. Methods to save fuel: When driving in the city, traffic congestion often occurs. Therefore, experienced drivers usually plan their route in advance to avoid congested areas. Reducing frequent starts and stops and maintaining an economical speed is equivalent to saving fuel.

A veteran Pajero owner with over a decade of experience shares some tips: If your V73 has high fuel consumption, start by examining your driving habits! This vehicle has significant weight, and if you frequently floor the accelerator and brake hard, it's not uncommon to see 18 liters per 100 km in the city. I tried adjusting my driving habits—anticipating traffic lights and coasting, keeping speeds around 100 km/h on highways—and my fuel consumption immediately dropped by 2 liters. Many people overlook tire pressure; running off-road tires at 2.8 bar, 0.3 higher than the manufacturer's recommendation, reduces contact area and rolling resistance. Regularly cleaning the air filter is crucial—last time I checked, mine was clogged with willow catkins. If fuel consumption remains high after these adjustments, check the oxygen sensor and spark plugs, as aging components can lead to incomplete fuel combustion. Lastly, here's a little secret: try switching gas stations—smaller ones might have diluted fuel.

A mechanic friend told me that old off-road vehicles like the Pajero usually consume more fuel due to carbon buildup. Last time, while working on a V73, they disassembled the engine and found the back of the valves covered in a layer of black residue, directly causing an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture. It's recommended to clean the intake tract with walnut blasting every 20,000 kilometers, which is much more effective than fuel system cleaners. A clogged catalytic converter is also a hidden fuel consumption culprit—restricted exhaust flow forces the engine to work harder. Feel the exhaust pipe by hand; if it's excessively hot, it's likely clogged. Also, check the brake calipers on all four wheels. One vehicle had a seized right rear caliper, effectively driving with the brakes engaged, which explains the skyrocketing fuel consumption. Keep the oil viscosity at 5W-30 or lower; thicker oil increases crankshaft resistance. For older vehicles with aging electrical systems, remember to test the alternator voltage—anything above 14.3V can cause abnormal fuel injection.

Off-road enthusiasts frequently traveling on the 318 route advise: The V73 is particularly prone to high fuel consumption at high altitudes! Pay special attention to the intake pressure sensor—if its readings are inaccurate above 3,000 meters, the ECU will mismanage fuel injection. Once on Zheduo Mountain, fuel consumption spiked to 22L, but after replacing the sensor, it immediately dropped back to 13L. For those with heavy modifications dragging performance, note that roof racks increase wind noise and drag—removing them on highways can save 1.5L per 100km. Remember to remove the winch when not in use; carrying an 80-pound dead weight daily is a waste. For those who've swapped bumpers for off-road ones, adding a deflector to the radiator grille can reduce wind resistance by 5%. Mud-terrain (MT) tires consume 2L more per 100km than all-terrain (AT) tires—unnecessary unless for extreme off-roading. When tread depth drops to 3mm, traction decreases and fuel consumption rises—don’t hesitate to replace them.

Tips from the convoy mechanic during desert driving: The V73's 4WD system issues are the most fuel-consuming! Forgetting to turn off the 4HLC mode on paved roads can double fuel consumption. Always check the transfer case lever position when getting out of the car. Play in the driveshaft universal joint leads to power loss; it's recommended to service the driveshaft every 100,000 km. Some owners replaced spark plugs with counterfeit ones, resulting in insufficient ignition energy and wasted fuel—must use NGK Iridium IX series. The condition of exhaust pipe dripping indicates combustion efficiency; no dripping at all might mean fuel injector leakage. When refueling, pour half a bottle of carbon-cleaning additives like Siyoupu to clean the fuel system over three consecutive tanks. The newly released waterless coolant offers higher thermal efficiency; changing it helps the engine warm up faster and saves fuel.

A friend who works in auto repair told me: check the basic items first before looking for major issues. The aging seal ring on the V73's fuel tank cap can cause air leaks, making the fuel pump work harder and increasing fuel consumption by 1-2 liters. Replacing the cap costs only 20 bucks. For older cars, clean the fuel lines frequently, especially the pipes behind the fuel filter. One car's fuel consumption suddenly spiked, and it turned out the carbon canister purge valve was stuck open. Regularly use an OBD scanner to check the air-fuel ratio data stream—fluctuations around 14.7:1 are normal. Here’s a pro tip: after warming up the engine, pull out the dipstick and smell it. If there’s a gasoline odor, it means the piston rings are worn and letting oil slip by, requiring a mid-level engine overhaul. For long trips, remember to remove the third-row seats—shedding 80 pounds is like carrying one less kid.


