CARFIX

Mazda 121 B1,B116 (1987–1990)

Welcome to the CARFIX Vehicle Wiki for the MAZDA 121 / DEMIO Base. This guide provides information to help you maintain your vehicle and address common maintenance needs. This model is known for its practical design and dependability, making it a popular choice for navigating city streets and fulfilling everyday driving needs.

Parts for the Mazda 121 B1,B116

Known issues

While generally reliable, the MAZDA 121 / DEMIO Base, like any vehicle, can experience common issues. Keep an eye out for:
• Oil Leaks: Inspect engine seals and gaskets regularly for any signs of leaks.
• Ignition System Problems: Hard starts or rough idling could indicate issues with the ignition system, including the distributor cap, ignition leads, or ignition coil.
• Cooling System Wear: Overheating or coolant loss can be a result of a leaky radiator, hose, or thermostat housing gasket.

WOF tips

During Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspections, pay close attention to:
• Braking System: Ensure brake lights are functioning correctly. The stop light switch should be in good working order.
• Fluid Leaks: Any significant fluid leaks will likely result in a WoF failure.
• Suspension Components: Check the condition of the rear bump stops. Damaged or missing bump stops can affect suspension performance and potentially cause a WoF failure.

About the Mazda 121 B1,B116

Maintaining Your MAZDA 121 / DEMIO Base

Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the reliability and longevity of your MAZDA 121 / DEMIO Base. Here's an overview of common maintenance areas to consider:
• Braking System: The stop light switch is a small but vital component of your braking system. If your brake lights are malfunctioning, inspect this switch.
• Clutch System: If equipped with a manual transmission, consider the clutch spigot bearing as part of your regular clutch maintenance.
• Ignition System: The distributor cap and ignition lead set are key elements in delivering spark to the engine. Regularly inspect and replace these components as needed to ensure optimal engine performance. The ignition coil also plays a vital role in this system.
• Engine Maintenance: Maintaining clean engine oil and a clear air filter are essential for engine health. Regular oil changes and air filter replacements will help ensure efficient performance. The timing kit and valve cover bolt seal/washer should be inspected and replaced during scheduled maintenance to maintain engine integrity and prevent leaks. Don't forget to check and if necessary replace the thermostat housing gasket
• Cooling System: Use the correct radiator coolant to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal engine temperature.
• Drivetrain: The automatic transmission filter is important for keeping the transmission fluid clean and ensuring smooth shifting.
• Wheel Hubs: Periodically check and replace the oil seals on both the front (outer) and rear (inner) wheel hubs to prevent grease leaks and ensure proper bearing lubrication.
• Suspension: Check to make sure the rear bump stops are in good working order.
• Alignment: Should the camber angle be out of factory specification, then consider the use of camber correction screws.

Questions owners ask

What are some common issues I should watch out for on my MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990?
Keep an eye out for oil leaks around engine seals and gaskets. Ignition system problems like hard starts or rough idling could indicate issues with the distributor cap, ignition leads, or ignition coil. Also, watch for cooling system wear, which can lead to overheating or coolant loss due to a leaky radiator, hose, or thermostat housing gasket.
What kind of maintenance does the MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990 need to keep it running smoothly?
Regular maintenance is key. This includes checking the stop light switch for your braking system, especially if your brake lights are acting up. If you have a manual transmission, maintain the clutch spigot bearing. For the engine, regular oil changes and air filter replacements every 10,000km are essential. Also, inspect the timing kit, valve cover bolt seal/washer, and thermostat housing gasket during scheduled maintenance.
Where can I get a new distributor cap or ignition lead set for my MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990 in New Zealand?
CARFIX stocks 217 SKUs for the MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990, including parts for the ignition system like distributor caps and ignition lead sets. Check the CARFIX website or your local store to find the parts you need.
What should I check on my MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990 to make sure it passes its WoF?
During a WoF inspection, make sure your brake lights are working correctly, as a faulty stop light switch can cause a failure. Also, check for any significant fluid leaks. The rear bump stops are another important point; damaged or missing bump stops can affect suspension performance and cause a WoF failure.
What type of coolant should I use in my MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990?
Use the correct radiator coolant to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal engine temperature in your MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990. Using the wrong coolant can damage the cooling system.
How often should I change the engine oil and filter on my MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990?
For optimal engine health, change the engine oil and filter on your MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990 every 10,000km. Regular oil changes help ensure efficient performance.
My MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990's camber angle is out. What can I do?
If the camber angle on your MAZDA 121 / DEMIO 1987–1990 is out of factory specification, consider using camber correction screws to adjust it back to the correct alignment.