🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

121

Generation:

Second Generation (DB)

Model Codes:

DB1

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1991 Mazda 121 (DB) was positioned as a compact, economical subcompact car, often competing in the supermini segment in various global markets. It emphasized affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality for urban driving.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Uno, Opel Corsa, and Nissan Micra, often favored for its distinctive styling and respectable handling characteristics for its class.

Key Features:

Distinctive wedge-shaped styling, available with efficient 4-cylinder engines, front-wheel drive, compact dimensions for urban maneuverability, practical interior layout.

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians, and Mazda enthusiasts seeking to maintain or repair their 1991 Mazda 121.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full service, repair, and diagnostic coverage for all mechanical and electrical systems.

Page Count:

Approximately 800+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, drivetrain, transmission (manual & automatic), steering, suspension, brakes (front & rear disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), electrical systems (lighting, ignition, charging, starting, instruments, accessories, body electrical), climate control, body and chassis, interior trim, exterior body panels, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, lubrication, engine tune-up, component removal/installation, rebuilding procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical circuit diagrams, torque specifications, tightening sequences, component testing, fluid capacities and specifications, replacement procedures for all major components.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes specific diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, and electrical faults, including troubleshooting flowcharts and component testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including engine control, lighting, instrumentation, and accessories.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive list of torque specifications for all critical fasteners, including cylinder head bolts, main bearing caps, suspension components, etc.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for the overhaul and rebuilding of engines, transmissions, carburetors (if applicable), and other major mechanical components.

Body And Chassis:

Detailed procedures for body panel alignment, repair of rust damage, interior trim removal/installation, glass replacement, and chassis component maintenance.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

Professional-grade printing with clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Perfect Bound or Spiral Bound (typical for FSMs)

Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

1.1L (1139cc) Inline-4 (E11), 1.3L (1339cc) Inline-4 (B3-M, B3-E)

Horsepower 1 1L:

Approx. 60-63 PS (59-62 hp; 44-46 kW)

Horsepower 1 3L:

Approx. 72-75 PS (71-74 hp; 53-55 kW)

Fuel System:

Carbureted (typical for 1.1L and early 1.3L models), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for later 1.3L models.

Engine Codes 1 1L:

E11

Engine Codes 1 3L:

B3-M, B3-E

Engine Layout:

Inline 4-cylinder, front-mounted, transverse

Bore Stroke 1 3L:

71 mm x 83 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio 1 3L:

9.3:1 (typical)

Fuel Delivery 1 1L:

Downdraft Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi)

Fuel Delivery 1 3L Efi:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with throttle body injection (TBI) or multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) depending on specific market/trim.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD).

Gear Ratios Manual:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (vary by model and engine).

Gear Ratios Automatic:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (3-speed unit).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3,740 mm (147.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,600 mm (63.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 770-850 kg (1,698-1,874 lbs) depending on configuration.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,300 mm (90.6 in)

Wheel Size:

13-inch or 14-inch wheels common.

Tire Sizes:

Common sizes include 155/70R13, 165/70R13, 175/65R14. Refer to vehicle placard for exact specification.

Bolt Pattern:

4x100 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No specific official crash test ratings readily available for this generation from major bodies like Euro NCAP or NHTSA due to the era and market segment. Designed to meet prevailing safety standards of the early 1990s.

Active Features:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power-assisted brakes (optional on some trims).

Passive Features:

Seat belts (front and rear), reinforced body structure.

Brakes Front:

Ventilated Disc Brakes

Brakes Rear:

Drum Brakes

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic factory fitted radio/cassette player. Options may include upgraded speakers.

Driver Assistance Features:

Minimal. Primarily standard braking systems. ABS was an option on higher trims or specific markets.

Connectivity Options:

None (pre-dating modern connectivity standards).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km (4,500 - 6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check manual for specific recommendation.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 24,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common. Refer to manual for precise viscosity and API service classification.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Ensure it meets Mazda specifications for this era.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Known Issues:

Corrosion on body panels (especially wheel arches and sills), minor electrical gremlins, potential wear in suspension bushings and ball joints, aging cooling system components (radiator, hoses), clutch wear on manual transmissions, carburetor issues on older models.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 Liters (3.7 - 4.2 US Quarts) with filter change. Refer to manual.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 5.0 Liters (5.3 US Quarts). Refer to manual.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 40 Liters (10.6 US Gallons).

Oil Filter Part Number:

Commonly Mazda part numbers such as B6S7-14-302 or equivalent aftermarket.

Air Filter Part Number:

Commonly Mazda part numbers such as B25D-13-215 or equivalent aftermarket.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended replacement interval is typically around 90,000-100,000 km (56,000-62,000 miles). Crucial for B-series engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and often driver-focused vehicles, known for innovation in compact car design and rotary engine technology (though not present in the 121).

Model Evolution:

The second generation (DB) Mazda 121, also known as the Mazda Autozam Revue in Japan, marked a significant design departure from its predecessor. It featured a more modern, albeit distinctive, wedge-shaped hatchback body style.

Production Years:

1990-1995

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan and also assembled in other Mazda facilities globally.

Design Era:

Early 1990s compact car design language, known for its aerodynamic wedge profile and distinctive front grille/headlight treatment.

Chassis Code:

DB1