1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 charging

Air Conditioning
Refrigeration /s:s^°27
Refrigeration
Safety Precautions
The air conditioning system is designed to use only
Refrigerant E134A (dichlorodifluoromethane). Extreme
care must betaken NOT to use
a
methylchloride refrigerant.
The chemical reaction between methylchloride and the
aluminium parts ofthe compressor results in the formation
ofproductswhich burn spontaneously on exposure toair,
or decompose with violence in the presence of moisture.
The suitable refrigerant is supplied under the following
names.
El 34A KLEA or equivalent
Warning: Take care when handling refrigerant. Serious
damage will occur if it is allowed to come into
contact with the eyes. Always wear with goggles
and gloves when working with refrigerant
First Aid
If refrigerant should come into contact with the
eyes or
skin,
splash the eyes or affected area with
cold water for several minutes. DO NOT RUB. As
soon as possible thereafter, obtain treatment from a
Doctor or an eye specialist.
Good Practice

1.
Protective sealing plugs must be fitted to all
disconnected pipes and units.

2.
Theprotectivesealingpiugsmustremain inposition
on ail replacement components and pipes until
immediately before assembly.
3. Any part arriving for assembly without sealing
plugs in position must be returned to the supplier as
defective.

4.
It is essential that a second backing spanner is
always used when tightening or loosening all joints.
This minimises distortion or strain on components
or connecting hoses.
5. Components must not be lifted by connecting

pipes,
hoses or capillary tubes.
6. Care must be taken not to damage fins on the
condenser or evaporator matrices. Any damage
must be rectified by the use of fin combs.
7. Before assembly oftube and hosejoints, use
a
small
amount of clean new refrigerant oil on the sealing
seat.
8. Refrigerant oil for any purpose must be kept very
clean and capped at all times. This prevents the oil
absorbing moisture.
9. Before assembly the condition of joints and flares
must be examined. Dirt and even minor damage
will cause leaks at the high pressure points
encountered in the system.

10.
Dirty end fitting can only be cleaned using a cloth
wetted with alcohol.

11.
Afterremovingsealingplugsand immediatelybefore
assembly, visually check the bore of pipes and
components. Where any dirt or moisture is

discovered,
the part must be rejected.
12. Ail components must be allowed to reach room
temperature before sealing plugs are removed.
This prevents condensation should the component
be cold initially.

13.
Before finally tightening hose connections ensure
that the hose lies in the correct position, is not
kinked or twisted and will not be trapped by
subsequent operations, e.g., refitting or closing
bonnet.

14.
Check that hoses are correctly fitted in clips or
straps.

15.
The compressor must be stored horizontally with
the sump down. It must not be rotated before fitting
and charging. Do not remove the shipping plate
until immediately before assembly. Always use
new "O" ring seals in those joints that incorporate

them.
"O" ring seals should be coated with
compressor oil before fitting.

16.
Components or hoses removed must be sealed
immediately after removal.
1 7. Afterthe system has been opened the receiver-drier
must be renewed.

18.
Before
testing,
run the engine until normal running
temperature is reached. This ensures that sufficient
vacuum is available for test. For cooling tests the
engine must be running for the compressor clutch
to operate.
8-34 May 1996

^=2?
Air Conditioning
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set
System Checking with the Manifold
Gauge Set
Connecting the Manifold Gauge Set
Caution: Only use hoses with connectors which are
dedicated to HFC 134A charge ports.
Attachmentofthehosequick release connectors to
the high and low side
system
ports
is
straightforward,
provided that the high and low valves are closed
and the system is NOT operational.
Assessment ofthe system's operating system can be
carried out by using the facilities ofthe Recovery-
Recharging-Recycling station. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions carefully and closely
observe the safety procedures.
Warning: Under no circumstances should the connections
be made with the
system
in operation or the
valves

open. Should the valves be open and a vacuum
pump or refrigerant container attached, an
explosion could occur
as
a result of high pressure
refrigerant being forced back into the vacuum
pump or container.
Stabilising the System
Accurate test gauge data can be attained only if the
system temperatures and pressures are stabilised.
Ensure that equipment and its hoses cannot come
into contact with moving parts or heat sources.
It is recommended that a free standing air mover is
placed in front of the vehicle to provide mass air
flow through the condenser-cooling system.
Checking Procedure
Connecting the Gauge Set.
A test hose connected to the fitting directly under
the low side gauge is used to connect the low side
ofthe test manifold into the low side ofthe system,
and a similar connection is found on the high side.
When connecting the gauge manifold set to the air
cond ition i ng system an access va Ive core removi ng
tool is available for connecting the test hoses to the
high and low sides ofthe system.
Using the valve removing tool it enables the valve
core to be removed and held back inside the tool
eliminating restrictions and, thereby, providing a
full flow of refrigerant.
Warning: Do not open the high side hand valve while the
air conditioning system is in operation because,
high pressure refrigerant will be forced through
the high side gauge and to the refrigerant container,
if it is attached.
This
could cause the container to
rupture or the fitting at the safety container valve
to burst resulting in damage and personal injury.

1.
With theengineswitched off, remove the protective
caps from the schraeder valves.

2.
Fit the access valve removal tool to the schraeder
valves. Ensure that both the manifold hand valves
are in the closed position.
3. Connect the high pressure manifold gauge hose (to
the high pressure side of the air conditioning side of
the system (high side is always the line from the
compressor to the condenser). Connect the low
pressure or compound gauge hose to the low
pressure side ofthe air conditioning system.

4.
Using the access valve removal tool loosen and
screw out the valve cores.

1.
Start the engine and allow it to attain normal
working temperature then set it at fast idle (typically
1200 to ISOOrpm).

2.
Select full air conditioning performance.
3. With all temperatures and pressures stable or
displaying symptoms of faults, begin relevant test
procedures.
May 1996 8-39

^?
Air Conditioning
Torque Settings / Depressurising the System
Torque Levels for the Hose Connections
COMPONENT TORQUE Nm
Evaporator Hose
Hose to Expansion Valve 32.0 ± 4.0
Hose to Compressor 34.0 ± 2.0
Condenser Hose
Hose to Compressor 34.0 ± 2.0
Hose to Compressor 25.0 ± 4.0
Condenser Pipe
Pipe to Drier Bottle 6.0 ± 1.5
Evaporator Pipe
Pipe to Expansion Valve 16.0 ± 1.5
Air Conditioning Procedures
Depressurising
Note:
Observe
all
safety
precautions and do not smoke
while carrying out the following
procedures.

1.
With the engine switched off, remove the protective
caps from the schraeder valves.

2.
Ensure the manifold gauge set hand valves are in
the closed position, then by using the access valve
core remover connect the manifold gauge set to the
system with the red hose to the high pressure side
and the blue hose to the low pressure side.
3. Screw out the valve core to allow the refrigerant to
flow.

4.
Place the centre hose of the manifold set into a
suitable container.
5. Slowly open the high or low side manifold hand
valve and adjust the valve for a smooth refrigerant
flow. Watch the refrigerant for any signsof escaping
oil and adjust the hand valve to prevent any oil

escaping.

6. If oil islostduringthedischarge,thecompressoroil
level must be checked and if necessary topped up.
7. As the discharge rate slows down, open the other
manifold hand valve so that refrigerant flows from
both high and low pressure sides of the system.
8. Constantly adjust the hand valves to ensure that oil
does not flow. When a zero reading is shown on
both high and low pressure gauges the system is
discharged.
8. Close both manifold hand valves.
Recovering Refrigerant
Caution: The
Recovery-Recycle-Recharging
equipment

has
special fittings to avoid
cross
contamination with
R-

12
systems.
Do not attempt to adapt
this
unit for
R-12
as
system
failure will
result.

Warning: Follow the safety procedures
as
defined at the
beginning of the section.
Caution: The unit's overfill limitation mechanism has

been
calibrated specifically for
use
with
the 50
lb.
(23 Kg)

refillable refrigerant
tank.

As the refrigerant is recovered it is passed through
an oil separator and
a
filter drier before it is allowed
to enter the refrigerant tank. When it is dry the
moisture indicator turns green.
May 1996 8-47

^2?
Air Conditioning
System Recharging / Compressor Oil Check
Recharging the System

1.
Open the high side valve on the unit control panel.
If the messages PROGRAM and CHARGE are not
displayed press the CHG key to enter PROGRAM

mode.

2.
Key in the amount of refrigerant needed to recharge
the system and press ENTER.
3. Press the CHG key; the message AUTOMATIC and
the entered amount of refrigerant wi
11
be displayed.
The display counts down to zero as the charging
process proceeds. When the charging is complete
the message CPL is displayed.
If the refrigerant transfer is too slow the charging
unit emits a signal. If the message CHECK
REFRIGERANT is not displayed, close the high side

valve,
open the low side valve and start the air
conditioning system to pull the remainder of the
charge into the system.
If the refrigerant transfer will not complete and the
message CHECK REFRIGERANT is displayed, press
the HOLD/CONT key to interrupt the cycle then
reset the unit by pressing the RESET key. Recover
the refrigerant already charged into the system by
following the procedure for recovering the
refrigerant, add new refrigerant to the tank and
return to Step 1 to recharge the system.

4.
If the air conditioning system is not running start it
and let it run until the gauge pressure readings
stabilize (compare the gauge readings with the
system manufacturer's specifications).
Note:
Ensure
that the
readings
are accurate by closing
both the high and low side
valves
on the unit's control
panel.
5. Check the evaporator outlet temperature to make
sure that the air conditioning system is operating
properly (refer to the system manufacturer's
specifications for the proper temperature).
Compressor Oil Checic
Data
Special Tools
Sanden oil dipstick JD 149
Torque Figures
Oil filler plug 8-12 Nm
Procedure
Whenever a component has been replaced in the
refrigerator system or there is an obvious oil leak, the
following procedure should be carried out.
A Sanden oil dipstick and angle gauge are required in
order to carry out the check.

1.
Run the compressor for 10 minutes at engine idle

speed.

2.
Depressurise the system.
3. Lay the angle gauge across the flat surfaces of the
two front mounting lobes. Centre the bubble and
note the mounting angle.

4.
Remove the compressor from the vehicle.
3. Remove the plug from the oil filler hole
(1
Fig. 1).

4.
Rotate the counter weight (3 Fig. 1) on the front of
theclutchtoallowthedipstick(2 Fig. 1)to penetrate
to its fullest extent.
Figure 1.
5. Insert the dipstick to its stop position (4 Fig. 1). The
point of dipstick angle should be facing left.
6. Removethedipstickandchecktheoil levelagainst
the figures quoted in the chart below.
May 1996 8-49

'=^
The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Installation Instructions
12 10
19 22 21 20
VIA A / /^^>^ I B T
A-XA^I'A® QA
13
16
18 29
Figure 7. The Aston Martin Diagnostic System
Key to Figure 1

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.
7.

7.1.

7.2.
7.3.
7.4.
7.5.
7.6.
7.7.
8.
9.

10.

11.

LCD touch screen
Power on switch
Power off switch
Screen contrast control
Battery charge indicator (Orange/Yellow)
Power on indicator (Green)
PDU interface connectors
Black probe
Red probe
Current clamp
Pressure transducer
Vehicle battery adaptor (VBA)
VIA, base station, serial interface and system test
Temperature probe
Battery cover
Connector A for vehicle cable
VIA power input cable
Connector B for vehicle cable

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.
19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.
29.

Connector for PDU cable
VIA status indicator
Vehicle Interface Adaptor (VIA)
Portable Diagnostic Unit (PDU)
Base Station
Base station door
Base station door lock
Charging and loading data connector
Secondary charging connector
Power on indicator (Green)
Status Indicator (Red)
CD-ROM drive
Electronic module securing screws
CD-ROM eject button
CD-ROM drive active light
Audio output (not used)
Audio level (not used)
Base station drawer.
May 1996 9-3

The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Installation Instructions "^P
Component Identification
Base Station (Fig
1
-16)
The Base Station is a wall or bench mounted steel
unit on which up to two Portable Diagnostic Units
and a Vehicle Interface Adaptor can be stored.
Portable Diagnostic Unit (PDU) (Fig 1-15)
The PDU is a hand held diagnostic tool utilising a
touch sensitive screen and serial communications
capability
Electronics Module
The Electronics Module is located behind the base
station door (Fig
1
-17) and facilitates the charging
of the PDU battery. Also contained in the module

is
the CD-ROM drive (Fig
1
-23) for the storage of
al I

system software. The PDU must be connected to
the electronic modu le whenever it is located on the
base station.
Vehicle interface Adaptor (VIA) (Fig
1
-14)
The VIA enables the PDU to interface with vehicle
systems not equipped with serial communications.
Vehicle Battery Adaptor (VBA)
The VBA provides the correct voltage to power the
PDU from the vehicle battery and also protects the
PDU from any interference from the vehicles
electrical systems.
Controls
The Touching the Power On button (Fig 2-2) will
switch on the unit and bringon the screen backlight.
Also note that the Power On Indicator (Fig 2-6) will
illuminate.
Touching the Power Off button (Fig 2-3) will turn off
the unit, screen backlight and power on indicator.
The Touch Sensitive Screen (Fig 2-1) is used to
display information in digital or in graphic forms.
Program options are also displayed and may be
selected by touching the appropriate area of the

screen.

CAUTION:
The use of sharp pointed implements
will damage the touch sensitive screen. Use only
light finger pressure to operate the PDU.
To adjust the screen contrast, rotate the contrast
control (Fig 2-4) to the required position.
In order to preserve the battery charge, the power
to the screen backlight is automatically switched
off after 5 minutes of inactivity. In this state, the
Power On indicator (Fig 2-6) remains illuminated
to indicate that the PDU is in stand-by mode.
Touching the screen will return the PDU to normal
operating mode.
Diagnostic System Cables
Cables
The cables connecting the diagnostic system
elements together and to the electronic units of the
vehicle are identified in the following illustrations.
The cables should be stowed in the base station
drawer or in the pockets of the PDU and VIA
carrying cases.
CAUTION: Care must be taken when using the
vehicle cables since they are capable of
passing

high currents. Short Circuits are a fire
risk.

7 5 6
Figure 2. The Portable Diagnostic Unit
9-4 May 1996

The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Installation Instructions
[ES^'^?

Powering-Up the Base Station
When first operating the System or when first using
a PDU fitted with substitute batteries, it will take up
to36 hourstoachievefull charge. Inthemeantime,
the PDU can be used whilst connected to the base
station or to the vehicle battery.
Vi/\RNmGS:
When using the system equipment, basic safety
precautions should always be followed, including:
Carefully read and follow all instructions.
Care should be taken as burns can occur from
touching hot parts.
Do not operate the appliance with a damaged
mains lead or if the appliance has been dropped or
damaged. Call your local GenRad Service Centre
immediately for a substitute
part.

Do not let the mains lead hang over the
edge
of the
table, bench or counter or come into contact with
hot manifolds or moving fan blades.
The Aston Martin Portable Diagnostic Unit
is
fitted with an
auto switching power supply suitable for voltage supplies
of 100 - 240 VAC 50 - 60 Hz. You need only check that
the power cord connector is of the correct type for your
power outlets.

1.
Connect the mains lead to the mains outlet.

2.
Check that the green indicator lamp above the base
station door is illuminated. If the green lamp does
not come on, see the problem solving section for
advice.
3. After a few seconds, during which the electronics
module completes its self-test, the red OK indicator
lamp should illuminate. If the red lamp does not
come on, see the problem solving section for
advice.

4.
Allow the base station electronics module to reach
working temperature. This will take approximately
BOminutes, after which time the base station will be
ready to accept the software on CD-ROM.
5. Slide the PDU into its carrying case and place the
associated cables and probes in the carrying case
compartments.
6. Place the carrying case onto the base station at the
far left side (Fig 5). This is the normal place for
charging the battery, loading software and storing
the PDU. Note that it is retained by raised retaining
blocks which fit inside the recesses under the
carrying cases (Fig 5).
7. Remove the protective coverfromthe PDU interface
panel socket (Fig
1
-7.6)
8. Usingthe PDU to base station cable (0064) connect
panel socket 6 to the base station left socket (Fig
1
-

19).
The indicator lamp will glow orange during
fast charge and yellow during trickle charging.
9. A second PDU can be fitted on the central position
on the base station and may be connected to the
right charging socket using a second cable (0064).
Note that both units may be charged simultaneously
but software may only be loaded from CD-ROM
using the left base station socket.
Figure 5. Normal PDU position
9-10 May 1996

The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Installation Instructions 5^27
Battery Charging
The PDU is fitted with internal NICAD batteries
which allow the PDU to be transported whilst
retaining programs. The batteries are not designed
to be used as a general power source. A special
circuit monitorstheamountofcharge in the batteries
so that they cannot be overcharged.
From the time when first operating the system or a
PDU fitted with substitute batteries, it will take up
to 36 hours to achieve full charge. In the meantime,
the PDU can be used whilst connected to the base
station or to the vehicle battery. Keep transit times
to and from the vehicle as short as reasonably
possible to preserve battery charge.
Subsequent battery charges
shou Id
take six to seven
hours from fully discharged. The PDU must always
be left connected to the base station when not in
use in order to keep the batteries fully charged.
CAUTION: The rechargeable NICAD batteries
fitted to the PDU are of a special type and must
only be replaced with GenRad approved parts. Do
not substitute the batteries with any other type.
Always
dispose
of old batteries in compliance with
local recycling regulations. The procedure for
changing the battery pack
is
described later in this
installation guide.
Operating Procedures
Refer to the Aston Martin Diagnostic System Users
Guide for detail on each of the PDU software
options
Selecting Diagnostics

1.
Switch on the PDU, the main menu will be

displayed.

2.
Select 'Run Diagnostic' from the main menu and
confirm the selection by pressing the 'tick'
icon.
A
sequence of menus will be displayed requesting
identification of the vehicle under test.
3. The system will load the appropriate software.

4.
On completion of software loading, disconnect the
PDU from the base station and transfer it in its
carrying case to the vehicle. The additional pockets
in the carrying case may be used for carrying any
interface cables required.
5. If the VIA is required, also transfer it in its carrying
case to the vehicle together with any vehicle
interface cable required.
Using the PDU on the Vehicle
At the vehicle, the PDU may be removed from its
carrying case if required. The PDU should always
be connected to the vehicle using the Vehicle
Battery Adaptor (VBA) (0024). The PDU will
continue to charge from the vehicle battery.
Vehicle Battery Adaptor
This unit transforms battery voltage to the correct
level for the PDU. The VBA (Fig 13) also contains
electrical filters to protect the PDU from any voltage
spikes or other interference from the vehicle which
could affect PDU operation.
f=l
a
OOOOOQS.fl

-dlD:

Figure 13. The vehicle battery adaptor
Vehicle Interface Adaptor
When the software requires the Vehicle Interface
Adaptor to be used, it is powered from the vehicle
battery (Fig 14). The Vehicle Battery Adaptor
incorporates a socket into which the VIA to VBA
cable (0028) is inserted. The opposite end of this
cable is inserted into the connector on the VIA

panel.

_a
hOOOOQpH"
-CIC=
=dD
n
S
© ® ® ® © ©
Figure 14. The vehicle interface adaptor
9-14 May 1996