1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 turn signal

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Air Conditioning
Upper Feedback Potentiometer / Servo Motors
Upper Feedback Potentiometer
The upper feedback potentiometer determines the
position of the upper blend flap in the air
conditioning unit and feeds this information to the
ECM enabling it to command the upper flap servo
motor to move the flap to a new position and
maintain the desired temperature of the air at the

dashboard,
centre, screen and side demist vents.
Servo Motors
Lower Servo Motor
The lower blend flap assembly has two inlets and a
single outlet which are wholly or partially blocked
by the flap to control the temperature of air entering
the lower half of the vehicle.
V 1
-•2
V3 -•2

Figure
2.

1.

2.

3.
+5 volts from ECM Pin 43
Feedback signal to ECM Pin 30
Earth-Ground
The potentiometer is supplied with +5V from pin
43 of the ECM and returns its feedback signal via
pin 30. The feedback signal is
1
OOmV (COLD AIR)
to 1.9V (HOT AIR).
Figure L

1.
Energising voltage Lower Servo ECM Pin 37
(Upper ECM 40)

2.
Energising voltage Lower Servo ECM Pin 41
(Upper ECM 42)
A servo motor
(Fig.
1) drives the lower blend flap to
the desired position via a 1500:1 reduction gear
box. The motor is bidirectional and energised from
pins 37 and
41
of the
ECM.
The energising voltages
have the following values: LOW ± O.OV to 2.0V;
HIGH± 7.0V to 9.5V.
Upper Servo Motor
The upper servo motor (Fig. 1) drives the upper
blend flap to the desired position through a 1500:1
reduction gearbox. Like the lower servo motor it is
bi-directional and energised by the ECM (pins 40
and 42). The energising voltages are:
LOW + O.OV to 2.0V
HIGH + 7.0V to 9.5V.
May 1996 8-27

'^T?
Air Conditioning
Compressors
Compressors
Compressor Clutch Control
The compressor
pu I
ley
is
driven continuously when
the engine is running. An electromagnetic clutch
allows the compressortobeengagedordisengaged.
The clutch is energised by battery supply voltage
when the clutch relay RF3 is closed by a signal from
the ECM (pin 21) via the engine management

system.

6^
o>o 1
4
Figure 1
Figure 2
Key to Fig. 2

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Condenser
Clutch relay supply
Compressor clutch
HSLP switch
Protection diode
Earth-ground
Key to Fig. 1

1.
+ve battery supply

2.
Clutch relay
3. Compressor clutch

4.
Pin 20 ECM supply to clutch relay solenoid
5. Earth-Ground
6. Earth-Ground
Trinary Switch
High Side Low Pressure Switch
The high side low pressure switch (HSLP) is
connected in the earth-ground return lead of the
compressor clutch
coil.
The switch is a function of
the trinary switch and monitors the pressure on the
high side of the refrigeration system. If the pressure
drops below 25 psi (+ 5 psi) the contacts open to de-
energise the clutch coil and disengage the clutch.
Low pressure occurs when there is a fault in the

system,
and the HSLP switch contacts remain open
until the fault has been rectified.
The condenser (Fig, 3) consists of a refrigerant coil
mounted in a series of thin cooling fins to provide
maximum heat transfer in the minimum amount of

space.
It is mounted directly behind the car radiator
and receives the fu
11
flow of ram air induced by the
forward motion of the car and the suction of the
cool ing
fan.
Refrigerant enters the inlet at the top of
the condenser as a high pressure hot vapour. As the
vapour passes down through the condenser coils
cooled by ram air, a large quantity of heat is
transferred to the outside air and the refrigerant
changes to a high pressure warm liquid.
May 1996 8-35

^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

Air Conditioning
Air-Conditioning Diagnostics
The Air Conditioning System Diagnostics
The air-conditioning control module (A/CCM) is located at the right end of the air-conditioning unit.

A
digital microprocessor within the
A/CCM
receives
data
signals from
the
operator controlled
switches.
Comparison
of these signals with those returned from the system temperature sensor and feedback devices results in the
appropriate voltage changes necessary to vary: blower motor
speed,
flap positions and system solenoids to respond
to the drivers selected temperature demand.
The air from the two blower motors is passed through the evaporator matrix which, depending on the A/C mode

selected,
removes heat from the incoming air. Depending on the position of
the
two blend
flaps,
the cold air passes
either directly into the vehicle outlet vents, or is passed through the heater matrix to be reheated and then passed
to the vehicle outlet vents.
The amount of air passing through the heater matrix is infinitely variable depending on ambient temperature and
the temperature selected within the vehicle.
Air Conditioning Diagnostics
Cable Connections to the A/CCM
Cable Setup
Figure 1. PDU connections to the A/CCM

1.
Remove the right side underdash trim panel.

2.
Connect the VBA (0024) to the vehicle battery
3. Connect the PDU to the VBA (0024).

4.
Connect the VIA to the PDU using the VIA-PDU cable (0030).
5. Connect the AirCon Datalogger harness (0780) between the VIA Channel A and the Air-Conditioning Control
Module on the vehicle.
May 1996 8-65

The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide ^=2?
Transmission Diagnostics
Automatic transmission DB7s are fitted with a GM4L80-
E gearbox electronically controlled by a Transmission
Control Unit (TCM)
The TCM is mounted on the rear left wheel
arch.
It may be
electronically accessed from the upper diagnostic socket.
The TCM continuously monitors requests made by the
driver via the gear selector, throttle pedal, mode switch,
etc. This data is used in conjunction with speed input from
the transmission unit to calculate the optimum shift points
undercurrentconditions.Shiftpressureand ignition retard
are also controlled from this data to enhance shift quality
and reduce transmission wear.
TheTCM also detects faults within the transmission system
and stores the relevant fault codes for later analysis.
Gearshifts are controlled by two solenoid valves and a
pressure regulator within the transmission valve block
assembly.
If a serious fault occurs, the TCM removes all electrical
power from these valves and the transmission defaults to
a 'limp home' condition. In this state, only mechanical
selection of either reverse or second gear is available.
Gearshift Timing
Inputs from the performance mode switch (Sport, Normal
or 1st Gear Inhibit) and the throttle position sensor are
used to modify transmission gearshift operation
as
required
by the driver.
Sport mode raises the roadspeed at which gearshifts occur
enabling higher acceleration rates for the vehicle.
1st gear inhibit prevents engagement of first gear to reduce
the risk of wheel slip in icy conditions.
The throttle position sensor signal is continuously
monitored by the TCM to detect a rapid throttle opening.
If the throttle position sensor signal rises rapidly to above
4.5 volts, a 'Kickdown' condition is initiated. In this

condition,
upshifts are delayed to higher road speeds to
provide the higher acceleration required for overtaking
etc.
TCM - PCM Communication
The interface between TCM and PCM allows continuous
exchange of the primary data required to appropriately
control the gearshifts required during driving under
a
wide
range of conditions.
Powertrain
Control
Module
^.. ^
Warm-Up Signal
Throttle Pot Output
Torque Reduction Request
^ •- -^ Transmission
Control
Module
Warm-Up
The Warm-Up signal is sent from the TCM to the PCM and
is used to detect when the transmission reaches normal
operating temperature of approximately 100°C (212"'F).
As this temperature is reached, the modified gearshift
timing required with a cold gearbox may be abandoned in
favour of the standard timing for a warm gearbox.
Throttle Pot Output
The ThrottlePot Output signal is sent from the PCM to the

TCM.
The TCM can then use this information to control
shift timing in relation to the power demanded by the
driver.
Torque Reduction Request
The Torque Reduction Requestsignai
is
sent from the TCM
to the PCM. it is used to temporarily retard the ignition
timing during gear shifts to improve shift quality. When the
gearshift is completed, ignition timing will be returned to

normal.

9-40 September 1996

^^?
The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide
Transmission Diagnostics
Selecting 'Transmission from the vehicle area menu will
present the technician with the following transmission
diagnostic tools menu:
Transmission Diagnostic
• Datalogger
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes
o
The Datalogger function is fully described in the worked
example at the rear of this PDU Users Guide.
Transmission Datalogger
The PDU datalogger function may be used to monitor the
following transmission controller signals
DIGS Number of DTCs Logged
The Diagnostics status manager (DSM) receives and
processes fault information and decides when a DTC
should be logged and the MIL turned on (if enabled). The
actual total stored is indicated by the parameter DTCS.
FBRAKE Brake Switch
The footbrake switch signal is input to the
TCM.
The input
is normally at ground potential and goes open circuit
when the brakes are applied. If the torque converter
clutch is applied it will disengage when this signal is

detected.

FMA Actual Force Motor Current
The force motor regulates the transmission fluid pressure.
It is a variable force solenoid whose coil current is
determined by the TCM. Range 0 -1.245 amps. A driver
circuit limits excessive current flow and performs a
ratiometric comparison of Desired (commanded) Force
Motor Current and Actual Force Motor current. The
parameter monitors the Actual Force Motor current 1 Bit
= l/204.8amps.
HOT Hot Mode
The signal from the transmission temperature sensor is
used to control TCC and line pressure. It is also used in
many diagnostic signals and is a critical component for
OBD II. Above 120°C the TCC is on in 2nd, 3rd and 4th

gears.
This reduces transmission temperature by decreasing
the heat generated by the torque converter. It also
provides maximum cooling by routing transmission fluid
directly to the transmission cooler in the radiator. When
the Hot Mode is ON the bit is set to 1.
IGN+ Ignition Feed Positive
The TCM receives ignition voltage through TCM pin 53.
MD Desired Force Motor Current
The force motor regulates the transmission fluid pressure.
It is a variable force solenoid whose coil current is
determined by the TCM. Range 0 -1.245 amps. A driver
circuit limits excessive current flow and performs a
ratiometric comparison of Desired (commanded) Force
Motor Current. The parameter mon itors the Desired Force
Motor current 1 Bit = 1/204.8amps.
RATIO Actual Gear Ratio
The diagnostic detects malfunction in the transmission
output components by monitoring the actual gear ratio.
The actual gear ratio is calculated using input (Ni) and
output speed (No): Ratio = Ni/No. This is compared with
the standard gear ratio for each gear. Malfunction can be
defined as: actual gear ratio is not equal to any of the
standard gear ratios.
RPM Engine Speed
The engine speed signal is input from the instrument pack.
The
signal
origi
nates
at the crankshaft
sensor.
The crankshaft
sensor signal is modified by the PCM and the instrument
pack before being input to the TCM.
SSA Shift Solenoid A
Shift solenoid A is attached to the valve body and its outlet
is open to exhaust when it is switched off. A OFF - outlet
open - 2nd and 3rd gears selected. The solenoid is
energised by the TCM providing an internal ground to
close the outlet. A ON - outlet closed -1 st and 4th gears

selected.

SSB Shift Solenoid B
Shift solenoid B is attached to the valve body and its outlet
is open to exhaust when it is switched off. B OFF - outlet
open - 1st and 2nd gears selected. The solenoid is
energised by the TCM providing an internal ground to
close the outlet. B ON - outlet closed - 3rd and 4th gears

selected.

September 1996 9-41

^?
The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide
Climate Control Diagnostics
The air conditioning control module is located at the right
end of the air conditioning unit. Since this controller uses
a unique communications protocol, the PDU must be
connected directly to the unit via the Vehicle Inerface
Adaptor as shown in the following cable setup screen.
Cable Setup
Adigitalmicroprocessorwithin the control module receives
data signals from the operator controlled switches.
Comparison of these signals with those returned from
system temperature sensors and feedback devices results
in the appropriate output voltage changes needed to vary:
Blower motor speed, flap position and the solenoids
which respond to operator selected temperature demand.
The air from two blower motors is passed through the
evaporator matrix which, depending on the positions of
the humidity buttons, removes heat from the incoming air.
Dependingon the position of the two blend flaps, the cold
air either passes directly to the vehicle outlet vents, or is
passed through the heater matrix to be reheated and then
to the vehicle outlet vents.
The amount of air passing through the heater matrix is
infinitely variable depending on ambienttemperature and
the temperature selected within the vehicle.
Selecting 'Climate Control' from the vehicle area menu,
will presentthetechnician with the dataloggertool selection

screen.

Details of the signals which may be monitored in the
system may be found in the DB7 Workshop Manual -
Section 8 - Air Conditioning'
Anti-Lock Braking Diagnostics
The Teves Mk IV Braking System consists of two sub­
systems, power braking and anti-lock braking.
The PDU software(DataLogger) only allows the monitoring
of the anti-lock braking system.
The ABS System consists of:
Four wheel speed sensors.
One control module.
Seven solenoid valves.
One pressure switch.
One fluid level switch.
The ABS System
is
controlled and continuously monitored
by the ABS control module, which automatically
switchesoffthesystemifafailure is identified, illuminating
a warning lamp and leaving
full,
boosted braking to all
wheels. A wheel speed sensor is installed at each wheel.
Their wheel speed related signals are processed by the
control module, which triggers the solenoid valves to
modulate hydraulic pressure, preventing the wheels from

locking.
The control module also monitors the fluid
level and will inhibit ABS operation should lowfluid level
be detected.
The Datalogger function will permit monitoring of the
complete system apart from the solenoid valves. The
control module transmits short duration test pulses of 25
to 100 microseconds to the solenoid valves. These
pulses are too fast for the PDU to monitor and as a result
would cause confusing waveforms.
Selecting 'Anti-Lock Braking' from the vehicle area menu,
will present the technician with the following menu of
diagnostic tools screen:
Anti-Lock Brakes Diagnostic
Datalogger
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
o
ABS Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The DTCs which are supported in the Teves Mk IV ABS
system are listed in the workshop manual - Section 5
Brakes Wheels and Tyres.
September 1996 9-43

The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide
Em^'^?

ABS Datalogger
The following signals in the Teves Mk IV ABS system may
be monitored using the datalogger function.
DTCs Number of DTCs Logged
The Diagnostic status manager (DSM) receives and
processes fault information and decides when a DTC
should be logged and the MIL turned on. The actual total
stored is indicated by the parameter.
FBRAKE Brake Switch
The signal from the brake switch is used by the CM to
ensure that traction control is inhibited when the brakes
are applied. The input circuitry within the CM is a
1
OK
pull-up to ignition voltage. When the switch is closed the
parameter is set to 1.
FLWS Front Left Wheel Speed Sensor
An indication sensor outputs a sinusoidal wave form 48
pulses per revolution. The output is processed by the CM
to control braking and traction. The sensor is continually
monitored for open and short failure and operating range.
If its output exceeds 330km/h it is deemed to be faulty and
the CM is disabled. The parameter tracks the sensor
weaveform through 255 steps.
FRWS Front Right Wheel Speed Sensor
An indication sensor outputs a sinusoidal wave form 48
pulses per revolution. The output is processed by the CM
to control braking and traction. The sensor is continually
monitored for open and short failure and operating range.
If its output exceeds 330km/h it
is
deemed to be faulty and
the CM is disabled. The parameter tracks the sensor
weaveform through 255 steps.
RLWS Rear Left Wheel Speed Sensor
An indication sensor outputs a sinusoidal wave form 48
pulses per revolution. The output is processed by the CM
to control braking and traction. The sensor is continually
monitored for open and short failure and operating range.
If its output exceeds 330km/h it
is
deemed to be faulty and
the CM is disabled. The parameter tracks the sensor
weaveform through 255 steps.
RRWS Rear Right Wheel Speed Sensor
An indication sensor outputs a sinusoidal wave form 48
pulses per revolution. The output is processed by the CM
to control braking and traction. The sensor is continually
monitored for open and short failure and operating range.
If its output exceeds 330km/h it is deemed to be faulty and
the CM is disabled. The parameter tracks the sensor
waveform through 255 steps.
Passive Anti Theft (PATS) Diagnostics
Security System Diagnostics
Becauseof the requirementto maintain vehicle security,
the PATS and Security System operating instructions
and diagnostics are covered in the Vehicle Security
supplement to section 6 of the workshop manual. This
supplement has restricted circulation and is only
available to Aston Martin Dealers.
9-44 September 1996