1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 low oil pressure

=2?
Air Conditioning
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set
Pressure Temperature Relationship.
Note:
Pressures
shown are under exact conditions
(see
test
conditions) and
are
not
necessary
true for every
car

checked.
Ambient Temperature is given as the air
surrounding the
condenser
and
is
taken 5 cm in front of
the
condenser.

Test Conditions.
Use a large fan to substitute for normal ram air through the
condenser. Engine adjusted to fast idle speed.
All conditions equivalent to 30 m.p.h. or 48 km/h.
Ambient
Evaporator
Temp °C
16
18
21
24
27
29
32
35
38
41
43
46
49
High
Pressure
Gauge
Reading
Ibf/in2
95-115
105-125
115-125
130-150

1
50-170
165-185
175-195
185-205
210-230
230-250
250-270
265-285
280-310
Low
Pressure
Gauge
Reading
Ibf/in2
10
12
4
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
Ten
-16
-14
-12
-10
-8
-6
-5
-4
-3
-1
0
2
5
9
11
14
17
19
21
Normal operating ambient temperature range is:
-24 to 43°C.
Normal operating evaporator temperature range
is:-12toO°C.
Under normal running conditions system pressure
should be, as follows:
Lowside:1.05to2.10kgf/cm21.034to2.06bar15
to 30 ibf/in2
High side: 13.00 to 14.40 kgf/cm2 12.75 to 14.34
bar185to205lbf/in2
Manifold Gauge Set Check Procedures
Refrigerant Slightly Low.
Complaint.
Little or no cooling.

1.

2.

3.

4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.
7.
BLUE LOW SIDE
KED
HIGH SIDE
Condition.
The low side gauge reading is too low.
The high side gauge reading is too low.
A stream of bubbles evident in the sight glass.
The discharge air from the evaporator only
slightly
cool.

Diagnosis.
The system low on refrigerant due to slight leak.
Correction.
Test the system for leaks.
Depressurise the system.
Repair the leaks, and if necessary renew hoses or

units.

Check the compressor oil level. The system may
have lost oil due to leakage.
Evacuate the system using a vacuum pump.
Recharge the system with new refrigerant.
Operate the system and check the performance.
May 1996 8-41

Air Conditioning
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set [n::S3^^?
Refrigerant Excessively Low.
Complaint.
Cooling is not adequate.
Air In The System.
Complaint.
Cooling is not adequate.
BLU£ LOW SIDE SlUE LOW SIDE MD HIGH SIDE
5.
6.
7.

Condition.

1.
The low side gauge is reading very low.

2.
The high side gauge reading very low.
3. No bubbles or liquid evident in the sight glass.

4.
The discharge air from the evaporator is warm.
Diagnosis.
System refrigerant excessively low. Serious leak

indicated.

Correction.

1.
Test the system for leaks.
Note: Partially recharge the
system
before testing the

system
for
leaks
to
ensure that leak detection is
obtained.
Depressurise the system.
Repair the leaks, and if necessary renew hoses or

units.

Check the compressor oil level. The system may
have lost oil due to leakage.
Evacuate the system using a vacuum pump.
Recharge the system with new refrigerant.
performance.

2.

3.

5.
6.
7.
8-42
Condition.
The low side gauge reading
is
constant and does not

drop.
The pressure should drop until the compressor
cycles (thermostat control)
The high side gauge reading is slightly high (or
slightly lower especially if a large fan is used to
substitute ram air).
The sight glass is free of bubbles or only shows an
occasional bubble.
Thedischarge air from theevaporator
is
only slightly

cool.

Diagnosis.
Non condensables present in the system. Air or
moisturepresent instead of afullrefrigerantcharge.
Correction.
Test the system for leaks. Test the compressor seal
area very carefully.
Depressurise the system. Repair the leaks, and if
necessary renew hoses or units.
Renew the drier bottle, probably water saturated .
Check the compressor oil level.
Evacuate the system using a vacuum pump.
Recharge the system with new refrigerant.
Operate the system and check the performance.
May 1996

Air Conditioning
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set ffi:S5=27
After making the above checks operate the system
and check the performance. If the Condition is not

rectified.

1.
inspect the system for overcharge of refrigerant and
rectify as follows.
A. Discharge the system, until a stream of bubbles
appear in the sight glass and both gauge readings
drop to below normal.
B. Add new refrigerant until the bubbles disappear
and the pressures are normal. Then add 0.25 to 0.5

lb.
of additional refrigerant.

2.
Operate the system and check the performance.
If the gauge readings are still too
high.

3. Depressurise the system.
3. Removeand inspectthecondenserforoilclogging.
Clean and flush the condenser to ensure the free
passage refrigerant or renew the condenser.

4.
Renew the receiver-drier.
5. Evacuatethesystem using
a
vacuum pump Recharge
the system with new refrigerant. Operate the system
and check the performance
Moisture in the System
Complaint.
Cooling notadequateduringthe hot part of theday.
Note: Cooling may
be satisfactory
during
early
morning/

late evening
but
inadequate
during
the
hot part of
the
day.

BLUE LOW SIDE RED HIGH SIDE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
LOW
Condition.
The low side gauge reading normal but may drop
into vacuum during testing.
The high side gauge reading normal but drops
when the low side drops into vacuum. The sight
glass may show tiny bubbles.
The discharge air from the evaporator is cold but
becomes warm when the low side gauge drops into

vacuum.

Diagnosis.
Excessive moisture in the system.
Desiccant agent saturated with moisture which is
released during high temperatures. The moisture
collects and freezes in the expansion valve which
stops the refrigerant flow.
Correction.
Depressurise the system.
Renew the drier bottle.
Evacuate the system using a vacuum pump.
Recharge the system with new refrigerant.
Operate the system and check the performance.
8-44 May 1996

^?
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

Air Conditioning
Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling ^=2?
Recovery Procedure
Hote:
Run the
air-conditioning
system
for
a
few
minutes
before starting the
recovery
procedure as
this will
enable

more refrigerant to be recovered. Turn the
system
off
before
starting
the procedure.

1.
Attach the red (high side) hose oftheunittothe high
side fitting of the system on the vehicle then fit the
blue (low side) fitting to the low side on the vehicle.
Note: Make sure that the Air conditioning
system
has
pressure in it before beginning the recovery
process;
if
there is no
system
pressure there is no refrigerant to

recover.
Also
make sure that the
oil
drain
valve
is
closed.

2. Open both the high and low side valves on the
control panel.
3. Open the red CAS (vapour) valve and the blue
LIQUID valve on the tank.

4.
Turn on the MAIN POWER switch.
5. Press the RECOVERY key on the key-pad. The
display shows that the unit in the RECOVER mode
and AUTOMATIC cycle. After the compressor starts
the display shows the weight of refrigerant being

recovered.
The compressor shuts off automatically
when the recovery is complete and the display
shows the message 'CPL' and the final weight of the
recovered refrigerant.
6. Wait for five minutes and watch the manifold
gauges for a rise above 0. If a rise occurs press the
HOLD/CONT key. Repeat as needed until the
system pressure holds for two minutes.
Note: Drain the oil
separator
after
each
job.
7. Slowly open the oil drain valve and drain the oil
into the oil catch bottle. When all the recovered oil
has completely drained close the valve.
8. Replace oil lost during the recovery procedure by
measuringthe amount of oil inthe catch bottle and
adding the same amount of new oil to the system.
Note:
Dispose
of the
recovered
oil in an approved way.
9. When the recovery tank is full the compressor is
shut off and the display shows the message FULL.
Evacuating and Recycling the Refrigerant

1.
Open the red (high side) and the blue (low side)
valves on the unit and open the red GAS (vapour)
valve and the blue LIQUID valve on the tank.

2.
Enter the required time using the key-pad, press
enter,thedisplayshowstheenteredtime in minutes.
3. Start the vacuum pump by pressing the VACUUM
KEY again. The recycling process begins
approximately five seconds after the vacuum pump
starts and the message RECYCLE is displayed.
Note: If the vacuum pump
has
run for ten hours or
over

without an oil change the
message
OIL
flashes
on the
display.
Change
the pump oil and
then press
the
SHIFT/

RESET key and
the
zero key to
reset the
oil
change
timer
to zero.
The digital display counts down the evacuation

time.

4.
Check for non-condensibles after five minutes

recycling.
Ifthegauge needles are more than lOpsi
apart purge the non-condensibles from the tank by
open
i ng
the purge valve on the back of the
un
it and
continue to bleed until both needles show the same

reading.

The vacuum sequence continues until the
programmed time has elapsed at which point the
message CPL is displayed.
5. If the moisture indicator turns green recharge with
refrigerant.
or
5. If the moisture indicator has not turned green
replace the unit's filter-drier, which is probably

saturated.

Note:
Pressing
any key at this point allows the next
function to be
accessed.

To recycle the refrigerant only without pulling a
vacuum for an indefinite period of time press the
SHIFT/RESET key and the RECYCLE key on the key­

pad.
Press the SHIFT/RESET key to cancel.
For vacuum only press the SHIFT/RESET key and
the ENTER key and then press
"1".
Run the vacuum
pump as long as required and then press
"1"
or
press SHIFT/RESET to cancel.
8-48 May 1996

^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
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 ^7
TCCS Torque Convertor Clutch Solenoid
The torque converter clutch solenoid is mounted on the
valve body. The signal is Pulse Width Modulated at 32Hz
to provide closed loop control of the pressure across the
converter clutch plates. 1 bit = 0.39% Range 0 to 100%
TP Throttle Position
This is provided by the EECV Engine Management System
as a Pulse Width Modulated signal derived from the
throttle position signal read by that module from the
throttle position sensor.
TCS Torque Convertor Slip
Torque converter slip is defined
as
the difference between
the Input/turbine (ni) speed and the Engine speed (Ne):
Slip = Ne-Ni. The PWM duty cycle may increase from 0
to 100% when TCC is fully applied. In practice a 100%
duty cycle will be achieved only if
a
large slip is detected.
Normal ly only a 50 to 95% duty cycle will be required for
full application of the TCC. Slip is expressed in rpm. 1 Bit
- 1/8 rpm. Range -4096 to +4096 rpm.
TCSW Transmission Control Switch
A three position switch allows the driver to select Sport,
Normal or 1st Gear Inhibit mode. When 'Sport' is selected
gearshifts take place at higher engine revs. When '1st
Gear Inhibit' is selected, the transmission only operates in
the higher forward ratios to prevent wheel slip in icy
conditions.
TISSA Turbine Input Shaft Speed
Turbine speed is the speed of the input shaft of the
transmission measured by the input speed sensor mounted
on the transmission. An alternating waveform is induced
in the sensor by 31 serrations on the forward clutch
housing as it rotates. The waveform frequency and
amplitude is low at low speeds and high at high speeds.
The TCM changes this signal into a digital signal. 1 bit =
1/8 RPM. Range: 0 - 8192 RPM.
TOS+ Transmission Output Speed
The output speed sensor is mounted on the transmission
case and measures the speed of the output shaft. As the
shaft rotates an alternating waveform is induced in the
sensor which varies in frequency and voltage. The wave
form is converted into
a
digital signal by the TCM and used
to control TCC, line pressure, shift timing and torque
management. 1 bit = 1/8 RPM. Range 0-8192 RPM
TRX Transmission Control Switch X
TRY Transmission Control Switch Y
TRZ Transmission Control Switch Z
The transmission range is detected by the pressure switch
manifold (PSM) and input to the
TCM.
The signal consists
of three discrete lines X, Y, Z which transmit a 3 bit binary
code as shown in the table below.
0 = open circuit
1 = short circuit to ground
X Y Z
p
R
N
D
3
2
Error
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
1
VS Vehicle Speed
Veh icie speed
is
derived from
a pu Ised
wave form generated
by the speed sensor in the hypoid unit. There are 40 pulses
per shaft rotation and the TCM converts this to vehicle
speed and applies correction for axle ratio and road wheel
diameter. 1 bit -
1
kph. Range 0 - 255kph
Transmission Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The diagnostic trouble codes supported by the CM 4L80-

E
Transmission Control Module are covered indetail inthe
DB7 OBD II Diagnostics Manual.
TOT Transmission Oil Temperature
The transmission temperature sensor signal is used to
control TCC and line
pressure.
It
has a
negative temperature
coefficient so when the temperature is cold its resistance
is high and the TCM sees
a
high voltage. Asthe temperature
warms the volts drop across the sensor decreases and the
signal voltage becomes lower. The TCM converts this
analogue input into a digital signal.
1 bit =
1
°C Range -55°C to +200°C.
9-42 September 1996