1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 service

Electrics
Airbag System ^^?
Airbag DM Fault Code 35
Passengers airbag circuit low resistance or short
circuit.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module measures the resistance
across pins 2-2 and 2-3 every time the ignition is
switched on. The resistance should be 0.9 to
1.1Q..

If the total resistance in the passengers airbag
circuit falls below 0.7S2, fault code 35 will be
declared and the airbag lamp will be illuminated.
f^ote:
The
nominal
resistance
of the airbag simulator
is

2.5£2,
therefore expect
a
total circuit
resistance
reading of
2.4 - 2.6Q with the simulator fitted.
Caution: The passengers airbag connector contains
shorting bars which short circuit pins 1 and 3 of
both sides of the connector when disconnected.
DO NOT REMOVE OR DISABLE THE AIRBAG
CONNECTOR SHORTING BAR UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES.
The airbag harness shorting bar may be temporarily
disabled during the following resistance checks.
Possible Causes
• Poorly mated airbag harness connector. If the
connector is poorly mated, the shorting bars
may not be fully retracted.
• Faulty shorting bar may short circuit 2-2 and 2-
3 together.
• A short across the airbag terminals in the
passengers airbag module.
Fault Analysis

1.
Disarm the airbag system and check the security of
the passengers airbag module connector before
disconnecting.
If the connector is secure, complete the disarming
procedure, fit the airbag simulators (6.4.21.4). Go
to step 2
If the connector is insecure, service as necessary,
clear the code 35, rearm the airbags. Check that
code 35 does not recur.

2.
Disconnectthediagnostic module and removethe
plastic wedge from connector 2 (black). Measure
the resistance between pins 2-2 and 2-3. The
resistance should be 2.4 - 2.6Q.
If the resistance is 2.4 - 2.6Q, go to step 4.
If the resistance is below 2.4 - 2.6fl, go to step 3.
3. Disconnect the airbag simulator at the passengers
airbag module and remove the plastic wedge from
the harness connector. Measure the resistance
between pins 2-2 and 2-3 at the diagnostic module
connector.
If the resistance is infinity, the airbag harness is
good at this time. Swap the airbag simulators at the
drivers and passengers airbag connectors. Repeat
the resistance check. If the resistance is less than
infinity, there is a fault in the passengers airbag
harness connector. Service the connector or replace
the harness as necessary. Refit the plastic wedges.
Reconnect the diagnostic module. Clear the code

35.
Rearm the airbags.
If the resistance is less than infinity, service the
bulkhead harness as necessary. Refit the plastic
wedges. Reconnect the diagnostic module. Clear
the code 35. Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).

4.
Since the circuit resistance is in specification, the
fault must lie in the diagnostic module or in the
airbag module.
Substitute a known good diagnostic module. If
code 35 recurs with the airbag simulator fitted,
there is still a fault in the wiring or the simulator.
If the fault code 35 does not recur, rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4) and retest.
If fault code 35 recurs with the airbag module fitted,
the airbag module is faulty. Replace the passengers
airbag module (7.8.02.6).
6-94 September 1996

Electrics
Airbag System
Airbag DM Fault Code 41
Right hand crash sensor feed or return open circuit.
Airbag DM Fault Code 42
Left hand crash sensor feed or return open circuit.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module constantly measures the
voltage at pins
1
-2 and
1-11.
The voltage should be
10±1 volt. The two wires are connected together
within the right hand crash sensor. If the voltage at
1-2 falls below that at 1-11, an open circuit has

occurred.
Fault code 41 will be declared and the
airbag lamp will be illuminated.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module constantly measures the
voltage at pins
1
-6 and
1
-12.
The voltage should be
10±1 volt. The two wires are connected together
within the left hand crash sensor. If the voltage at
1
-
5 falls below that at 1-12, an open circuit has

occurred.
Fault code 42 will be declared and the
airbag lamp will be illuminated.
Possible Causes
• Open circuit in the wires from diagnostic module
pins
1
-2 or
1 -11
to the right hand crash sensor.
• An open circuit within the right hand crash
sensor across pins 1 and 2 of the sensor
connector.
Fault Analysis

1.
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).

2.
Disconnect the diagnostic module and check
continuity between pins 1-2 and 1-11.
If the resistance is significantly greater than OQ, go
to step 3.
If the circu it resistance
is
OQ.,
the
fau It
is intermittent.
Manipulate the harness, particularly in the area of
the sensor connector and the crash sensor harness
to bulkhead harness connector, to identify the
location of the open circuit. Service the circuit as
necessary.
3. Check the right hand crash sensor connector for
security and service the connector if necessary.
If the connector is secure, disconnect and check
continuity from pin 1 to pin 2 of the sensor.
If the resistance is
h igh
or
an
open circuit
is
detected,
replace the crash sensor.
If the sensor continuity is good (0^2), service the
crash sensor loom or bu Ikhead harness
as
necessary
to remove the high resistance or open circuit.

4.
With the airbag simulators in circuit and all
connectors in place, clear the code
41.
Switch off
and then on again to check that the airbag warning
lamp comes on at 'ignition on' and extinguishes
after approximately six seconds.
5. Switch off and rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4)
3.
Possible Causes
• Opencircuitinthewiresfromdiagnosticmodule
pins
1
-6 or
1
-12 to the left hand crash sensor.
• An open circuit within the left hand crash sensor
across pins 1 and 2 of the sensor connector.
Fault Analysis
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Disconnect the diagnostic module and check
continuity between pins 1-6 and 1-12.
If the resistance is significantly greater than OQ, go
to step 3.
If the circu it resistance
isO£2,
the fault is intermittent.
Manipulate the harness, particularly in the area of
the sensor connector and the crash sensor harness
to bulkhead harness connector, to identify the
location of the open circuit. Service the circuit as
necessary.
Check the left hand crash sensor connector for
security and service the connector if necessary.
If the connector is secure, disconnect and check
continuity from pin 1 to pin 2 of the sensor.
If the resistance is high or
an
open circuit is
detected,

replace the crash sensor.
If the sensor continuity is good (OQ), service the
crash sensor harness or bulkhead harness as
necessary to remove the high resistance or open
circuit.
With the airbag simulators in circuit and all
connectors in place, clear the code 42. Switch off
and then on again to check that the airbag warning
lamp comes on at 'ignition on' and extinguishes
after approximately six seconds.
Switch off and rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
September 1996 6-95

Electrics
Airbag System o
--i.
D^?
Airbag DM Fault Code 44
Right hand crash sensor incorrectly mounted.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module constantly measures the
resistance between pins 2-8 (RH crash sensor
ground) and
1
-3 (airbag DM system ground). If the
resistance rises above 2Q, fault code 44 is declared
and the airbag warning lamp is illuminated.
Possible Causes
• Loose sensor mounting or an accumulation of
dirt or corrosion at the sensor mountings.
• An open circuit or loose wire from DM pin 2-8
to the sensor.
• An open circuit wire or loose rivet within the
sensor.
Fault Analysis
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Disconnect the diagnostic module and check
continuity between pins 1-3 and 2-8.
If the resistance is significantly greater than
OQ,,
go
to step 3.
Ifthe circuit resistance
is
OQ,thefault is intermittent.
Manipulate the harness, particularly in the area of
the sensor connector and the crash sensor harness
to bulkhead harness connector, to identify the
location of the open circuit. Service the circuit as
necessary.
Check the right hand crash sensor mounting for
security and corrosion.
If neither problem is evident, go to step 4.
If either problem is evident, remove, clean and
resecure the sensor. Reconnect the diagnostic
module. Switch on and clear the code 44. Switch
off and then on again to check that the airbag
warning lamp comes on at 'ignition on' and
extinguishes after approximately six seconds.

4.
Check the right hand crash sensor connector for
security and service the connector if necessary.
If the connector is secure, disconnect and check
continuity from pin 1 to pin 2 of the sensor.
Ifthe resistance is high or
an
open circuit isdetected,
replace the crash sensor. Go to step 5
If the sensor continuity is good (OQ), service the
crash sensor harness or bulkhead harness as
necessary to remove the high resistance or open
circuit. Go to step 5.
5. With the airbag simulators in circuit and all
connectors in place, clear the code 44. Switch off
and then on again to check that the airbag warning
lamp comes on at 'ignition on' and extinguishes
after approximately six seconds.
6. Switch off and rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4)
6-96 September 1996

"3^=2?
Electrics
Airbag System
Airbag DM Fault Code 45
Left hand crash sensor incorrectly mounted.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module constantly measures the
resistance between pins2-9 (LH crash sensor ground)
and
1
-3 (airbag DM system ground). If the resistance
rises above 2£2, fault code 45 is declared and the
airbag warning lamp is illuminated.
Possible Causes
• Loose sensor mounting or an accumulation of
dirt or corrosion at the sensor mountings.
• An open circuit or loose wire from DM pin 2-9
to the sensor.
• An open circuit wire or loose rivet within the
sensor.
Fault Analysis

1.
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).

2.
Disconnect the diagnostic module and check
continuity between pins 1-3 and 2-9.
If the resistance is significantly greater than OQ, go
to step 3.
If thecircuit resistance
is
OQ,
the fault is intermittent.
Manipulate the harness, particularly in the area of
the sensor connector and the crash sensor harness
to bulkhead harness connector, to identify the
location of the open circuit. Service the circuit as
necessary.
3. Check the left hand crash sensor mounting for
security and corrosion.
If neither problem is evident, go to step 4.
If either problem is evident, remove, clean and
resecure the sensor. Reconnect the diagnostic
module. Switch on and clear the code 45. Switch
off and then on again to check that the airbag
warning lamp comes on at 'ignition on' and
extinguishes after approximately six seconds.

4.
Check the left hand crash sensor connector for
security and service the connector if necessary.
If the connector is secure, disconnect and check
continuity from pin 1 to pin 2 of the sensor.
If the resistance is high or
an
open circuit isdetected,
replace the crash sensor. Go to step 5
If the sensor continuity is good (OQ), service the
crash sensor harness or bulkhead harness as
necessary to remove the high resistance or open
circuit. Goto step 5.
5. With the airbag simulators in circuit and all
connectors in place, clear the code 45. Switch off
and then on again to check that the airbag warning
lamp comes on at 'ignition on' and extinguishes
after approximately six seconds.
6. Switch off and rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4)
September 1996 6-97

Electrics
Airbag System ^?
Airbag DM Fault Code 51
Airbag diagnostic module - thermal fuse blown.
WARNING: The diagnostic module will blow the
internal fuse whenever a short circuit to ground
occurs in the deployment circuits. Itdoesnotblow
because of
excessive
current
flow.
The thermal
fuse is not a serviceable item. No attempt should
be made to replace or
bypass
the fuse.
WARNING: Do not install a new diagnostic
module until the short has been located and
corrected. A short which goes away before
corrective action has been taken must be regarded
asan intermittentfault. Installinga newdiagnostic
module when there is an intermittent fault will
result in repeated diagnostic module failures and
repeated repairs.
Fault Analysis
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Inspecttheconnectorsandterminalsfor any foreign
metal objects or damaged terminals which could
be the cause of the short circuit.
Check each of the circuits in the possible causes list
and isolate the intermittent short circuit. Rectify the
fault.
See the warnings above about replacement of
diagnostic modules when intermittent shorts are
present.
Replace the diagnostic module.
Reconnect all components and rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4).
Normal Operation
In order to prevent airbag deployment in the event
of a short circuit to ground, the diagnostic module
blows its internal fuse as soon as a short to ground
is detected. This action removes all battery and
back-up power from the deployment circuits. The
diagnostic module will flag the higher priority
codes 13 or 14 while the short to ground exists. If
the short is intermittent and temporarily corrects
itself, the d iagnostic modu le wi
11
flag code
51.
If the
short to ground returns, the diagnostic module will
again flag the higher priority code 13 or 14 instead
of code 51.
Code 51 after Airbag Deployment
The internal wiring may be shorted to the metal
airbag housings after the airbags are deployed. The
diagnostic module will see this as a short to ground
in the deployment wiring, it will flagacode 14and
blow the internal fuse. As the deployed airbags

cool,
the short circuit may rectify itself. The
diagnostic module will then flag a code 51. This
intermittentfault must be investigated and corrected.
Possible Causes
A short circuit to ground in any of the following:
DM pins 2-2, 2-5 or 2-6 to the safing sensor
DM pins 2-2, 2-5 or 2-3 to the passenger airbag
DM pins 2-2, 2-4 or 2-5 to the drivers airbag
DM pins
1
-2 or
1 -11
to RH crash sensor
DM pins
1
-6 or
1
-12 to LH crash sensor
6-98 September 1996

in:[M3^?
Electrics
Airbag System
Airbag DM Fault Code 52
Back-up power supply - voltage boost fault.
Normal Operation
A back-up power supply consisting of a capacitor
and voltage booster is contained within the
diagnostic module. The voltage booster charges
the capacitor to 24 ±
1
volt when the ignition is on.
The back-up power supply is connected to
diagnostic module pin 1-9 via a diode. Since the
resistance of pin 1-9 to ground is infinite, the
capacitor has no discharge path and the back-up
supply
is
maintained ata high
voltage.
Thediagnostic
module monitors this voltage and will flag a code
52 if a minimum of 23V is not achieved within 45
seconds of switching on the ignition.
Possible Causes
Low back-up supply voltage may be caused by:
• Partial or total short circuit of pin 1-9 to ground.
• Boost circuit failure within the diagnostic
module.
Fault Analysis

1.
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).

2.
Disconnect the diagnostic module. Check for a
partial or permanent short circuit to ground from
diagnostic module harness connector pin 1-9.
If no short circuit is detected, go to step 3.
If a short circuit is detected, service the wiring as
necessary. Reconnectthediagnostic module. Clear
the code 52. Rearm the airbags.
3. Using a high resistance digital multimeter, set up to
measure the voltage from diagnostic module pin
1
-
9 to ground. Switch on the ignition.
If the voltage is in the range 24 ± 1 volt, the back­
up power supply is good. Suspect an intermittent
short circuit to ground and recheck the output
circuit from pin 1-9.
Ifthe voltage is below the range 24 ±
1
volt, replace
the diagnostic module.

4.
Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
Airbag DM Fault Code 53
internal diagnostic module failure.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module constantly measures the
voltage on pins
1
-2,
1
-6,
1 -11
and
1
-12. It should
be 10
±1
volt. The voltage is regulated by a resistor
within the diagnostic module and the resistance to
ground ofpins
1-2,6,11
and 12 should be infinite.
The resistance across the normally open contacts of
the crash sensors should also be infinite. If the
resistance of the pins to ground or across the crash
sensors becomes measurable, the voltage wi
11
drop.
At between 5V and lOVthe diagnostic module will
recognise an internal voltage regulation failure and
flag a code 53 fault and the airbag warning light will
be illuminated.
Notes: A dead short to ground in the
crash
sensor circuits
will drop the voltage below 5V and the diagnostic
module will flag
a
code
14
fault.

The
diagnostic module
performs several self-tests as
the
ignition is switched on. If it fails any
test,
fault code 53
will be flagged.
Possible Causes
• A decrease in resistance from infinity between
the primary crash sensor circuits and ground.
• An internal diagnostic module self-test failure.
Fault Analysis

1.
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).

2.
Check each of pins 1-2, 1-6, 1-11 and 1-12 for
continuity to ground.
If resistance of all circuits is infinity, go to step 3.
If any resistance other than infinity is detected,
service the circuit wiring as necessary. Reconnect
all connectors and switch on and clear all fault
codes.
Switch off the ignition and then switch on again.
Check that the airbag warning lamp comes on at
'ignition on' and extinguishes after approximately
six seconds on satisfactory completion of the airbag
system self-check.
3. Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
September 1996 6-99

Electrics
Airbag System [n:M^^^?
Airbag DM Fault Code 99
Rapid continuous flashing of the airbag warning
light - Both front crash sensors disconnected.
Normal Operation
Each crash sensor has three wires. Two deploy the
airbag and monitor the sensors connection to the
diagnostic monitor. The third wire monitors the
mounting of the sensor to the vehicle bodywork. A
code99isdeclaredifbothsensorsaredisconnected
and not properly grounded.
Fault Analysis
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Check continuity of all circuits listed below and
service as necessary.
LH Crash Sensor
DM Pin
1-6
1-12
2-9
RH Crash Sensor
DM Pin
1-2
1-11
2-8
Sensor Pin
1
2
4
Sensor Pin
1
2
4
Also check for correct grounding of the diagnostic
module and the sensor cases.
Reconnect all connectors, clear fault code 99.
Switch off the ignition and then switch on again.
Check that the airbag warning lamp comes on at
'ignition on' and extinguishes after approximately
six seconds on satisfactory completion of the airbag
system self-check.
Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
6-100 September 1996

Electrics //—>> ^^^^^^ • >^
Seat Belt Pretensioner I'•—
-"i-t.
^-^
JH—X

System Fault Strategy
No single fault may cause an unexpected deployment. The controller will supervise the pretensioner electrical
system in order to warn the driver should a fault occur. Any fault detected by the self diagnostics shall cause the SRS/
airbag warning lamp to be activated, and in some cases the pretensioner control module to enter shutdown mode.
In shutdown mode, the energy of the reserve capacitors shall be discharged to avoid unintended deployment.
As the ignition is switched on, the pretensioner controller will directly discharge the energy capacitors. When the
start up procedure is completed without detecting any faults, the DC/DC converter will be activated allowing the
capacitors to be charged. The system shall be fully active within
11
secondsafterswitchingthe ignition on providing
that no faults are detected.
All system faults monitored by the controller are filtered in software to avoid fault warnings due to transient electrical
disturbances.
If a fault which could lead to inadvertent deployment is detected by the microprocessor, a software shutdown will
be generated. However, a leakage to an earth or positive potential in the pretensioner output circuit shall not cause
the controller to enter shutdown mode.
If a permanent short of the ignition transistor occurs, a shutdown shall be generated by the hardware circuit. If a
shutdown occurs, the system shall be unable to deploy the pretensioner after a period of 3 seconds (i.e. capacitors
discharged to under minimum deployment voltage).
WARNING: To avoid the possibility of personal injury caused by accidental deployment of the pretensioner,
disconnect the vehicle battery and wait at least 10 minutes for all voltages to fully discharge before working on
the pretensioner
system.
This
covers the possibility of the normal capacitor discharge circuits being inoperative
and failing to discharge the capacitor when instructed to do so.
WA RNING: Do not make any electrical measurements on the pretensioner squib. Electrical measurement devices
can induce sufficient voltage to cause unintentional firing of the pretensioner assembly
If the module enters shutdown mode, all diagnostic functions are stopped, but the communications link remains

active.
A fault code corresponding to the cause of the problem may be read by the PDU.
Assembly/Removal/Service I nstructions
WARNING: In the event of a vehicle impact where the airbags and the seatbelt pretensioner (if fitted) are
deployed, the following actions MUST be performed:
Check the condition of the
seatbelts,
steering wheel, steering column, all connections to airbags, and the column
switchgear connectors for integrity and damage. If in any doubt, replace suspected parts for new parts.
Replace both crash
sensors,
the safing sensor and the seatbelt pretensioner module (if fitted).
On completion of all repair procedures, switch on the ignition and check that the Airbag/SRS warning light
comes

on when the ignition is switched on and extinguishes after approximately six seconds indicating satisfactory
completion of the airbag and pretensioner
system
self
tests.

Vehicles for the North American, Australian and Japanese markets are fitted with drivers seat belt pretensioner
systems and are fitted with a shorting plug in the yellow connector adjacent to the pretensioner control module.
Vehicles for other markets do not have drivers seat belt pretensioners fitted but have a blanking plug in the yellow
connector adjacent to the pretensioner control module.
6-102 September 1996