1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 ECU

Electrics
Airbag System ^^2?
Airbag DM Fault Code 33
Passengers airbag circuit high resistance or open
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 exceeds 4.0Q, fault code 33 will be declared
and the airbag lamp will be illuminated.
Note:
The
nominal
resistance
of the airbag simulator
is

2.5£2,
therefore
expect
a
total circuitresistancereadingof
2.4 - 2.6Q with the simulator
fitted.

Caution: The passenger airbag connector contains
shorting bars which short circuit pins 1 and 3 of
both sides of the connector when disconnected.
DO NOT REMOVE THE AIRBAG SHORTING
BAR

UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
The harness shorting bar may be temporarily
removed during the following resistance checks.
Possible Causes
• Open circuit or high resistance in the wiring
harness
• Open circuit or high resistance in the passenger
airbag module.
• Defective diagnostic module
WARNING: Do not attempt a direct resistance
check on the airbag module. Accidental
deployment can occur due to the induced voltage
from the measuring equipment.
Fault Analysis

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

2.
Disconnectthediagnostic module and remove the
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 3.
Ifthe resistance is not in the range 2.4-2.6S2, isolate
the continuity problem noting the following:
a) In the diagnostic module connector, pin 2-2 is
shorted to pin 2-3 by a shorting link when plug
2 of the diagnostic connector is removed.
Removal of the plastic wedge from the plug wi
11

remove this short circuit.
b) At the airbag module harness connector, pin 1
is shorted to pin 3 when the airbag is
disconnected. Removal of the plastic wedge
from the plug will remove this short circuit.
c) The shorting link fitted in the airbag module
connector will short pin 1 to pin 3 when the
airbag is disconnected. Do not attempt to
remove
this
shorting link or the plastic wedge.
Do not attempt
to
measure the resistance of the
airbag module.
c) Carefully replace all plastic wedges on
completion of the circuit checks.
3. The fault is therefore in either the airbag module or
in the airbag diagnostic module.
Substitute a known good diagnostic module. If
code 33 recurs with the airbag simulator fitted,
there is still a fault in the wiring or the simulator.
Ifthe fault code 33 does not recur, rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4) and retest.
If fault code 33 recurs with the airbag module fitted,
the airbag module is faulty. Replace the passengers
airbag module (7.8.02.6).
6-92 September 1996

in:m3'^?
Electrics
Airbag System
Airbag DM Fault Code 34
Drivers airbag circuit low resistance or short circuit.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module measures the resistance
across pins 2-5 and 2-4 every time the ignition is
switched on. The resistance should be 1.6 to 1.8Q.
This value is made up of the airbag
1
.OQ and the
cable reel cassette windings 0.3-0.4£2 per winding.
If the total resistance in the passengers airbag
circuit falls below 0.7Q, fault code 34 will be
declared and the airbag lamp will be illuminated.
Note: The nominal
resistance
of the airbag simulator is
2.5Q, therefore expect
a
total circuit resistance readingof
3.1 -
3.3£2
with the simulator
fitted.

Caution: The drivers airbag connector contains
shorting bars which short circuit pins 1 and 3 of
both sides of the connector when disconnected.
DO NOT REMOVE THE AIRBAC CONNECTOR
SHORTING BAR UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
The airbag harness shorting bar may be temporarily
disabled during the following resistance checks.
Possible Causes
• Poorly mated cable reel cassette connector. If
the connector is poorly mated, the shorting bars
may not be fully retracted.
• Faulty shorting bar may short circuit 2-4 and 2-
5 together.
• Short circuit in the cable reel cassette windings.
• A short across the airbag terminals in the airbag
module.
Fault Analysis
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Disconnect the diagnostic module and remove the
plastic wedge from connector 2 (black). Measure
the resistance between pins 2-5 and 2-4. The
resistance should be 3.1 - 3.3Q.
If the resistance is 3.1 to 3.3Q, go to step 4.
If the resistance is below 3.1 - 3.3Q, go to step 3.
Disconnect the cable reel cassette connector at the
steering column and remove the plastic wedge.
Measure the resistance from pins 2-4 and 2-5 at the
diagnostic module connector.
If the resistance is infinity, check the cable reel
cassette for short circuits. Replace the column
switchgear assembly if necessary. Refit the plastic
wedges. Reconnect the diagnostic module. Clear
the code 34. Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
If the resistance is less than infinity, replace the
main airbag harness. Refit the plastic wedges.
Reconnect the diagnostic module. Clear the code

34.
Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
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 34 recurs with the airbag simulator fitted,
there is still a fault in the wiring or the simulator.
If the fault code 34 does not recur, rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4) and retest.
If fault code 34 recurs with the airbag modulefitted,
the airbag module is faulty. Replace the drivers
airbag module (4.5.01.3).
September 1996 6-93

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

5^^?
Electrics
Seat Belt Pretensioner
The Seat Belt Pretensioner System (where fitted)
Description
The DB7 seat belt pretensioner system operates the drivers seat belt pretensioner in conjunction with the Airbag

system.
The seat belt pretensioner control module is located under the right hand seat, beside the right hand seat
control module.
The pretensioner control module calculates changes in vehicle speed using an input signal from an accelerometer.
When a collision is detected (Rapid reduction in vehicle speed) and the safing sensor in the airbag system is also

activated,
the pretensioner charge
is
fi red usingelectrical energy stored in a capacitor within the pretensioner control
module. Firing of the pretensioner charge applies additional tension to the drivers seat belt.
The airbag and seat belt pretensioner systems share the SRS (Airbag) warning lamp. Any fault detected by the
pretensioner control module is indicated by constant illumination ofthe
SRS
(Airbag) warning lamp. Flashing of the
SRS warning lamp indicates a fault in the airbag system.
Should both systems develop faults, the pretensioner system will permanently illuminate the warning lamp. This
would mask the airbag system warning indication. Therefore, rectify the pretensioner fault and then retest for faults
in the airbag system
The pretensioner control module can log up to 10 diagnostic trouble codes together with a time since each fault was
alerted to the driver. Each
fau It
wi
11
be identified as 'Permanent' or 'Intermittent' on the PDU diagnostic trouble codes

screen.

System Connections
DB7 is fitted with an Autoliv ECS or RC5 Pretensioner Control Module. The Pretensioner Control Module has an 18
pin connector featuring six shorting bridges. The mating halves of the connector may be securely locked using a
double mechanical locking system.
The following pins on the control module connector are used in the Aston Martin seat belt pretensioner system:
Pin 1 Ground
' ' "L Pin 2 Airbag Warning Lamp
Pin 11 Drivers airbag positive
Pin 12 Drivers airbag negative
Pin 14 Serial communications
Pin 15 12 volt positive feed
Case Ground

15.
rrj ^
ooooooooooooooo
16 illn
^
Note: Pins
1
-2, 3 -4, 5 -6, 7 -8,9 -
10
and 11-12
are
shorted
together
by internal shorting links within the connector when
it
is
disconnected.
The
short circuits may
be
temporarily
overcome
for fault analysis
purposes
by inserting
a
suitable non-metallic

cheater
(the
sBfTiG
size
3s
the
p€gs
in the controller connector) into the rectsngul^r hole opposite the relevsnt p3ir of pins.
September 1996 6-101

'^^
Electrics
Seat Belt Pretensioner

6.6.26.1
Pretensioner Control Module -
Renew
Read the warnings given in system fault strategy
and service instructions on the previous page before
starting the following procedure.
Procedure

1.
Disconnect the battery ground (black) lead and
wait at least 10 minutes for the pretensioner power
supply to fully discharge before working on the
pretensioner system.
Note:
The
vehicle battery must
be
disconnected within
12
seconds
of switching off
the
ignition to avoid the alarm
siren sounding.
2. Motor the right front seat to its rearmost position.
3. Remove the floor carpet and the ECU cover.

4.
Disconnect the pretensioner control module
connector (orange connector with black safety

clip).

5. Remove 3 flange screws securing the module,
noting the position of the earth strap.
6. Fit the new pretensioner control module with the
connector facing to the rear and secure with 3
flange screwsensuringthatthe earth strap is secured
with the outboard rear screw.
7. Connect the orange connector to the control
module.
8. RefitandsecuretheECU cover and the floor carpet.
9. Reconnect the battery ground (black)
lead.

Note:
The
vehicle clock and the window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of this procedure.

10.
Switch on the ignition and check that the airbag
warni ng I ight comes on when the ign ition
is
switched
on and extinguishesafterapproximately sixseconds
indicating satisfactory completion of the
pretensioner and airbag system self tests.

6.6.24.1
Pretensioner Assembly Renew
Read the warnings given in system fault strategy
and service i nstruaions on the previous page before
starting the following procedure.

1.

2.

4.

Procedure
Motor the drivers seat to its rearmost position.
Disconnect the battery ground (black) lead and
wait at least 10 minutes for the pretensioner power
supply to fully discharge before working on the
pretensioner system.
Note: Disconnect the battery within 12 seconds of
switchingoffthe ignition to avoid the alarm siren sounding.
Remove the pretensioner trim cover. Unbolt the
drivers seat. Tip the seat rearwards and disconnect
the seat and pretensioner squib connectors.
Release one bolt at the
base
of the seat belt
stal k
and
remove the pretensioner assembly.
Ensure that the safety clip is fitted to the connector
at the pretensioner squib. Fit the new assembly,
locating the anti-rotation peg into the rear hole of
the mounting bracket. Secure the assembly with
one bolt. Torque the bolt to 35Nm.
Safety Clip in place
5. Route the pretensioner lead between the seat and
the frame. Reconnect the seat and pretensioner
connectors. Ensure that the pretensioner connector
safety clip is secured. Refit the drivers seat and
loosely secure.
6. Reconnect the battery ground (black)
lead.

Note:
The
vehicle clock and
the
window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of this procedure.
7. Switch on the ignition and check that the airbag
warn i ng I ight comes on when the ignition
is
switched
on and extingu
ishes
after approximately six seconds
indicating satisfactory completion of the
pretensioner and airbag system self tests.
8. Fit the front screws ensuring a 1.2mm gap between
screws and slide. Power the seat forwardTorque the
rear screws to 25 Nm. Power the seat backward.
Torque the front screws to 25 Nm.
September 1996 6-103