1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 automatic transmission

The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide o: "3^^?
PDU Functions
The PDU main menu provides access into the following functions:
Diagnostics
Training
Digital Multimeter
User Self Test
Diagnostics
On selecting'Diagnostics'from the main
menu,
the user will be prompted to enter the features and market specification
of the vehicle to be tested. Use of the diagnostics in each of the above areas is described later in this guide.
Diagnostics Menu - 95 Model Year
Engine
Anti-Lock Braking System
Vlenu - 97 Model Year
Engine Diagnostics
OBD II Scan Tool
Airbag
Seat Belt Pretensioner
•
•
•
•
Transmission
Engine Datalogger
Climate Control
PATS System
Climate Control
Transmission
Anti-Lock Braking System
Security
Digital Multimeter
The Digital Multimeter function provides the capabilityto measure voltage, current, resistance, frequency, pulse width,
pulse period, and duty cycle. These measurements are usually made using the PDU measurement probes. Measurements
may also be made using the module pin selection function on the Teves Mk
II
braking system and on the Air Conditioning

system.

Training
An on-screen programme is provided to train new users in the use of screen icons and in the use of the digital multi­
meter and datalogger functions.
User Self Test
In order to prove that the equpment is functioning correctly, a complete user self test is incorporated. The user is directed
to test the PDU and then to progressively connect each part of the PDU system which will be tested by the software.
Any fault identified during the test is notified to the user. If no faults are identified, the user is advised on the correct
functioning of the system.
PDU Power
Power for the PDU is supplied via an internal rechargeable battery pack which can keep the PDU operational for
approximately one hour when disconnected from the base station and the vehicle. In order to preserve PDU battery
charge, power to the screen backlight is automatically cut after five minutes of inactivity. The power ON indicator
remains lit, indicating that the PDU is in 'stand-by' mode. One touch of the screen will restore backlight power.
When connected to the base station, power is supplied to the PDU from the Electronic Module to recharge the PDU
battery pack as necessary.
On 95 MY vehicles, the Vehicle Battery Adaptor (VBA) is used to maintain PDU power.
On 97 MY vehicles, when connected via the MPA to either diagnostic socket on the vehicle, power is supplied via pin
4 (chassis ground) and pin 16 (battery power) to maintain PDU power at all times even when the vehicle ignition is
switched off.
On all model years, when connected to the air conditioning system using the VIA, the vehicle battery adaptor (VBA)
must also be used to maintain PDU power.
9-28 September 1996

^27
The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide
Engine Diagnostics - 97 MY
Selecting Engine Diagnostics from the Vehicle Area screen
brings up the following Engine Diagnostics Screen.
Engine Diagnostic
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes
• KOEO on Demand Self Test
• KOER on Demand Self Test
• OBDII Readiness Tests
• Output State Control
• Throttle Checks
• Exit
o
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
On selecting DiagnosticTrouble
Codes,
the PCM memory
will be scanned and any recorded DTCs will be decoded
and displayed.
The engine and transmission DTCs are integral to the On
Board Diagnostics (OBDII) system and are ful ly described
in the DB7 OBD II Diagnostics Manual.
Before attempting to clear the logged DTCs, record all
logged DTCs for use in subsequent fault analysis.
All logged DTCs may be cleared by selecting the EEC-V
EMS DTCs
title.
This will bring up the Clear
(C)
icon which
may be selected and confirmed to clear all logged DTCs.
Note that on clearing all logged DTCs you will also clear
the associated timers, counters and fault history files (and
extinguish the engine management warning lightfor North
American vehicles). The OBD II readines test status will
also clear down and a PI 000 (OBD II readiness test
incomplete) trouble code will be set.. A full drive cycle
(see DB7 OBD II Diagnostics Manual) must be completed
to clear the PI 000 code if required. The PI 000 code will
clear automatically after some miles of driving when all
required tests have satisfactorily completed.
Caution: If a transmission code is logged in the PCM, the
TCM DTCs must be cleared first and then clear the PCM
DTCs. If the PCM DTCs are cleared without clearing the
TCM, the TCM code will immediately reset in the PCM
when power is restored.
Key On Engine Off (KOEO) and Key On Engine
Running (KOER) On Demand Self Tests
Before either the KOEO or KOER test will run, the engine
coolant temperature must be in excess of
BO'C.
Select and
confirm either the KOEO or KOER test. If the coolant
temperature is too low, the Pre Test Engine Warm Up
screen will appear. Start the engine and run until coolant
temperature is at 80+°C.
Pre Test Engine Warm Up
Value : 41°C
80 Engine Coolant Temperature {°C)
Waiting for engine to reach
normal operating temperature
o
KOEO Test
As coolant temperature rises through the BO'C level, the
technician will be requested to turn the ignition off and
then on again. The KOEO test will then commence. Static
inputs to the PCM will be checked and any faults detected
will be recorded and displayed as DTCs. If any DTCs other
than PI 000 are logged, go to the OBD II Diagnostics
Manual and resolve the concern(s) using the OBD 11
diagnostic procedures.
KOER Test
If coolant temperature level is below 80°C, the technician
will be prompted to start and run the engine until coolant
temperature rises above 80°C. As the temperature passes
the 80°C
level,
the KOERtest will commence automatically.
If coolant temperature is above the 80°C level, the
technician wi
11
be requested to start the engine. The KOER
test will commence as the engine is started. Dynamic
inputs to the PCM will be checked and any faults detected
will be recorded and displayed as DTCs. If any DTCs other
than PI 000 are logged, go to the OBD 11 Diagnostics
Manual and resolve the problem(s) using the OBD II
diagnostic procedures.
September 1996 9-33

The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide ^?
Engine Setup
- 95 MY

Two adjustments
may
beset with the aid of the PDU
on 95

MY vehicles.
• Throttle Potentiometer
• Idle Fuelling Trim
From
the 95 MY
Main Menu, make
and
confirm
the

following sequence
of
selections:
Diagnostics
/

Manual
or
Auto Transmission
/

Engine
/

Engine Setup
/

The following connection diagram will then be displayed.
Throttle Sensor Adjustment
- 95 MY

Note:
The
throttle stop
and
throttle cable adjustments
must
be
correct before setting
the
throttle potentiometer.
On completion
of the
engine setup connections
the
test
selection screen will
be
displayed.

1.
Select Throttle Potentiometer.

2.
Turn
the
ignition switch
to
position
II but do not

start
the
engine.
3. Monitorthethrottle potentiometer bargraph voltage
at fully closed
and
then
at
fully open throttle.

4.
The
throttle potentiometer voltage specifications

are:

Throttle Closed
0.57 -
0.59V

Throttle Full Open
4.00 +V

Cable Setup
Diagnostic Socket D
Engine Setup Connections
Tinrottle Position Sensor
Value
:
0.43V

570
600

Idle Voltage
(mV)
Make adjustments as
necessary

Throttle Potentiometer Voltage
5.
If
both voltages
are
either high
or low,
loosen
the

two throttle pot screws and adjust the potentiometer
until
the
specified voltages
are
achieved. Carefully
tighten both screws ensuringthat the potentiometer
does
not
move during tightening.
6.
If
either voltage
is
unstable
or if the
specified
voltages cannot
be
achieved, investigate the cause.
If
the
potentiometer
is
replaced,
set the new pot

using steps
3-5
above.
Note:
On
automatic vehicles,
the
kickdown switch
adjustment check follows the throttle
pot
adjustment.
9-38 September
1996

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

^7
The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Introduction
The 'Diagnostic trouble codes' application enables the
PDU to monitor the trouble codes logged in selected
control module's and provides the following functions:
• Decode and display any trouble codes logged by
the control module(s) being monitored.
• Decode and display enhanced diagnostic
information, together with any count of the number
of occurrences, when supported by the control
module(s).
• Clearsomeorallofallthesetroublecodes selected
by the user on the PDU screen, when supported by
the control module(s).
Diagnostic Trouble Codes are logged by the Engine
Management and by the Automatic Transmission control
units and can be accessed using the PDU. Logged codes
in the 95 MY Teves Mk II ABS controller can only be
accessed using the brake warning light. The Air
Conditioning control unit does not log trouble codes.
Operation
From the Main Menu make the following selections:
Select Diagnostics
Select Engine or Transmission
The system will then load the appropriate
software
Select Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Connect the PDU to the car as shown on the
screen diagram
Select the / icon to confirm connection
The PDU will then interrogate the chosen control
unit and will display any logged trouble codes.
If no trouble codes have been flagged by the control
module, the PDU will display a screen similar to Fig. 15
The trouble code screen will be headed by a module title
block followed by a list showing all logged trouble codes
for the seleaed module.
Note: There may be more logged diagnostic trouble
codes than displayed on the first
screen.
Use the 'up
arrow' and 'down arrow' icons if
necessary
to scroll
through the total display.
On the Zytek engine management system only, each
trouble code definition will be individually selectable to
invoke the clear trouble codes screen. If one or more
trouble codes are selected, the clear all and clear selected
trouble code icons will be displayed.
On all other systems, only the 'Clear All' function is
available.
'Clear All' and 'Clear Selected Codes' Icons
Freeze Frame Data
m*
As any engine management trouble code is

logged,
the system takes a snapshot (freeze
frame) and records the state of all signals at
that time.
On the Zytek engine management system (95 MY), freeze
frame data can be displayed by selecting a logged trouble
code and touching the 'snowflake'
icon.

On the 97 MY EEC V engine management system, freeze
frame data is accessed using the OBD II scan
tool.

ECC-V EMS DTC'S
No fault codes present
l^
D
a
El
The No Fault Codes screen
September 1996 9-53

"^I?
The Aston Martin Lagonda Diagnostic System
Users Guide
Datalogger
Introduction
Datalogger is software produced to identify permanent or
intermittent faults on vehicle electronics. The objective of
Datalogger is to provide a view of the vehicle's electrical
behaviour, such that intermittent activity can be recorded
and interpreted quickly and accurately. Running on the
Portable Diagnostic Unit (PDU), the Datalogger
appi ication can captu
re
vehicle information in three ways.
• Serial communications direct from the control unit.
• Parallel communications using the Interface Adaptor.
• Direct signal monitoringusingthemeasurementprobes.
Serial Communication
Serial Communication is a two-wire communication link
between the PDU and most vehicle control modules
providingdigital measurements forconnected components.
The serial communication link allows the tester to
determine the current condition of components connected
to the control module, and to identify any history of faults.
On later vehicles, the PDU is connected to the vehicle
diagnostic sockets via the mu
Iti
Protocol Adaptor (MPA) to
gather serial data from the control modules.
Parallel Communication
The Vehicle Interface Adapter (VIA) provides an interface
between the PDU and the vehicle harnesses for the
acquisition of multiple analogue measurements. The VIA

is
connected between the relevantvehicle control module
and it'sharness connector. Thisallows the PDU to captu re
information from a multitude of channels entering the
control module. This vehicle interface is used with control
modules not equipped with a serial communication link
(Teves Mk II braking system and the air conditioning
system).
Measurement Probes
The measurement probes permit readings to be taken
directly from any connector on the vehicle.
Datalogger Applications
Datalogger may be used to interrogate the following DB7
systems:
• ABS braking system controller
• Engine Management Controller
• Air Conditioning Controller
• Automatic Transmission Controller
• Passive Anti Theft (97 MY)
• Security System (97 MY)
Using the Datalogger
Configure the vehicle to the normal operating conditions
for the system under test.
From the PDU main menu screen:
Highlight 'Diagnostics'.
Press the 'tick' icon to confirm the selection.
Enter the Transmission Type and confirm the selection.
Select the Vehicle Area to be tested and confirm the

selection.

The PDU tools screen should now be displayed.
Highlight 'Datalogger'.
Confirm the selection with the 'tick'
icon.

The PDU connection screen should now be displayed.
Cable Setup
Upper Diagnostic Socl o
PD\J Connections for Datalogger
Connect the PDU to the vehicle as described in the screen

image.

Switch On the ignition and press the 'tick'
icon.

September 1996 9-55