1997 ASTON MARTIN DB7 charging

^^?
Electrics
Airbag System
Airbag DM Fault Code 12
Low battery voltage
Normal Operation
The airbag diagnostic module (DM) monitors the
voltage at pin 1-7 which should be equal to the
battery voltage. If a voltage lower than 9 volts is
detected at pin 1-7, the airbag warning lamp will be
illuminated and fault code 12 will be flashed.
Possible Causes
Drop in battery voltage to DM pin 1-7 caused by:
• Open circuit to pin
1
-7 from the battery
• Short circuit to ground on the battery feed
circuit
• Safing sensor feed shorted to ground
• Safing sensor internal short to ground
• Faulty charge system draining the battery
Fault Analysis
WARNING: Read and adhere to all warnings and
safety procedures at the start of
this
section when
working on the airbag system.

1.
Complete a battery voltage test as follows:
a) Measure the battery voltage at the battery under
KOEO and KOER conditions.
If the battery voltage is below 10.5 volts during
KOEO or below 12.5 volts during the KOER tests,
service the battery
and
charging system
as
necessary.
Retest for airbag system fau
It
code 12 and go to step
2 if the fault recurs.

2.
Complete a 12 volts supply check at the diagnostic
module:
a) Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4)
b) Disconnect the airbag diagnostic module.
c) Switch on the ignition.
d) Measurethevoltagebetween DM hamessconnector
pin 1-7 (+) and harness connector pin 1-3 (-).
e) If battery voltage is not present, go to step 3.
If battery voltage is present at pin 1-7, renew the
diagnostic module. Rearm and verify the airbag

system.

3. Check the supply fuse as follows:
a) Check fuse F16 in the passenger side fusebox RHD
(or F18 in passenger fusebox LHD).
If the fuse has not blown, check for an open circuit
between battery positive and diagnostic module
connector pin
1
-7.
If the fuse has blown. Renew the fuse and/or repair
the wiring and go to step 4.

4.
Check for a short circuit as follows:
a) Switch off the ignition. With the airbag diagnostic
module disconnected, measure the continuity to
earth from diagnostic module connector pin
1
-7 to

ground.

If no short circuit is detected, go to step 5.
Ifashortto ground isdetected, service the wiring as
necessary. Reconnect the diagnostic module and
retest to ensure that code 12 is cleared.
5. Check for a short circuit to ground on the safing
sensor wiring as follows:
a) Check for a short circuit to ground at diagnostic
module pin 1-9.
b) If a short is detected, disconnect the safing sensor
and repeat the check at diagnostic module pin
1
-9.
If a short is still detected, service the wiring from
diagnostic module pin
1
-9 to safing sensor pin 7.
c) If no short circuit is detected, change the airbag
diagnostic module. Reconnect the diagnostic
module and retest to ensure that code 12 does not
recur.
6. Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4)
September 1996 6-85

Electrics
Airbag System ^2?
Airbag DM Fault Code 13
Airbag circuit short to ground
Normal Operation
The diagnostic modu
le
measures the voltage at pins
2-5 and 2-6. The voltage at these pins is dependant
on charging system voltage as shown in the table

belovi-.

'in 2-5
2.3V
2.4 V
2.5V
2.7V
2.8V
3.0V
3.1V
3.2V
3.4V
3.5V
3.7V
3.8V
4.0V
4.1V
4.3V
Pin 2-6
2.3V
2.4V
2.5V
2.7V
2.8V
3.0V
3.1V
3.2V
3.4V
3.5V
3.7V
3.8V
4.0V
4.1V
4.3V
Charge Volts
9.0V
9.5V
lO.OV
10.5V
11.OV
11.5V
12.0V
12.5V
13.0V
13.5V
14.0V
14.5V
15.0V
15.5V
16.0V
If the diagnostic monitor measures a voltage of 2.0
volts or less on pins 2-5 and 2-6, a fau It code 13 will
be generated and flashed to the instrument pack to
be signalled on the airbag warning lamp. Voltages
as low as 2.0 volts indicate a possible short to
ground in these circuits.
When generating a code 13 the diagnostic module
also generates a signal to blow its own internal
thermal fuse. This action disables the airbag
deployment circuit. The airbag diagnostic module
fuse is non-repairable and the module must be
replaced after repairing the short circuit, if the
voltage at pins 2-5 and 2-6 returns to normal, fault
code 51 (blown thermal fuse) will be stored in
memory.
6.
Fault Analysis
WARNING: Read and adhere to all warnings and
safety procedures at the start of this section when
working on the airbag
system.

Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4)
Disconnect the airbag diagnostic module. Switch
on the ignition.
Measure the continuity to ground at the following
pins on the diagnostic module harness connector:
2-2 Passenger airbag feed
2-3 Passenger airbag return
2-4 Drivers airbag return
2-5 Drivers airbag feed
2-11 Safing sensor feed
If no short circuit is detected, go to step 4.
If
a
short circuit is detected, disconnect the relevant
airbag simulator or the safing sensor and repeat the
continuity measurement to isolate the circuit fault.
Service the wiring or replace the safing sensor as
necessary. Fit a new airbag diagnostic module and
rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
Check for intermittent short circuits in the cable
reel cassette. Monitor the continuity to ground at
pins 2-4 and 2-5 whilst rotating the steering from
lock to lock in both directions.
If no short circuit is detected, go to step 5.
If a short circuit is detected, replace the column
switchgear assembly. Fit a new airbag diagnostic
module and rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
WARNING: Do not attempt to make any electrical
measurements on the airbag
modules.
Any induced
voltage can
cause
the airbag
to
deploy with the
risk

of personal
injury.

Fit a replacement diagnostic module and
replacement airbag modules.
Caution: Do not refit
the
old
airbag
modules.
They may

be faulty and would
damage the
new diagnostic module.
Rearm the airbag system (6.4.21.4).
6-86 September 1996

Electrics
Airbag System [D:B3-2?
Airbag DM Fault Code 22
Safing sensor output circuit shorted to battery
voltage.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module measures the voltage at pin
2-5 (airbag module feed) and 2-5 (safing sensor
output monitor) at thediagnosticmoduleconnector.
The voltage at these pins is dependant on charging
system voltage as shown in the table below. If the
voltage at either pin exceeds 5 volts,
a
fault code 22
will be generated.
in 2-5
2.3V
2.4V
2.5V
2.7V
2.8V
3.0V
3.1V
3.2V
3.4 V
3.5V
3.7V
3.8V
4.0V
4.1V
4.3V
Pin 2-6
2.3V
2.4V
2.5V
2.7V
2.8V
3.0V
3.1V
3.2 V
3.4 V
3.5V
3.7V
3.8V
4.0V
4.1V
4.3V
Charge Volts
9.0V
9.5V
10.0V
10.5V
11.0V
11.5V
12.0V
12.5V
13.0V
13.5V
14.0V
14.5V
15.0V
15.5V
16.0V
Possible Causes
• A short between pins 2-5 or 2-6 and another

wire.
(The wiring to the safing sensor carries
voltages above 5 volts).
• A short between the cable reel cassette circuit
and other 12 volt circu its at the steering column

head.

• A short across the normal ly open contacts of the
safmg sensor.
• Vehiclechargingsystem voltage too
high.
If the
generator output is greater than 17V, fault code
22 may be logged.
Fault Analysis
WARNING: Read and adhere to all warnings and
safety procedures at the start of this section when
working on the airbag system.
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Check the voltage at the battery with the engine
running at approximately 1500 rpm.
If the voltage is 14.8 ±0.5 volts, the charging
voltage is within specification, go to step 3.
If the voltage is significantly above 14.8 volts (the
voltage regulator set point) service the charging

system.
Clear the code 22. Rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4)
Check in the area of the diagnostic module
connector for harness damage which could cause
a short circu it to 12 volts. (Note: The airbag system
harness runs are sheathed in black plastic protection
and harness damage is unlikely.)
If no harness damage is evident, go to step 4.
If harness damage is identified, service the wiring as
necessary. Clear the code 22. Rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4).
Switch on the ignition. Monitor the voltage at pins
2-5 and 2-6 whilst rotatingthe steering from lock to
lock in both directions.
If the voltage at both pins remains below 5.0 volts,
go to step 5.
If the voltage rises to above 5.0 volts, service the
cable reel cassette or wiring as necessary. Clear the
code 22. Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
With the ignition on, check the voltage at pins 2-5
and 2-6 whilst manipulating the bulkhead and
safing sensor harnesses.
If the voltage rises above 5.0 volts, service the
wiring fault in the harness area being manipulated
at the time the voltage rise occurred.
If no voltage rise occurs, fit a new safing sensor as
the most likely cause of the code 22. Clear the code
22 and rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
6-88 September 1996

Electrics
Airbag System =2?
Airbag DM Fault Code 24
Safing sensor output - battery feed/return open
circuit.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module measures the voltage on
diagnostic module pins 2-5 and 2-6 the voltage
varies with the vehicle charge level
as
shown in the
table below:
in 2-5
2.3V
2.4 V
2.5V
2.7V
2.8V
3.0V
3.1V
3.2V
3.4V
3.5V
3.7V
3.8V
4.0V
4.1V
4.3V
Pin 2-6
2.3V
2.4V
2.5V
2.7V
2.8V
3.0V
3.1V
3.2V
3.4V
3.5V
3.7V
3.8V
4.0V
4.1V
4.3V
Cliarge Volts
9.0V
9.5V
10.0V
10.5V
11.0V
11.5V
12.0V
12.5V
13.0V
13.5V
14.0V
14.5V
15.0V
15.5V
16.0V
The diagnostic module also measures the voltage at
pin 1-7 (battery input). Using the battery input
voltage, the system can predict the expected voltage
level on pins 2-5 and 2-6. If the voltage on pins 2-
5 or 2-6 is higher or lower than expected, a fault
code 24 will be declared.
Possible Causes
• Open circuit or high resistance in the wiring
harness or safing sensor.
• Intermittent battery voltage on pin 1-7
• The resistance of the pin 2-5 to 2-6 circuit to

ground.
This circuit should be open to ground at
all times.
Fault Analysis
WARNING: Read and adhere to all warnings and
safety procedures at the start of
this
section when
working on the airbag system.

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

2.
Probe the battery input voltage terminal
1
-7. Start
the engine and monitor the charge voltage level
using a digital multimeter. Run the engine at idle
speed and look for any instability in the voltage

level.
Run the engine at a constant medium speed
and then at a constant high speed and repeat the
observation for voltage instability.
If the voltage levels are stable, go to step 3.
If instability of the voltage level is observed,
Investigate and rectify the problem in the charging
circuit.
3. Switch off the ignition. Disconnect the diagnostic
module and check for OQ continuity from pins 2-5
to 2-6.
If no resistance is detected, go to step 4.
If any resistance is detected between pins 2-5 and

2-6,
service the wiring or safing sensor to achieve
Ofi continuity.

4.
Measure the resistance to ground from pins 2-5 and

2-6.

If no short circuit is detected, replace the diagnostic
monitor. Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
If
a
short to grou
nd
is detected, service the wiring or
safing sensor as necessary. Rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4).
6-90 September 1996

Air Conditioning
Contents '=2?
System Fault Diagnosis
Fault Finding
Blower Motor Test
Open Water Temperature Switch Needs
Short Water Temperature Switch Leads
Refrigeration
Compressors
Compressor Clutch Control
Trinary Switch
Condenser
Receiver-Drier
Evaporator
Expansion Valve
Sanden Compressor SD7H15
Manifold Gauge Set
System Checking with the Manifold Gauge Set
Evacuating the Manifold Gauge Set
Connecting the Manifold Gauge Set
Stabilising the System
Purging the Test Hoses
Leak Test
Manifold Gauge Set Check Procedures
Refrigerant Slightly Low.
Refrigerant Excessively Low.
Air In The System.
Compressor Malfunction
Moisture in the System
A Large Amount of Air in the System.
Expansion Valve Malfunction.
Expansion Valve Malfunction
Restriction in the High Pressure Side.
Torque Levels for the Hose Connections
8-30
8-33
8-33
8-33
8-34
8-35
8-35
8-35
8-35
8-36
8-36
8-36
8-37
8-39
8-39
8-39
8-39
8-40
8-40
8-41
8-41
8-42
8-42
8-43
8-44
8-45
8-45
8-46
8-46
8-47
Air Conditioning Procedures
Depressurising
Recovering Refrigerant
Evacuating and Recycling the Refrigerant
Recharging the System
Compressor Oil Check
8-47
8-47
8-48
8-49
8-49
8-2 May 1996

^^?
Air Conditioning
System Description
System Description
The in-car temperature and humidity are regulated by the electronically controlled air conditioning system. The
system comprises four subsystems:
• heater matrix, supplied with water from the engine cooling system
• refrigeration
• vacuum
• electronic control
Apart from the ambient temperature sensor and the aspirated in-car temperature sensor, most of the components
are housed in the air conditioning unit (Fig. 1) situated behind the dash board, or in the engine compartment.
Figure 1.
Key to Fig. 1 - Left Hand Air Conditioning Unit

1.
Upper feedback potentiometer

2.
Water temperature switch
3. Lower feedback potentiometer

4.
Vacuum valve block
5. Vacuum restrictor
6. Condensate drain tube
Figure 2.
Key to Fig. 2 - Right Hand Air Conditioning Unit

1.
Upper servo motor

2.
Electronic control module
3. Lower servo motor

4.
Evaporator sensor
5. Condensate drain tube
Special Servicing Tools and Equipment
1 PDU system
1 Charging station
1 Leak detector
1 Temperature test box
1 Sanden compressor service tool kit
1 CM Type compressor service tool kit
1 Digital voltmeter
1 Multimeter
May 1996 8-7

^2?
Air Conditioning
General System Procedures
Evacuating the System
This process, the removal of unwanted air and moisture, is critical to the correct operation of the air conditioning

system.
The procedures depends on the characteristics of the recovery-recycle-recharge equipment and must be
carried out exactly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
Moisture can be highly destructive and may cause internal blockages due to freezing, but more importantly, water
suspended in the PAG oil will damage the compressor. Once the system has been opened for repairs, or the
refrigerant charge recovered, all traces oi moisture must be removed before recharging with new or recycled
refrigerant.
Adding Compressor Lubricating Oil
Oil can be added by three methods, two of which are direct into the system
• via the recovery-recycle-recharge station
• by proprietary oil injector.
Equipment manufacturer's instructions must be adhered to when using direct oil introduction.
The third method may be required because of rectification work to the existing compressor, or the need to fit a new
compressor. From an existing compressor, drain the oil into a measuring cylinder and record the amount. Flush the
unit out with fresh PAG oil and drain thoroughly. Refill the compressor with the same amount of PAG oil that was
drained out originally and plug all orifices immediately ready for refitting to the vehicle. The transit lubricating oil
must be drained and discarded from a new compressor before it may be fitted. An adjustment should be made to
the system oil level by taking into account:
• the quantity found in the original compressor
• the quantity deposited in the recovery equipment oil separator from the charge recovery operation.
Typically, 80 ml can be drained from the original compressor and 30 ml found in the oil separator; the sum of these
volumes (80 + 30 = 110 ml) is the amount of fresh PAG oil that must be put into the new compressor prior to fitting.
Hote:
The
discrepancy
between
this
figure
and
the
nominal capacity of
135
ml is
caused
by normally not
recoverable
oil being
trapped in
components
such
as
the receiver-drier or
evaporator.

The above statements are only true if there is no evidence of a leak. Where a leak has been detected and rectified,
the compressor must be refilled with the specified quantity.
Caution: Always decant
fresh
oil from a sealed container and do not leave oil exposed to the
atmosphere.
PAG oil is very
hygroscopic
(absorbs
water) and rapidly
attracts
atmospheric moisture.
PAG oil must
NEVER
be mixed with mineral
based
oils.
Do not
reuse
oil following a recovery cycle,
dispose
of it
safely.

Depending on the state of the air conditioning system immediately prior to charge recovery and the rate of recovery,
an amount of oil is drawn out with the refrigerant. The quantity is approximately 30 to 40 mi; this may vary, and
the figure is given only for guidance. It is most important that the oil separator vessel in the recovery equipment is
clean and empty at the start of the process so that the amount drawn out may be accurately measured.
May 1996 8-13

Air Conditioning //—->> "^^Izz^^ • ^ ^
General System Procedures L ^—/ ' —^ ^./^
Adding Refrigerant
In order that the air conditioning system may operate efficiently it must contain a full refrigerant charge. The
indications of some system defects, and the results of certain tests, shows that
a
low charge
is
the most probable cause
of the fault. In such cases the charge shou
Id
be recovered from the
system,
the weight noted, and the correct amount

installed.

Note: Never attempt to
guess the
amount of refrigerant in
a
system.
Always recover and
recharge
with
the
correct
charge
weight,
this is the only
accurate
method.
Caution: If oil is drawn out during the recovery
process,
the correct amount can be added directly from your
recovery-recycle-

recharge station
(if so
equipped)
prior to the charging
process.
It must be
stressed
that the need to protect
compressor
oil from
moisture is vital, observe
the procedures
in Handling Lubricating Oil.
Warning: Liquid refrigerant boils at -29°C (-20°F) at atmospheric pressure. Serious injury, even blindness, can occur if
the refrigerant comes into contact with the eyes.
Goggles and gloves must be warn while working with refrigerant.
First Aid
If refrigerant should contact the eyes or
skin,
bathe the eyes or affected area with cold water for several minutes. Do
not rub. As soon as possible thereafter, obtain treatment from a doctor or eye specialist.
8-14 May 1996