2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q engine coolant

xi
Regular Checks
In the interests of safety and reliability, it is advisable to carry out the
following checks at the intervals suggested (more frequently if the vehicle is
heavily used or operating in adverse conditions), and always before starting
on a long journey. Refer to the Owner Maintenance section of this guide.
Each Day
Check that there is sufficient fuel for the intended journey, particularly at
night and before entering highways.
Weekly - (Daily if covering high mileage or touring)
Tyres - Check the tyres, including the spare (if fitted) for condition and
pressure. See the 'Specifications' section for the recommended tyre pressures.
Lights - Check that all exterior lights and direction indicators function
correctly and that the lenses are clean.
Engine Oil - With the vehicle standing on level ground, check the oil level
and top up if necessary with oil of the correct grade.
Engine Cooling System - With the engine cold, check the level of the engine
coolant. Top-up if necessary with coolant containing the required percentage
of anti-freeze. Any significant coolant loss should be investigated by your
Aston Martin Dealer.
Brake Fluid - Check the level of the fluid in the brake reservoir. Top-up if
necessary with the specified brake fluid from a new unopened container.
Power Steering Fluid - Check and top-up the level of fluid in the power
steering reservoir with fluid of the correct specification.
DB AR1 Owners Guide

B - Controls
1-B-4
Information/Warning Lights
The Instrument Panel contains a number of information and warning lights
mounted above the instruments.
The information/warning light colours are significant and have the following
uses:
RED is used to warn drivers of concerns which may endanger them (e.g. Seat
Belt Warning, Brake System Warning, etc.) or to indicate potentially serious
problems with the car (e.g. Low Oil Pressure, Low Engine Coolant, etc.)

B - Controls
1-B-6
Information/Warning Lights
Ignition Warning Light (Red)
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on. Extinguishes when
the engine is started and battery charging commences.
Brake Warning (Red)
Illuminates when the brake fluid level is low. May
illuminate with the ABS Warning Light.
Note: When the ignition is turned on, the Brake warning light will illuminate
briefly and extinguish if the brake fluid level is within specification.
Parking Brake Warning (Red)
Illuminates when the parking brake is applied
with the ignition On.
Low Coolant Level (Red)
Illuminates if the level of the engine coolant in the header is
tank is low.
Oil Pressure Warning Light (Red)
Illuminates when the engine oil pressure falls below minimum.
Do not continue driving if this light remains illuminated.
Consult your Dealer immediately.
Seat Belt Warning (Red)
This warning lamp will illuminate and a chime will sound if the
driver's seat belt is not fastened when the ignition is switched
on.
Hazard Warning (Red)
Flashes in time with the external indicator lamps when the
hazard warning lamps are switched on.

B - Controls
1-B-11 External Temperature Display - Press the trip button briefly to display the
external temperature. Whilst the external temperature is displayed, press
and hold the button to change between °C and °F readouts. Briefly press the
button again to return to the trip display.
Gearshift Indicator (centre top)
Indicates the current gearshift mode on DB AR1 fitted
with 'Touchtronic' transmission. 'A' indicates Automatic
mode. A number 1-5 indicates the current gear selected
when in Touchtronic mode.
Speedometer (centre right)
Indicates the vehicle speed in miles per hour and/or kilometres per hour.
Also houses the odometer recording the total distance travelled by the
vehicle.
Oil Pressure Gauge (top right)
The oil pressure gauge is graduated in bar (1 bar 14.7 psi). Normal oil
pressure at medium engine revs should be in the range 3-6 bar.
Engine Coolant Temperture Gauge (bottom right)
In temperate climates, normal coolant temperature is indicated with the
needle to the left of the 'N' position, but coolant temperature will vary
(within the range 92 - 105°C) dependent on ambient temperature and
driving conditions.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-6
Fluid Level Checks
Engine Bay Component Location (Right Hand Drive Illustrated)
1 Engine Oil Dipstick 2 Engine Coolant Header Tank
3 Engine Oil Filler Cap 4 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 Brake Fluid Reservoir 6 Windscreen Washer Fluid Reservoir
7 Clutch Reservoir (Man) 8 Engine Bay Covers
Note: Items 5 &7 move to the left corner on left hand drive cars.
In the following descriptions, numbers in parenthesis, e.g. (1), refer to the
numbered items in the diagram and list above.
All directions are described as viewed from the driver's seat. Thus the oil filler cap
(item 3) is on the left side of the car, the brake fluid reservoir (item 5) is on the right
side of the car.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-8
Engine Coolant Level Check
The engine coolant header tank (2) is mounted on the left-hand wheel arch
in the engine compartment. It is fitted with a pressure relief cap which
should not be removed unless the engine is cold. A thick cloth or glove must
be placed over the cap and the cap turned slowly in an anticlockwise
direction.
Allow any residual pressure to drop and then continue to turn the cap until
it is released from the header tank. Lift the cap clear and top up the tank with
an antifreeze mixture, of the correct strength, up to the maximum mark on
the side of the tank (see 'Specifications').
WARNING: Scalding can be caused by escaping steam or coolant. DO NOT
remove the pressure relief cap until the system is cold. In addition, use a cloth
or glove to protect hands. Protect your face and arms adequately. See warnings
given in SERVICING PRECAUTIONS.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-58
Storing the Car - Recommendations
Note: These recommendations apply to new and pre-owned cars either in
Dealer or customer ownership.
When ever the car is not in use always cover the car with it's fabric cover.
If the vehicle is not to be used for periods up to six months it should be stored
in a dry, well ventilated building.
Drive the car for a sufficient distance to warm the oil in the engine, torque
convertor, transmission and final drive unit; this ensures complete lubrication
of the internal components.
Check the engine coolant level. Top up if necessary with the correct
antifreeze/water solution.
In order to take the weight off the tyres, raise the car with a jack and place
supports under the front and rear suspension.
If the vehicle is not raised from the ground, increase the tyre pressures to 3.4
bar 340 kpa 50 psi. Cover the tyres to exclude any light. Rotate the wheels
1/4 turn every month to avoid tyre flat spots.
The battery should be removed and cleaned. Fully charge the battery on a
trickle charger and recharge once a month.
Once a month
Reconnect the battery and ventilate the storage area. Start and run the
engine until fully warmed up. Check that there are no fluid leaks. Check
and correct the tyre pressures if necessary.
Run the Air Conditioning system to keep the internal parts of the Air
Conditioning system lubricated.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-60
Recommissioning After Storage
Provided that the car has been stored in accordance with the recommended
procedure, the following points only should require attention before using
the car on the road.
Check the tyre pressures, inflate if necessary and lower the car to the ground.
Fully charge and refit the battery. Reset the clock and electric windows.
Drain the engine sump and final drive unit, fit a new engine oil filter element,
then refill with the approved oils. Check the coolant level and if necessary
top up with the correct antifreeze/water solution.
Check all fluid levels and top-up as necessary. Fill the fuel tank
Caution: Starting the engine without sufficient lubrication can cause serious engine
damage. Take care to establish engine oil pressure as directed in the following steps
before allowing the engine to start.
Press and hold the accelerator hard to the floor (kickdown switch actuated).
This will temporarily inhibit the fuel injectors during cranking. Turn on the
ignition. Press and hold the starter button to crank the engine until normal
oil pressure is indicated on the oil pressure gauge. Release the starter button
and the accelerator pedal.
Start the engine normally and check that the oil pressure and ignition
warning lights go out as the engine starts indicating correct oil pressure and
battery charging. Raise the bonnet and check for leaks of fuel, oil and
coolant.
Finally, check the operation of all instruments, lights and accessories.