2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q Owners Guide

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-4
Servicing Precautions
To avoid personal injury, the following safety precautions must be observed
when the bonnet is open and the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on.
WARNINGS:
Keep hands, hair, tools, items of clothing and jewellery clear of all drive belts,
pulleys and operating mechanisms. The cooling fans may operate even though
the engine is not running. The windscreen wiper mechanism is fitted with an
intermittent delay facility and may operate unexpectedly if left switched on.
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas and can cause unconsciousness and may be
fatal. Do not breathe exhaust gas as it contains carbon monoxide which by itself
has no colour or odour. Never start or leave the engine running in an enclosed,
unventilated area.
Avoid skin contact with all exhaust system and engine components, engine fluids
and escaping steam. They may be hot and will burn you.
Whenever possible work in the engine compartment with the engine cool, the
ignition switched off and the battery disconnected.
Do not work beneath the car with the vehicle lifting jack as the only support.
Place suitable stands under the car.
Keep children and pets clear of the car. Do not allow anyone inside the car unless
specifically working to your instructions.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-5
Dangerous Substances
WARNING: Many liquids and other substances used in motor vehicles are
poisonous and should under no circumstances be consumed and should, so far
as possible, be kept from contact with the skin. These substances include battery
electrolyte, antifreeze, oil, brake and clutch fluid, petrol, windscreen washer
additives, lubricants, refrigerant and various adhesives. Particular care should
be taken to avoid unnecessary contact with used engine oil. Always read carefully
the instructions printed on labels or stamped on components and follow them
carefully. Such instructions are included for reasons of your health and personal
safety. Never disregard them. Dangerous substances should be kept out of reach
of children.
Engine Oils
WARNING: Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oils can cause
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and cancer. Avoid excessive contact,
wash thoroughly after contact. Keep out of reach of children. When your oil is
changed, be sure that it is done by an experienced person. In addition, observe
all laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and toxic fluids.
Protect The Environment
WARNING: It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses, or soil. Use authorised
waste disposal facilities, including civic amenity sites and garages providing
facilities for receipt of used oil. If in doubt, contact your local authority for advice.
Fuel Tank Filling
WARNING: Petrol is highly flammable and, in confined spaces, is also explosive
and toxic. In the event of spillage, switch off the engine, use no naked flame or
light. Do not smoke. Do not inhale fumes.

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-7
Engine Oil Level Check
When checking engine oil level, the car should be on level ground. If the
engine has been running immediately prior to the check, wait several
minutes after stopping the engine for the oil to drain back into the sump. The
dipstick (1) (which should be wiped clean before checking the oil level) is
located on the left-hand side of the engine. The oil level should be
maintained at the 'Max' dipstick mark.
Approximately one litre is required to bring the level from Min to Max. The
recommended engine oil should be added through the oil filler (3). Do not
overfill. Replace the filler cap securely.
WARNING: Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious damage.
To avoid personal injury and before working in or near the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and let it cool. Engine components are hot and may cause
severe burns. See also the warnings given in SERVICING PRECAUTIONS.

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-9
Clutch Fluid Reservoir
The clutch fluid reservoir (7) is fitted to the drivers side of the engine
bulkhead on manual transmission cars only.
Before removing the filler cap, clean it and the surrounding area to prevent
any ingress of dirt or foreign matter into the system. Top up the reservoir
using only the recommended fluid until the fluid level is at the maximum
mark. (see 'Specifications').
Caution: Take care that hydraulic fluid does not contact the paint work during the
topping up operation. Serious paint work damage can result. If a spillage does occur,
immediately flush the hydraulic fluid from the paint work with clean, fresh water and
then wipe with a clean damp cloth.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-10
Power Steering Fluid Level Check
The power steering pump reservoir (4) is situated on the right inner
wing.
The reservoir level should be checked when the engine is cold. The
reservoir cap incorporates a dipstick. Top up the reservoir with clean
fluid of the recommended grade up to the lower mark on the dipstick.
DO NOT OVERFILL.
WARNING: Avoid touching the sides of the engine when working in the engine
compartment. The exhaust system will be hot if the engine has recently been run.
Caution: Take care that hydraulic fluid does not contact the paint work during the
topping up operation. Serious paint work damage can result. If a spillage does occur,
immediately flush the hydraulic fluid from the paint work with clean, fresh water and
then wipe with a clean damp cloth.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-11
Brake Fluid Reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir (5) is fitted to the driver's side of the engine
compartment on top of the brake master cylinder assembly.
Before removing the cap, clean the cap and the surrounding area thoroughly
to prevent ingress of dirt and foreign matter. Top up to the indicated level
on the reservoir with the recommended brake fluid (see 'Specifications') and
refit the cap securely.
Brake fluid will absorb water vapour and must be replaced every two years
in order to maintain the efficiency of the hydraulic system.
WARNINGS: Do not drive the vehicle if the brake fluid level is low. Use only new
DOT4 brake fluid from air tight containers.
Avoid touching the sides of the engine when working in the engine compartment.
The exhaust system will be hot if the engine has recently been run.
Caution: Take care that hydraulic fluid does not contact the paint work during the
topping up operation. Serious paint work damage can result. If a spillage does occur,
immediately flush the hydraulic fluid from the paint work with clean, fresh water and
then wipe with a clean damp cloth.