2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q Owners Guide

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-28
Suspended Towing
Do NOT tow with sling-type equipment since damage to the bodywork may
result.
Take care when using 'spectacle frame' type towing equipment that the
towing device is well clear of the front or rear apron. Body damage may
occur if the vehicles pass over uneven road surfaces.
Adhere to Towing Regulations
In certain countries the registration number of the towing vehicle and an ON
TOW sign or warning triangle must be displayed in a prominent position at
the rear of the vehicle being towed.
Front Suspended Tow
Caution: To prevent body damage ensure an adequate clearance is
maintained between the car body and (1) the ground and (2) the 'spectacle
frame' of the towing vehicle while your car is being towed.
1. Remove the ignition key from the ignition.
2. Vehicles with manual transmission: Place the gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Disconnect the propeller shaft at the final drive input flange.
Ensure that the propeller shaft is firmly secured away from the final drive
input flange.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-29 3. Raise the vehicle using a 'spectacle frame' type lifting device with a cradle
positioned under each front wheel as shown below.
Rear Suspended Tow
Caution: To prevent body damage ensure an adequate clearance is
maintained between the car body and (1) the ground and (2) the 'spectacle
frame' of the towing vehicle while your car is being towed.
1. Remove the ignition key from the ignition/steering lock.
2. Raise the vehicle using a 'spectacle frame' style lifting device where a
cradle is positioned under each rear wheel as indicated below.
Towing by Another Vehicle
WARNING: When the engine is stationary, there will be no power assistance to
the steering or brakes. Therefore be prepared for relatively heavy steering and
the need for greatly increased brake pedal pressure.
The vehicle may be towed short distances by another provided that a speed
of 48 km/h (30 mph) is not exceeded. Do not tow for more than 24km (15
miles). When being towed, the vehicles gear lever, or gear selector lever
(automatic transmission), must be in Neutral or position N with the ignition
key turned to position II to release the steering lock and to render the horn,
indicators and brake lights operational.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-30
Electrics
Battery
The battery is located in the right-hand side of the boot. The battery is
maintenance free and should only require checking by your dealer during
regular vehicle services.
Battery charge level must be maintained by use of the battery conditioner
if the vehicle is not in frequent use.
Caution: The engine must never be run with the battery disconnected.
WARNING: The battery emits combustible gas (hydrogen) when charging. Avoid
sparks and short circuits by switching off the charger before connecting or
disconnecting the charger at the battery.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-31
WARNINGS:
To help avoid personal injury, do not use open flame, smoke, or cause an electric
spark when checking the battery, as gas generated by the battery is flammable
and can explode. Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery.
Do not ingest battery acid or fumes. If battery acid is ingested, drink large
quantities of water or milk followed by milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable
oil. Call for medical assistance immediately.
Do not let battery acid come into contact with skin, eyes, hair, fabric or painted
surfaces. A solution of warm soapy water and baking soda may help neutralise
acid.
Used batteries contain sulphuric acid, lead and other potentially hazardous
materials. Dispose of unwanted batteries in authorised waste disposal facilities.
DO NOT discard unwanted batteries in household waste.
Quiescent Battery Drain
Any power drain from a battery after the ignition is switched off is referred
to as 'quiescent battery drain'. Your DB AR1, in common with many modern,
high technology motor cars, contains electronic circuits and sub-systems
which must be left activated at all times. For example, the clock, security
systems and in-car entertainment system continue to drain battery power
even with the ignition switched off. This quiescent drain will discharge a fully
charged new battery in approximately 30 days unless recharged by normal
engine running or an independent battery charger.
It is therefore vital that, when leaving your car unused for extended
periods, you use the battery disconnect switch to minimise quiescent
drain and that you use the battery conditioner to maintain battery
charge level.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-32
The Battery Disconnect Switch
The battery disconnect switch is located in the R/H side wall trim panel of
the boot. When actuated, power to all control modules is disconnected and
only ‘keep alive memory’ power is maintained. Thus the quiescent power
drain on the battery is greatly reduced.
To maintain the battery charge level, press the battery disconnect switch and
use the battery conditioner to charge the battery whenever the vehicle is to
be out of use for some days.
If the battery disconnect function is used in conjunction with the battery
conditioner, the vehicle may be stored for many months without additional
battery maintenance.
Caution: The vehicle security systems will be totally disabled when the battery
disconnect switch is used. The vehicle will be secured only by the mechanical door
locks. Ensure that the vehicle is stored in a secure location.
Caution: Close and lock the doors before disconnecting the battery. The door window
seals will be damaged if the door is closed or opened when the battery is disconnected.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-33
Battery Conditioner
The automatic battery conditioner supplied with DB AR1 is suitable for use
on all types of 12 volt lead acid batteries. The conditioner also allows
charging of maintenance free and 12V gel type batteries.
The conditioner has an inbuilt mains connector appropriate for the market
in which the vehicle is sold.
The conditioner output is 13.8V - 14.7V, up to 4.0A. It is designed for
conditioning of partially or fully charged batteries. It will not effectively
charge a completely discharged battery and is not a substitute for a
dedicated battery charger.
WARNINGS:
For indoor use only.
Disconnect the mains supply before making or breaking battery conditioner
connections.
Explosive gasses are given off by batteries during charging. Prevent flames and
sparks - No smoking.
Do not attempt to start the vehicle with the charger connected to the mains
supply.
The unit has an electronic controller which senses when the battery charge level
becomes low and commences charging.
When the battery charge level rises to 80%, a 2 hour timer starts. The unit
continues charging for a further 2 hours until the battery is 100% charged and
then reduces the charge voltage to 13.8 volts to maintain a small trickle charge
to keep the battery in a fully charged state. The conditioner may be left in this state
indefinitely.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-34
Battery Conditioner Operation
Connect the black output
connector to the vehicle
socket in the boot.
Plug the conditioner into the
electrical supply socket and
switch on the supply. The
indicator lamp will
illuminate red if the battery
is below 80% charged. The
indicator will change to
yellow between 80 and
100% battery charge. When
the indicator shows green,
the battery is fully charged.
At this point, the conditioner
should be left switched on
and will maintain the battery
charge as necessary so that
the vehicle is always ready
for immediate use.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-35
The Battery Reconnect Switch
The battery reconnect switch is
located in front wall of the boot.
Firmly press the battery reconnect
switch until it latches to reconnect
the battery before opening the doors
or attempting to start the vehicle.
Caution: Always reconnect the battery
before opening any door. The door
window seals will be damaged if the
door is opened when the battery is
disconnected.
When the battery disconnect function is in use, all vehicle electrical systems
(except ‘keep alive memory’) remain disabled until the battery reconnect
switch is pressed.
Recommissioning the Car after Battery Disconnection
When you wish to use the vehicle, disconnect the mains supply to the
battery conditioner and then disconnect the conditioner from the vehicle
socket.
Press the battery reconnect switch until it latches to power up the vehicles
electrical circuits.
Caution: Always reconnect the battery before opening any door. The door window
seals will be damaged if the door is opened when the battery is disconnected.
Start and run the vehicle as described in the 'Driving' section.