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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.
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F - Owner Maintenance
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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.
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F - Owner Maintenance
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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.
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F - Owner Maintenance
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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.
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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.
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F - Owner Maintenance
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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.
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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.
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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.