Page 85 of 279

C - Driving
1-C-20
Bedding-In of New/Replacement Brake Pads
To ensure that brake pads and discs are correctly 'bedded-in' on new cars,
the factory road test the car and perform the following brake bedding-in
procedure:
1. Three light brake applications from 80-50 kph (50-30 mph) using normal
acceleration to 80 kph.
2. Three medium applications from 110-65 kph (70-40) mph using normal
acceleration up to 110 kph.
3. Two hard applications from high speed to 50 kph (30 mph), again using
normal acceleration.
4. Drive a further 8 km (5 miles) with minimal brake use.
5. Stop and allow the brakes to cool.
6. Drive a further 8 km (5 miles) back to the workshop with normal brake
use.
Aston Martin dealers are required to perform this routine each time brake
pads / discs are replaced.
Aston Martin require owners to perform this routine if pads or discs are
replaced by a non-franchised workshop who will not know of the correct
bedding in procedure.
Failure to bed-in the brake pads / discs will result in reduced brake
performance and possible brake judder or squeal.
Page 87 of 279

C - Driving
1-C-22
Brake Warning Indications During Driving
Your DB AR1 electronic control units continue to monitor correct operation
of the braking sub-systems while the vehicle is being driven. Two brake
warning lights are of particular importance.
The Anti Lock Braking (ABS) Warning Light
The ABS system is monitored for correct operation while the
ignition is switched on. If a fault is detected, the Anti-Lock
warning light will illuminate and the ABS system will be partly
or fully disabled.
The normal braking system will continue to function without anti-lock but
with full vacuum boosted braking to all road wheels being maintained. In
the event of an ABS fault, consult your Aston Martin Dealer immediately.
WARNING: If the ABS warning light illuminates, you should be aware that
wheels could lock during extreme braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
Take additional care to avoid the danger of wheels locking.
The Brake System Warning Light
The braking system is continuously monitored for fluid level.
If only the brake warning light illuminates, it indicates that the
brake fluid has fallen below the acceptable level. It is essential
that the braking system is checked immediately, preferably
by an Aston Martin Dealer.
WARNING: If the brake warning light illuminates, you should
immediately be prepared for possible increased stopping distances
and possible partial failure of the braking system.
Page 88 of 279
C - Driving
1-C-23
The Handbrake (Parking Brake)
The handbrake lever is situated on the outside of the drivers seat. The
handbrake operates on brake drums within the rear wheel brake discs.
To engage the handbrake, pull up firmly on the lever without pressing the
release button. The handbrake ratchet will latch and the handbrake warning
light will illuminate. Note that this lamp is the only indication that the
handbrake is applied. The lever can then be lowered to its fully down
position.
To release the handbrake, pull up on the lever against spring pressure, press
and hold the lock release button whilst lowering the lever to its maximum
down position.
The handbrake warning light extinguishes when the handbrake is fully
released.
Caution: Always check that the warning lamp is correctly extinguished before moving
off. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle if the warning lamp remains on.
Page 114 of 279

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.
Page 132 of 279
F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-23
Jacking and Wheel Changing
1. Place the vehicle on firm and level ground and secure the handbrake.
Place the chock from the toolkit under the wheel diagonally opposite to
the one to be removed. If parked on an incline, chock the 'downhill' side
of the wheel.
2. Remove the locking wheel nut
cap from the special nut using the
extractor tube from the toolkit.
Assemble the wheel nut wrench.
3. Using the wheel nut wrench from the tool kit, slightly loosen the four
normal wheel nuts in turn so that the nuts may be removed easily when
the wheel is raised from the ground.
4. Using the special socket from the toolkit, slightly loosen the fifth special
wheelnut.
Page 138 of 279

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.
Page 145 of 279

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-36
Electrical Start from Another Vehicle
If your DB AR1 will not start due to a discharged battery, it may be started
by connecting the battery from another vehicle to the discharged battery.
Before the vehicle is started in this way, ensure that the donor vehicle has
a 12 volt battery and negative (-), black earth terminal to ensure that the
correct battery polarity is maintained.
WARNING: If the voltage or earth of the donor vehicle is different or not known,
do not attempt starting in the way described.
1. Position the vehicles so that the connecting cable will reach between
the batteries. Ensure that the vehicles do not touch each other.
2. To lessen the risk of an electrical short circuit, remove rings, metal
watch bands and any other jewellery. Wear eye protection when
working near the battery. Turn off all electrical motors and ancillaries
in both vehicles. Switch off all lights except those needed to protect the
vehicles or illuminate the work area. Switch off the ignition and apply
the handbrake.
3. Lift out the boot floor panels to gain access to the battery.
4. Connect the red (+) cable between the red (+) positive terminal of the
two batteries.
5. Connect the black (-) cable between the black (-) negative terminals of
the two batteries.
6. Start the donor vehicle engine and run at about 1500 - 2000 rpm.
7. Start the engine. Allow the engine to run for some minutes until the flat
battery is partially charged. Switch off both vehicles.
Page 149 of 279

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-40
Passenger Footwell Fusebox - Left Hand
F1 15A Accessory Terminal
F2 10A Transmission Control Module, Gearshift Interlock
Module, PRND Switch
F3 5A Headlamp Relay, Instrument Pack, Dimmer Unit
F4 10A Multi Function Unit, Air-Conditioning In-Car Sensor,
Anti-Lock Brakes Control Unit
F5 5A Traction Control Switch, Alternator Regulator, Heated
Front Screen Control
F6 10A Rear Fog Switch, RH Dip Beam
F7 30A Starter Relay
F8 10A LH Dip Beam
F9 20A LHS Seat Heater Relay, LHS Seat Module
F10 40A Heated Front Screen Controller
F11 10A RH Horn
F12 30A LH Rad Cooling Fan
F13 10A LH Horn
F14 30A RH Rad Cooling Fan
F15 30A Primary Powertrain Control Module RHS
F16 10A Multi-Function Unit, Central Locking Module, Air
Conditioning Control Panel, Alarm Sounder
F17 30A Secondary Powertrain Control Module LHS
F18 5A Interior Map Lights, Instrument Pack,
RH Rad Module
F19 10A RH Main Beam
F20 20A Window Lift Cut Out, Accessory Terminal,
Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
F21 10A Instrument Pack, LH Main Beam
F22 25A Front Fog Relay