2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q check engine

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-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-12
Windscreen Wash Fluid Level Check
The washer fluid filler cap (6) is situated in the right rear corner of the engine
bay and should be topped up as required with an appropriate concentration
of screen wash solution. When the level of screen wash fluid is low the
instrument panel warning light will illuminate.
Caution: State or local regulations may restrict the use of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), which are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in washer
fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC content should be used only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all regions and climates in which the vehicle will
be operated.
Warning: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F, use washer
fluid with anti-freeze protection. In cold weather, failure to use washer fluid with
anti-freeze protection could result in impaired windscreen vision and increase
the risk of a vehicle crash.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-22
Jacking and Wheel Changing
WARNINGS:
The front road wheels must be in the straight ahead position before removal. The
front tyre will catch on the wheel arch during removal if not in the "straight
ahead" position.
Check that the temporarily repaired tyre is inflated to the specified pressure.
Never exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) when a temporarily repaired wheel is fitted.
Ensure that no persons are in the vehicle before jacking commences.
Ensure that the handbrake (parking brake) is set and that the car is in 'Park' (Auto)
or 1st Gear (Manual).
Ensure that the vehicle is parked on firm and level ground to ensure a secure base
for the jack.
Do not run the engine while the car is on the jack and never let anyone work
under the car whilst it is on the jack.
Spare Wheel Access (where fitted)
On vehicles with the space saver spare
wheel, the spare wheel is stored in a
well in the boot floor.
Lift out the boot floor and toolkit.
Remove the spare wheel retaining screw
and lift out the spare wheel.

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-53 Window Controller Memory Check
With the alarm off and the doors unlocked, open and then close each door
in turn. If the door window drops on opening and rises on closing the door,
the window controller memory is good. If the windows do not drop and rise
correctly, reset the window controllers as follows:
Window Controller Memory Reset Procedure
1. Sit in the drivers seat with the doors closed. Turn on the ignition switch.
2. Press and hold down the window Down button until the window drops
to its maximum down position in one movement.
3. Press and hold the window Up button until the window rises to its
maximum up position in one movement.
4. Switch off the ignition, step out of the car and close the doors. Perform
the Window Controller Memory Check to ensure that the window
maximum up and down positions have been correctly reset.
Headlamp Ventilation
In very humid conditions some condensation may accumulate within the
headlamp pod enclosures whilst the engine is stopped. When the vehicle
is running and the air conditioning is switched on, the headlamp pod
enclosures are automatically vented and any condensation will clear within
a few minutes.
For rapid headlamp ventilation, use the following settings: A/C On, Fan
speed 3, Interior vents all closed. If the condensation does not clear quickly,
consult your Aston Martin dealer.