2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q engine

B - Controls
1-B-10
Instruments
Voltmeter (top left)
Shows the battery voltage when the ignition is turned on and shows the
voltage delivered from the alternator when the engine is running.
Fuel Gauge (bottom left)
The DB AR1 fuel capacity is 82 litres (18 Imp gallons / 21.5 US gallons). The
low fuel warning lamp will illumunate when approximately 20 litres (4.4
imp
gallons / 5.0 US gallons) of fuel remain.
Note: Approximately 7 litres of the total fuel capacity specified above is required
to prime the fuel system and is therefore not usable.
Tachometer (centre left)
Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute x 1000.
Trip Meter/External Temperature Digital Display
The tachometer also contains the trip meter/external temperature display.
Trip Meter - The trip meter may be used to record the distance travelled on
individual journeys. Whilst the trip reading is displayed, it may be set to zero
by holding the trip button pressed for more than about two seconds.

B - Controls
1-B-11 External Temperature Display - Press the trip button briefly to display the
external temperature. Whilst the external temperature is displayed, press
and hold the button to change between °C and °F readouts. Briefly press the
button again to return to the trip display.
Gearshift Indicator (centre top)
Indicates the current gearshift mode on DB AR1 fitted
with 'Touchtronic' transmission. 'A' indicates Automatic
mode. A number 1-5 indicates the current gear selected
when in Touchtronic mode.
Speedometer (centre right)
Indicates the vehicle speed in miles per hour and/or kilometres per hour.
Also houses the odometer recording the total distance travelled by the
vehicle.
Oil Pressure Gauge (top right)
The oil pressure gauge is graduated in bar (1 bar 14.7 psi). Normal oil
pressure at medium engine revs should be in the range 3-6 bar.
Engine Coolant Temperture Gauge (bottom right)
In temperate climates, normal coolant temperature is indicated with the
needle to the left of the 'N' position, but coolant temperature will vary
(within the range 92 - 105°C) dependent on ambient temperature and
driving conditions.

B - Controls
1-B-20
Starter Button
This button is located on the drivers side of the radio
cassette player. It is used to start the engine after turning
on the ignition. See the detailed instructions in the
'Driving' section.
The button will illuminate when the ignition is switched
on. The button lamp will extinguish when the engine
starts.
Traction Control Switch
The traction control system is always switched on when the ignition is
switched on. The system may be switched off using this switch on the centre
console.
The traction control warning lamp in the instrument pack will illuminate to
warn you when the system is switched off.

B - Controls
1-B-24
Closing the Bonnet (Hood)
To close the bonnet, hold near the centre of the rear edge and lower until
approximately 18 inches (450 mm) from the latch mechanisms and then
release it. After closing the bonnet, ensure that both left and right hand
latches have fully engaged by pulling up at either side of the bonnet rear
edge.
WARNING: Before closing the bonnet, ensure that no one is obstructing the
closing area and that hands and clothing are clear. Remove tools, cleaning cloths,
etc. from the engine compartment.
Boot (Trunk) Release
There are four methods for opening the boot.
1. The boot lid may be released at any time using the right hand button on
the key fob.
ASTON MARTIN

C - Driving
1-C-1
Contents
Checks Before Driving........................................................................ 1-C-2
The Ignition Lock ................................................................................ 1-C-5
Starting the Engine - Hot or Cold ........................................................ 1-C-7
Stopping the Engine - Removing the Ignition Key ................................ 1-C-8
Fuel Cut-Off Switch ............................................................................ 1-C-8
Gear Changing ................................................................................. 1-C-10
Additional Automatic Gearbox Functions .......................................... 1-C-16
Traction Control System.................................................................... 1-C-17
The Braking Systems......................................................................... 1-C-19

C - Driving
1-C-4
Fuel Filling
The unleaded fuel tank filler neck has a restricted opening which will only
accommodate the fuel supply nozzle of unleaded fuel pumps.
To avoid fuel spillage, stop filling at the first automatic cutoff of the fuel
supply nozzle.
Catalytic Converters
The DB AR1 exhaust system contains 3-way catalytic convertors which
convert harmful exhaust gasses into less noxious substances and so reduce
environmental pollution. Catalytic converters operate at high temperatures
and continue to radiate a considerable amount of heat after turning off the
engine.
WARNINGS: Leaded fuel will cause irreparable damage to the catalytic converters.
If you do inadvertently put leaded fuel into a DB AR1, DO NOT START THE
ENGINE. DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR. Contact your Aston Martin Dealer immediately.
Do not park over dry grass, leaves or other combustible material. A significant
fire risk exists because of residual heat in the catalytic converters.
Do not drive through deep water. The rapid cooling of the catalyst may cause it
to break up. Replacement catalytic converters are expensive.

C - Driving
1-C-6
Warning Light Indications at Ignition On
As the ignition is switched on, the DB AR1 electronic control units each
complete a self check to ensure correct operation. During these checks, the
warning lights on the instrument panel will illuminate as follows:
• Bulb Check - All warning lamps illuminate for about three seconds as a
bulb check. (The Sport and Transmission Fail lamps are not illuminated
on manual transmission vehicles).
• The Ignition and Oil Pressure warning lights illuminate until the engine
starts.
• The Check Engine light will illuminate during the engine management
self-check and will extinguish when the starter button is pressed.
• The Seat Belt warning light illuminates and a gong sounds for six seconds
if the driver's seat belt is not fastened. On fastening the seat belt, the gong
immediately ceases. The warning lamp extinguishes at the end of the six
second warning period.
• The ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminate and extinguish
if the system self checks are satisfactory.
• The Brake warning light will illuminate and extinguish if the brake fluid
level is within specification.
• The SRS Airbag warning light will illuminate and extinguish if the SRS
Airbag control system check is satisfactory.
Only the handbrake (parking brake) warning light should stay on after the
engine has started and is running correctly. The handbrake warning light will
extinguish as the handbrake is fully released.
Note: Other Information lights may remain on (e.g. Main Beam Warning or Low
Screen Wash) dependant on the vehicle state and switch settings at the time.

C - Driving
1-C-7 If either the ABS or Brake Fluid Warning lights remain illuminated, refer to
the description of Brake Warnings during Driving later in this section.
Starting the Engine - Hot or Cold
WARNINGS:
Before driving the vehicle, ensure that you are wearing appropriate footwear to
efficiently operate the floor mounted pedals.
Ensure that floor mounted pedal movement is not restricted by floor mats or
other objects trapped beneath the pedals.
Manual Transmission - The engine can only be started with the clutch
pedal fully depressed.
Touchtronic Transmission - The engine can only be started when the gear
selector lever is in Park or Neutral.
Place the gear selector lever in Neutral (Park on Touchtronic vehicles) and
check that the handbrake is applied. Fully depress the clutch pedal on
manual transmission vehicles.
Insert the ignition key and rotate it to position II. Press the
starter button, wait until the engine fires, then release the
starter button.
Note: Do not press the accelerator during engine starting. The Electronic Engine
Management System automatically compensates for cold or hot start conditions
and makes appropriate adjustments to the fuel/air mixture and engine idle speed
without driver intervention.