2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q warning light

B - Controls
1-B-19 Seat Heater Switches
Press to switch on the heater. Press the button a second
time to switch off the heater. The heater is thermostatically
controlled and maintains a constant seat temperature until
either the heater is switched off or the ignition is switched
off.
Boot Release Switch
Press to open the boot at any time when the alarm system
is switched off and the ignition is switched on.
Radio/Cassette/CD Player
The radio/cassette player is located beneath the console switch panel. The
CD changer is fitted in the boot (trunk). Manufacturers operating instructions
for the in-car entertainment system are included with this Owner's Guide.
Hazard Warning Lights
The hazard warning light switch is located beside the
radio cassette player. When pressed, the external indicator
lights and side repeater lights will flash in unison.
Press the switch again to turn off the hazard lights.
Caution: Observe local laws on the use of hazard lights

B - Controls
1-B-22
Cigar Lighter and Ashtray
The cigar lighter is located to the left of the ashtray and may be used when
the ignition switch is in positions I or II. It is heated by pushing down until
it clicks. The lighter will pop up when ready for use.
WARNING: The cigar lighter is heated to "Red Heat" when in use. Take care to
avoid burns and do not allow children to play with the lighter.
The ashtray may be removed for cleaning by sliding back the lid and pulling
the tray upwards. After cleaning it should be replaced and pushed down
until the locating springs click into position.

C - Driving
1-C-3
Fuel Filler Cap
The fuel filler cap is located on the
left side of the car, to the left of the
boot (trunk) lid. The filler flap is
unlocked automatically upon turning
off the alarm or upon operating the
central locking system by unlocking
either door lock with the ignition
key.
Lift the filler flap. Release the filler
cap by rotating a quarter turn
anticlockwise, then lift off the cap.
WARNINGS: Fuel vapour is highly flammable, toxic and explosive. Always switch
off the ignition before refuelling. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Do not inhale fuel
fumes.
Never carry additional fuel in portable containers. They may leak, explode or
cause a fire, whether full or partially empty.
If you handle fuel improperly, it can ignite or explode and cause injury. Do not
smoke or light a flame while refuelling. Do not use mobile phones at filling
stations.
Do not use the car if there is fuel leakage or a persistent smell of fuel.

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.

C - Driving
1-C-17
Traction Control System
On/Off Switch
The traction control system is always operational when the ignition is
switched on. The traction control system can be switched off at any time
using the switch in the centre console.
Traction Control Warning Lamp
To ensure that the system is working correctly, a warning
lamp is integrated into the instrument panel. When the
ignition is switched on, the lamp should illuminate for
approximately 2 seconds and will then extinguish if the
system is in working order.
If the lamp remains on after 2 seconds, a system fault is present and should
be investigated by your Aston Martin Dealer.
During normal operation, the light remains off until wheel slip is detected.
The warning lamp will then flash whilst the system controls the wheel slip.
The warning lamp remains illuminated if traction control is switched off.

C - Driving
1-C-18Traction Control Operation
WARNING: In all cases it remains the drivers responsibility to drive safely
according to the law and with due regard to prevailing conditions. The fact that
a vehicle is equipped with Traction Control must never allow the driver to be
tempted into taking risks which could affect his/her safety or that of other road
users. The addition of Traction Control cannot overcome the consequences of
applying too much engine power for the prevailing conditions.
The traction control system is designed to limit engine power when driven
wheel slip is detected. This most commonly happens when accelerating on
a slippery road or loose surface.
The system uses the vehicles ABS sensors to monitor the wheel speed of all
four road wheels. As soon as a driven rear wheel starts to spin due to the
application of too much power for the available grip, the system automatically
reduces engine power by temporarily adjusting the fuel supply. The brake
on the slipping wheel will also be applied as necessary until the wheel speed
matches that of the other wheels.
During activation, the system warning light will flash. The driver may
experience a loss in power or temporary 'misfire' as engine power is
reduced. These symptoms are normal and will clear as wheel spin is
eliminated and normal engine power is restored.
If traction control cuts in when driving on extended icy or slippery surfaces,
reduce engine power as necessary until the traction control warning light is
extinguished.
Caution: Do not maintain engine power at such a level that traction control is
activated for long periods (more than about one minute). The reduced fuelling levels
to the engine will cause the exhaust catalysts to overheat. Overheating of the exhaust
catalysts can destroy them.

C - Driving
1-C-19
The Braking Systems
The Footbrake System
Your DB AR1 uses a vacuum boosted hydraulic braking system with anti-
lock (ABS) function. This system ensures braking performance in keeping
with the vehicle performance.
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is continually monitored for correct
operation whilst the ignition is switched on. Should a fault occur, it will be
signalled by the Anti-Lock Warning Light.
Brake System Safety Features
The brake system tandem master cylinder is designed so that in the worst
case (barring major accident damage), only half the brake system could fail.
Even in the event of a major brake pipe fracture, at least two wheels will have
fully operative brakes.