2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q Owners Guide

A - Before Driving
1-A-5
Door Locks
The door locks and fuel filler flap are centrally controlled and are normally
unlocked when the left button is pressed on the alarm key fob. The boot lock
is also enabled at this time but does not release until opened using the boot
release switch, ignition key or by pressing the right button on the key fob.
NOTE: If a door is unlocked and opened with the key whilst the alarm is switched
on, the alarm will sound.
If the alarm system is off, then locking or unlocking of either door with the
ignition key causes simultaneous locking or unlocking of the other door and
the fuel filler flap by means of the central locking system.
Door Sealing
Your DB AR1 is fitted with frameless door windows. A special door sealing
system is fitted to ensure a tight fit of the door glass to the seal along the 'A'
post.
When you open a door, the window glass is automatically lowered a few
millimetres to clear the door seal.
As you close a door, the window glass is automatically raised against the
body frame rubber seals.
WARNING: Ensure that all occupants are clear when the window mechanism is
operating.
Caution: Door Seal Damage - Reconnect the battery (see Battery Reconnect Switch
1-F-35) before opening the doors to avoid damage to the door seals.

A - Before Driving
1-A-6
Interior Door Handles and Locks
To open either car door from inside, pull on the release lever and push
outwards on the door.
Locking the Doors when Inside the Car
If you wish to lock the car doors from inside the vehicle, push the lock tab
on the release lever towards the rear of the car. This will activate the central
locking system and lock both doors and the fuel filler flap.
WARNING: The interior door handle will also be disabled at this time.
Pushing the lock tab towards the front of the car will unlock the doors and
fuel filler flap.

A - Before Driving
1-A-7
Rain Cover
To protect the interior of your DB AR1 during periods of inclement weather
a rain cover is provided.
WARNING. Aston Martin recommend that your DB AR1 is not to be driven while
the rain cover is installed.
If it is essential that your DB AR1 is to be moved with the rain cover installed, i.e.
to move to a safe parking area or into a covered area, do not exceed 5 m.p.h. and
only drive a very short distance. The front of the rain cover, over the windscreen,
can be rolled up, allowing the driver to have vision.
To Fit the Rain Cover
Before fitting the rain cover raise both door windows fully and remove the
ignition key from the ignition lock.
1. Remove the rain cover from its storage bag.
Place the rain cover over the windscreen,
black side up, with the two sucker
attachments towards the front of the vehicle.
Attach the suckers to the windscreen (one
in each bottom corner of the windscreen).
Note: Place the sucker attachments close to the
corners, this will enable the windscreen wipers to operate if required.

A - Before Driving
1-A-8 2. Pull the rain cover backwards over the
vehicle and locate two (L/H and R/H)
elastic cords over the door area
mountings.
3. Continue to pull the rain cover backwards
and locate the two (L/H and R/H) elastic
cord pulls over the boot area mountings.
4. Close the doors. Guide the rain cover
over the window as the door is closed.
Take care not to trap the rain cover.
Ensure that the rain cover is fitted correctly.

A - Before Driving
1-A-9 5. Install the two (L/H and R/H) elastic cord
pulls over the door mirrors.
With the rain cover fitted both doors can
still be opened and closed. As a door is
opened or closed take care to lift the
rain cover clear of the window.
Note: To aid door opening, remove the elastic cord pull from the door mirror. Refit
after closing the door.
Take care not to trap the rain cover. Ensure that the rain cover is fitted
correctly.
To Remove the Rain Cover
Remove the rain cover from the vehicle starting from the rear of the vehicle
and work forwards, removing the sucker attachments last.
Ensure that the rain cover is completely dry before packing it away in its
storage bag.
Manouvering with Rain Cover Fitted
WARNING. Aston Martin recommend that your DB AR1 is not to be driven while
the rain cover is installed.
If it is essential that your DB AR1 is to
be moved with the rain cover installed,
i.e. to move to a safe parking area or
into a covered area, do not exceed 5
m.p.h. and only drive a very short
distance.
A section of the rain cover covering the windowscreen can be rolled up
(secured with velcro) to allow forward vision in the event of essential vehicle
movement with the rain cover fitted.

A - Before Driving
1-A-10
Adjustments Before Driving
When you get into the car you should check and, if necessary, adjust the
seat, steering wheel, interior and door mirrors, and secure your seat belt.
The controls for these functions are described on the following pages.
Steering Wheel
WARNING. Do not attempt to adjust the steering wheel whilst driving.
Rake
The rake of the steering wheel
is adjusted by using the release
lever to the left of the steering
column.
The steering wheel rake may
be locked in any one of four
positions.
Pull the release lever and apply
downwards pressure on the
steering wheel. Hold the wheel
in the desired rake position
and lock it by releasing the
lever.
After locking, attempt to move
the wheel up and down to
ensure that the lock is fully
engaged.

A - Before Driving
1-A-11
Reach
The reach to the steering wheel
may be adjusted by pushing
down the lever below the
steering column.
Adjust the reach position of
the wheel and then raise the
lever to lock the wheel
position.
After locking, attempt to move
the wheel in and out to ensure
that the lock is fully engaged.

A - Before Driving
1-A-12
Seat Controls
WARNING: Do not attempt to adjust the seat whilst driving.
The Seat Control Panels
Three rocker switches are mounted on the outside of each front seat. The
switches may be operated with the ignition on or off.
Lumbar Support - Press either the + or - symbol on the
rear switch (A) to increase or reduce lumbar support.
Seat Back Angle - Use the centre switch (B) to increase or
decrease the angle of the seat back.
Front to Rear - Use the forward switch (C) to move the seat
in the front to rear direction.