2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q light

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.

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.

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.

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.

E - Security Systems
1-E-4
Unlocking the Car, Disarming the Alarm
Point the key fob towards the rear window and press the left button once.
The following events will occur:
1. The green light on the key fob will light while the left button is pressed.
2. The car doors and fuel filler flap will unlock.
3. The direction indicators will flash (in markets where visible alarm signals
are permitted and programmed).
4. The alarm system will be switched off.
Locking the Car, Arming the Alarm
Point the key fob towards the rear window and press the left button. The
following events will occur:
1. The green light on the key fob will light while the left button is pressed.
2. The car doors and fuel filler flap will lock.
3. The direction indicators will flash once (in markets where visible alarm
signals are permitted).
4. The alarm system will be switched on.
Alarm and Security System Protection
With the alarm system armed, any attempt to open a door, the boot or the
bonnet will result in full alarm activation.
(See also the engine immobilisation protection afforded by the PATs system)

E - Security Systems
1-E-6
Boot (Trunk) Lock Control
To open the boot (trunk), press the right
key fob button. The key fob red lamp will
stay on so long as the right hand button is
pressed. The direction indicators will flash
once (in markets where visible alarm signals
are permitted), the siren will chirp once (in
markets where audible sirens are permitted
and programmed) and the boot will unlock.
It is not necessary to disarm the alarm in
order to use the boot unlock feature.
Caution: Always ensure that the boot (trunk) lid is securely closed after use. The boot
(trunk) interior lights will be on when the lid is left partially open and will cause the
vehicle battery to discharge.

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.

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.