2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q bonnet

xii
DB AR1 Owner's Guide
Monthly
Windscreen Washer - Top-up with the recommended windscreen wash
fluid. Check the operation of the windscreen washers. Use the recommended
concentration of additives to prevent freezing in winter conditions. Check
the windscreen wash fluid level more frequently if the wash system is being
heavily used.
Safety Warning
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals
known to the state of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Glossary of Terms
The following glossary contains frequently used alternative names or
spellings for vehicle components mentioned in this Owner's Guide:
Bonnet Hood
Boot Trunk
Brake Disc Rotor
Handbrake Parking Brake
Petrol Gasoline
Tyre Tire
Wing Fender
Windscreen Windshield

A - Before Driving
1-A-4
Unlocking the Car / Turning off the Alarm
To unlock the car and turn the alarm system off, approach to within 10
metres (30 feet) of the car and point the key fob towards the rear window.
Press the left button on the alarm key fob.
The exterior direction indicators flash three times, indicating that the alarm
has been switched off. At the same time, the central locking system unlocks
the car doors and fuel filler flap. Alarm sensing on the boot lock is also
switched off so that the boot may be opened without triggering the alarm.
Locking the Car / Turning on the Alarm
To turn the alarm system on and lock the car, stand within 10 metres (30 feet)
of the car and point the key fob towards the rear window. Press the left
button on the alarm key fob.
The direction indicators flash once as the alarm is switched on. Alarm
sensing is then operative on the door locks, bonnet and boot. At the same
time, the car doors, boot and filler flap are locked by the central locking
system.
Engine Immobiliser
The engine is immobilised by the Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) and may
not be started until a correctly coded key is inserted and turned in the
ignition switch (See 'Security Systems' for a full description of PATS). The
PATS system is fully automatic and requires no intervention from the driver.

B - Controls
1-B-1
Contents
Introduction....................................................................................... 1-B-2
Information/Warning Lights................................................................. 1-B-4
Instrument Panel Illumination............................................................. 1-B-9
Instruments ......................................................................................1-B-10
Steering Column Controls - Left Hand Stalk ...................................... 1-B-12
Steering Column Controls - Right Hand Stalk .................................... 1-B-14
Steering Wheel ................................................................................. 1-B-15
Console Mounted Controls............................................................... 1-B-16
Bonnet (Hood) and Boot (Trunk) ....................................................... 1-B-23
Accessory Socket .............................................................................. 1-B-26
Interior Lights ................................................................................... 1-B-27

B - Controls
1-B-23
Bonnet (Hood) and Boot (Trunk)
Bonnet (Hood) Release
The bonnet release lever is situated
on the outside of the left hand front
footwell. Pull the lever to release the
bonnet latches. The bonnet will be
released and will rise until captured
by the bonnet safety catch.
Bonnet (Hood) Safety Catch
The bonnet safety catch is located under the
bonnet rear edge on the drivers side of the car
(left side on left hand drive, right side on right
hand drive).
Push down slightly on the bonnet rear edge
whilst pushing forward on the bonnet safety
catch to release it. Lift the bonnet until fully
open. The bonnet is held open by two gas
struts.

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-2
Checks Before Driving
Inspect the car to make sure that everything is according to the information
and specifications in this Owner's Guide.
Check the wheels, wheel nuts and tyres.
Check that all windows, mirrors and lights are clear and unobstructed.
Check that the boot and bonnet are closed.
Once you are in the car, check that the doors are closed.
Check that the seat, mirrors and steering wheel adjustments are correct.
Check that all gauges and indicators are reading correctly.
Check that the seat backs are in an upright position.
Check that all occupants have fastened their seat belts.
Fuel
DB AR1 uses 95/98 RON Unleaded Fuel only (USA - Premium Unleaded).
For optimum performance and extended high speed driving, the use of 98
RON fuel is recommended.
Caution: Do not use unleaded petrol containing metal based additives, such as those
based on Manganese (often sold as MMT) and Iron (often sold as Ferrocene). The use
of fuel containing such additives could lead to catalyst failure which is not covered by
the vehicle warranties.
The DB AR1 total fuel capacity is 82 litres (18 Imp gallons / 21.5 US gallons).
Note: Approximately 7 litres of the total fuel capacity specified above is required
to prime the fuel system and is therefore not usable.

E - Security Systems
1-E-2
Security Systems
The primary protection for your DB AR1 is provided by an electronic
security system. Protection is further enhanced by a passive anti-theft system
(PATS) which provides engine immobilisation measures if the wrong ignition
key is used. The total system has the following functions:
• Remote Arming/Disarming via a Key Fob.
• Perimeter Sensing via switches on the doors, boot lid and bonnet.
• Boot Release on the Key Fob.
• Panic Alarm triggered using the Alarm Key Fob.
• 120dB Siren with battery back-up (in markets where audible sirens are
permitted).
• Random Code Encryption to prevent electronic scanning or grabbing of
the key fob identity code.
• Passive Anti-Theft system.
Tracker System (Optional - UK only excluding Channel Isles)
• The Tracker hardware is fitted to UK cars only and may be activated for
any owners who wish to subscribe to this additional vehicle security
system. Please consult your dealer for system details and subscription
rates.

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)