Page 53 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-17 The centre console contains the following controls:
• Clock and PATS Status Light
• Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Controls
• Fog Lamp, Screen Heater and Seat Heater Switches
• Radio Cassette Player (Control for the CD autochanger)
• Hazard Light Switch
• Starter Button
• Traction Control Switch
• Window Lift Switches
• Boot Release Switch
• Cigar Lighter and Ashtray
The Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Systems are fully described
in the Air-Conditioning section of this Owner's Guide.
Clock
The clock in the centre of the air conditioning control panel is set using the
buttons on the clock panel.
The left button is used to retard the time and the
right button to advance the time.
The small light between the time set buttons is the
PATS Status Light which is described in the Security
section of this Owner's Guide.
ASTON MARTIN
Page 68 of 279
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.
Page 73 of 279

C - Driving
1-C-8
Stopping the Engine - Removing the Ignition Key
To stop the engine, turn the ignition key anti-clockwise to position 0.
The ignition key is interlocked with the gear selector lever on automatic
transmission vehicles so that the key may only be removed from the ignition
lock when the gear selector lever is in the Park position.
Note: If the Ignition Key is left in positions I or II and a door is opened, a warning
chime will sound to advise removal of the key.
Fuel Cut-Off Switch
Your DB AR1 is fitted with an emergency
fuel cut-off inertia switch mounted on the
passenger side door pillar. This switch
operates to cut-off fuel supply to the
engine in the event of an accident, thereby
reducing fire risk.
If the engine cuts out and then does not
restart in such a situation, open the
passenger door and press the top of the
cut-off switch until it latches down. With
the ignition on, the fuel pumps will then
run and fuel will again be supplied to the
engine. Restart the engine as normal.
WARNING: To avoid the possibility of fire, do not reset the fuel cut-off switch if
you smell fuel.
Page 94 of 279
D - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
1-D-5
Air Conditioning Controls
The air conditioning controls are located on two panels mounted either side
of the clock on the centre console.
Left Panel
The left panel contains the temperature and fan speed controls.
Temperature Control
This control sets the desired in-car temperature for the
system. Incoming air is cooled and then heated or
blended as required to maintain the in-car temperature
at the set level within the operating range of the system.
Fan Speed Control
This five position switch is used to set the fan speed: Off
(Fan symbol), 1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High and Defrost.
In Defrost mode the fans run at high speed and supply
air to the windscreen and side screen vents only.
When the system is switched Off, (Fan symbol) the
complete system is OFF. The external air inlets are
closed, cutting off fresh air supply from outside the car.
Page 98 of 279
D - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
1-D-9
Temperature Differential Control
This control sets the difference in temperature
between the air from the face vents and that from
the footwell vents.
To provide cooler air to the face, the differential
control should be set fully anticlockwise. If the
control is set fully clockwise, the air from the face
vents will be at the same temperature as that from
the footwell vents.
The differential control is only effective when the
temperature control is set to its mid position.
Page 112 of 279

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-3
Parts and Lubricants
When undertaking a warranty servicing task, only parts, materials,
lubricants etc. that are specifically recommended by Aston Martin
Lagonda Limited should be used. Failure to do so can result in
damage to the vehicle and invalidate the New Car Warranty or
other warranties. Recommended lubricants, capacities, etc. may be
found in the Specifications section of this Owner's Guide, and are
recommended for use at all routine services whether or not under
warranty.
Emissions Warranty
The emission control systems fitted to cars for certain markets are
covered by a separate emissions warranty. A statement of the provisions
is given in the Warranty section of this Owner's Guide. You are
advised to familiarise yourself with all warranty conditions prior to
taking delivery of your car.
Engine Compartment Covers
The primary fluid level checks and reservoirs within the engine
compartment are all immediately accessible. The less frequently
maintained items are located under the engine compartment side
covers. To remove the covers, use a coin or the tool kit screwdriver
to turn the cover fasteners a quarter turn anti-clockwise. The fasteners
will pop-up and the covers can then be lifted off, along with a
rubber protection strip.
When replacing the covers, fit them into place and secure by pushing
down on each fastener and turn it a quarter turn clockwise until it
locks, then insert the rubber protection strip.
Page 117 of 279
F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-8
Engine Coolant Level Check
The engine coolant header tank (2) is mounted on the left-hand wheel arch
in the engine compartment. It is fitted with a pressure relief cap which
should not be removed unless the engine is cold. A thick cloth or glove must
be placed over the cap and the cap turned slowly in an anticlockwise
direction.
Allow any residual pressure to drop and then continue to turn the cap until
it is released from the header tank. Lift the cap clear and top up the tank with
an antifreeze mixture, of the correct strength, up to the maximum mark on
the side of the tank (see 'Specifications').
WARNING: Scalding can be caused by escaping steam or coolant. DO NOT
remove the pressure relief cap until the system is cold. In addition, use a cloth
or glove to protect hands. Protect your face and arms adequately. See warnings
given in SERVICING PRECAUTIONS.
Page 140 of 279

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-31
WARNINGS:
To help avoid personal injury, do not use open flame, smoke, or cause an electric
spark when checking the battery, as gas generated by the battery is flammable
and can explode. Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery.
Do not ingest battery acid or fumes. If battery acid is ingested, drink large
quantities of water or milk followed by milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable
oil. Call for medical assistance immediately.
Do not let battery acid come into contact with skin, eyes, hair, fabric or painted
surfaces. A solution of warm soapy water and baking soda may help neutralise
acid.
Used batteries contain sulphuric acid, lead and other potentially hazardous
materials. Dispose of unwanted batteries in authorised waste disposal facilities.
DO NOT discard unwanted batteries in household waste.
Quiescent Battery Drain
Any power drain from a battery after the ignition is switched off is referred
to as 'quiescent battery drain'. Your DB AR1, in common with many modern,
high technology motor cars, contains electronic circuits and sub-systems
which must be left activated at all times. For example, the clock, security
systems and in-car entertainment system continue to drain battery power
even with the ignition switched off. This quiescent drain will discharge a fully
charged new battery in approximately 30 days unless recharged by normal
engine running or an independent battery charger.
It is therefore vital that, when leaving your car unused for extended
periods, you use the battery disconnect switch to minimise quiescent
drain and that you use the battery conditioner to maintain battery
charge level.