xi
Regular Checks
In the interests of safety and reliability, it is advisable to carry out the
following checks at the intervals suggested (more frequently if the vehicle is
heavily used or operating in adverse conditions), and always before starting
on a long journey. Refer to the Owner Maintenance section of this guide.
Each Day
Check that there is sufficient fuel for the intended journey, particularly at
night and before entering highways.
Weekly - (Daily if covering high mileage or touring)
Tyres - Check the tyres, including the spare (if fitted) for condition and
pressure. See the 'Specifications' section for the recommended tyre pressures.
Lights - Check that all exterior lights and direction indicators function
correctly and that the lenses are clean.
Engine Oil - With the vehicle standing on level ground, check the oil level
and top up if necessary with oil of the correct grade.
Engine Cooling System - With the engine cold, check the level of the engine
coolant. Top-up if necessary with coolant containing the required percentage
of anti-freeze. Any significant coolant loss should be investigated by your
Aston Martin Dealer.
Brake Fluid - Check the level of the fluid in the brake reservoir. Top-up if
necessary with the specified brake fluid from a new unopened container.
Power Steering Fluid - Check and top-up the level of fluid in the power
steering reservoir with fluid of the correct specification.
DB AR1 Owners Guide
B - Controls
1-B-9 Headlights (Blue)
Shows when the main beam of the headlights are in use.
Instrument Pack Chime
A warning chime will sound briefly to attract your attention if any of the
following warning lamps illuminate - ABS, Low brake fluid, Low coolant
level, Low fuel level, Low oil pressure, Boot open or a Frost warning.
The warning will be repeated each time the ignition is switched on until the
cause is cleared.
Instrument Panel Illumination
The level of instrument illumination can be adjusted using the rotary control
on the left hand side of the steering column.
F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-45
On Board Headlight Aiming (where fitted)
The headlight assemblies (main and dipped beam lights) are factory set to
give correct forward illumination under average load conditions. Should
your headlight aiming require adjustment, it may be corrected as follows:
1. Ensure that the tyres are inflated to the specified pressures.
2. Fill the car with fuel.
3. Park the car on level ground.
NOTE: Any error in ground level will adversely influence the accuracy of the
vertical beam alignment check
4. Have an adult person sit in the drivers seat.
5. Load the boot with the normal items you carry.
6. Open the bonnet.
Horizontal Beam Alignment Check
1. Check the gauge labelled Horizontal Angle Gauge. The green line on the
collar must be aligned with the pointer at the side of the spirit level. If
adjustment is required, rotate the screw and collar until the green line
is aligned with the pointer.
F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-59 When returning the car to normal service, set the tyre pressures to normal
specification before driving on the road.
Extended Storage
For storage periods exceeding six months the following additional measures
are recommended;
Run the car until there is as small a quantity of fuel in the tank as is practical
for storage purposes.
Caution: Do Not Drain The Fuel System
Add Engine Oil to the remaining fuel in the tank to ensure a concentration
of 2% (i.e. 20ml per 1 litre of fuel) and then run the engine for not less than
ten minutes to circulate the mixture thoroughly through the entire fuel
system.
Inspect the rubber connections of the cooling system and have them
renewed if necessary.
Wash the bodywork of the car thoroughly and repair any paint
blisters or patches of rust in order to prevent any further deterioration.
Apply a suitable polish.
Clean the carpets and upholstery thoroughly. Dust them with an
anti-moth powder and store in a dry place. Treat all leather upholstery
with an appropriate leather conditioner.
If the storage building is dry leave the car windows slightly open. If
there is any tendency towards dampness close the car doors and
windows and place an anti-moisture compound such as Silica desiccant
bags in an open metal container inside the car.
Cover the car with it's fabric cover.
F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-60
Recommissioning After Storage
Provided that the car has been stored in accordance with the recommended
procedure, the following points only should require attention before using
the car on the road.
Check the tyre pressures, inflate if necessary and lower the car to the ground.
Fully charge and refit the battery. Reset the clock and electric windows.
Drain the engine sump and final drive unit, fit a new engine oil filter element,
then refill with the approved oils. Check the coolant level and if necessary
top up with the correct antifreeze/water solution.
Check all fluid levels and top-up as necessary. Fill the fuel tank
Caution: Starting the engine without sufficient lubrication can cause serious engine
damage. Take care to establish engine oil pressure as directed in the following steps
before allowing the engine to start.
Press and hold the accelerator hard to the floor (kickdown switch actuated).
This will temporarily inhibit the fuel injectors during cranking. Turn on the
ignition. Press and hold the starter button to crank the engine until normal
oil pressure is indicated on the oil pressure gauge. Release the starter button
and the accelerator pedal.
Start the engine normally and check that the oil pressure and ignition
warning lights go out as the engine starts indicating correct oil pressure and
battery charging. Raise the bonnet and check for leaks of fuel, oil and
coolant.
Finally, check the operation of all instruments, lights and accessories.
2-A-5
A - Service Schedules
Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI)
Before you receive your DB AR1, it will undergo a comprehensive pre-
delivery inspection at the Dealer's premises to ensure that it meets Aston
Martin's quality standards. The following checks will be made:
Levels and Leaks
Engine oil
Power steering oil
Brake Fluid
Clutch fluid (manual only)
Engine coolant level
Engine coolant specific gravity
Windscreen washer fluid
Fuel system
Gearbox oil/Auto transmission fluid
Rear axle oil - Differential
Battery
Mechanical Functions
Auto transmission
Selection and P & N functions
Manual gear selection
Clutch operation (manual only)
Throttle pedal operation
Parking brake operation
Steering column adjustment and lock
operation
Seat adjuster rails
Bonnet (Hood) release and catch
Door operation and locks
Storage compartments
Rear view mirror
Wheels and Tyres
Road wheel nuts
Tyre pressures
Front wheel tracking
Electrical Checks
Battery condition
Heated windscreen
Windscreen washers
Windscreen wipers
Air-conditioning controls
Gauges and warning lights
Radio/Cassette/CD player
Navigation (where fitted)
All speakers
Electric aerial
Inertia switch
Window mechanisms
Side and headlights (main and dip)
Front fog lights
Rear fog lights (where fitted)
Hazard warning lights
Instrument illumination and dimmer
Air conditioning panel illumination
Auto Trans. PRNDL illumination
Horns
Interior/map lights
Cigar lighter
Seat adjustment - all functions
Door mirror adjustments
Reset clock (if necessary)
Door / boot courtesy lights
Central locking system
Filler flap lock operation
Seat belt operation
Seat belt warning system
Security system / Remote control
Clutch pedal start inhibit
Interrogate DTC codes (not N.
America)
Record battery open-circuit voltage
2-A-9
A - Service Schedules
x - x Check and if necessary adjust headlight
alignment
x x x Check operation of all lights
x x x Check operation of ABS warning lamp
x x x Check operation of all warning indicators
x x x Check audible warnings including
security system
x x x Check operation of the horns
x x x Check operation of the windscreen wipers
x x x Check operation of the windscreen washers
x x x Clean the radio aerial mast
x x x Check exterior rear view mirrors for security and
function
x x x Interrogate DTC P codes (not N. America)
x x x Check man. transmission cooling pump (PDU)
Wheels and Tyres Checks
1000mls 7500mls 15000mls
1500km 12000km 24000km
3 months 6 months 12 months
x x x Check for correct tyre size, type and rotation
x x x Check and report tyre tread depth
x x x Check tyres for uneven / excessive
wear or damage
x x x Check / adjust the tyre pressures(including spare)
to comfort or high speed pressures as required
x x x Check torque of road wheel nuts
x x x Check road wheel rims for inner
and outer damage
Final Checks
1000mls 7500mls 15000mls
1500km 12000km 24000km
3 months 6 months 12 months
- x x Degrease windscreen
x x x Carry out road test
x x x Check ABS and Traction Control operation
x x x Check operation of all seat belts and buckles
x x x Check that fuel filler bowl rain drain is clear
Index
5-A-5
Seat Belt Fastening 1-A-14
Seat Belt Pretensioner 1-A-15
Securing a Child Seat (ALR System) 1-A-15
Special Warnings - Child Safety Restraints 1-A-19
Warnings 1-A-16
Seat Controls 1-A-12
Seat Heater 1-B-19
Security System
Arming the Alarm 1-E-4
Disarming the Alarm 1-E-4
Full Alarm Activation 1-E-5
Operation 1-E-3
Panic Alarm 1-E-5
Passive Anti-Theft System (PATs) 1-E-7
System Protection 1-E-4
Unlocking the Car 1-E-4
Security Systems 1-E-2
Servicing Precautions 1-F-2
Dangerous Substances 1-F-5
Engine Oils 1-F-5
Fuel Tank Filling 1-F-5
Protecting The Environment 1-F-5
Side and Headlight Switching 1-B-13
Side Repeaters 1-F-48
Specifications
Body 1-G-2
Brakes 1-G-5
Dimensions and Weights 1-G-9
Engine 1-G-2
Engine Oil 1-G-12
Final Drive 1-G-4
Interior Features 1-G-7
Lights 1-G-8
Performance 1-G-2
Recommended Fluids 1-G-12
Steering 1-G-4
Suspension 1-G-5
Transmission - Automatic 1-G-4
Transmission - Manual 1-G-4
Wheels and Tyres 1-G-6
Winter Tyre Pressure 1-G-6
Speedometer 1-B-11
Steering Column Controls 1-B-14
Steering Wheel 1-A-10
Rake 1-A-10