Page 11 of 279

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
Page 116 of 279
F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-7
Engine Oil Level Check
When checking engine oil level, the car should be on level ground. If the
engine has been running immediately prior to the check, wait several
minutes after stopping the engine for the oil to drain back into the sump. The
dipstick (1) (which should be wiped clean before checking the oil level) is
located on the left-hand side of the engine. The oil level should be
maintained at the 'Max' dipstick mark.
Approximately one litre is required to bring the level from Min to Max. The
recommended engine oil should be added through the oil filler (3). Do not
overfill. Replace the filler cap securely.
WARNING: Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious damage.
To avoid personal injury and before working in or near the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and let it cool. Engine components are hot and may cause
severe burns. See also the warnings given in SERVICING PRECAUTIONS.
Page 168 of 279

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.
Page 169 of 279

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.
Page 183 of 279
G - Specifications
1-G-12
Recommended Fluids
Engine oil (Initial fill) Mobil 1 0w-40 Europe (0w-30 USA)
Engine oil API SJ/CF, ACEA A3/B3 OR ILSAC GF2
Mobil 1 recommended
Engine coolant 60% water, 40% Havoline OAT
Do not mix OAT with glycol based antifreeze
Manual gearbox oil Texaco 1863, Transam 7045, Mobil ATF or
Dexron III
Auto transmission fluid Esso LT 71141
Final drive oil Shell spirax super 90 TS or Mobilube SHC LS
Brake/Clutch fluid Mobil Universal Brake Fluid
Power steering fluid Mobil ATF or Dexron III
A/C refrigerant R134A (HFC134A)
Engine Oil
Synthetic oils must conform to API SJ/CF standards. Preferably with ACEA
A3/B3 and ILSAC GF2. The chart below gives oil grades for average ambient
temperatures and applies to both mineral and synthetic oils.
Caution: To achieve the desired high performance of synthetic lubricants, do not mix
with mineral oils.
Page 192 of 279

2-A-7
A - Service Schedules
Service Schedules
The following service schedules are recommended for DB AR1. The schedules may
be modified if necessary. Please consult your Aston Martin Dealer for details of any
service schedule updates.
Road Test Evaluation
1000mls 7500mls 15000mls
1500km 12000km 24000km
3 months 6 months 12 months
x x x Pre-Maintenance Road Test Evaluation
Fluids Filters and Leaks Checks
1000mls 7500mls 15000mls
1500km 12000km 24000km
3 months 6 months 12 months
x x x Renew the engine oil
x x x Renew the engine oil filter
x x x Check for engine oil leaks
- - x Renew the air cleaner elements
x x x Check auto transmission for leaks
x x x Check man. gearbox for leaks.
Top-up if necessary
- - x Renew rear axle oil
x - - Check / top-up rear axle oil
- x - Check rear axle for leaks, top up if necessary
- - 30000 Renew engine coolant - check S.Gravity
x x x Check/top-up engine coolant
x x x Check cooling and heating systems for leaks
- - 60000 Renew fuel filters
x x x Check for fuel leaks
Every 2 years 30,000 miles Renew brake fluid
x x x Check / top-up brake fluid reservoir
x x x Check / top-up clutch fluid reservoir
x x x Check / top-up power steering reservoir
x x x Check power steering system for leaks
x x x Check brake hoses, pipes and unions for leaks
x x x Check suspension dampers for leaks
x x x Top-up windscreen washer reservoir
x x x Check exhaust system for leaks
x x x Check air conditioning system for leaks
Page 276 of 279

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