Page 15 of 279
A - Before Driving
1-A-3
The Security System and Door Locks
Your DB AR1 is fitted with sophisticated security systems which protect your
car against theft. The alarm system is linked to the central locking system.
The following two pages describe the basic operations required to turn on
or off the alarm and at the same time to lock or unlock the car. The systems
are fully described in section 'E - Security Systems'.
Alarm Key Fob
Basic alarm functions are controlled using the alarm key fob which sends
radio signals to the alarm unit aerial near the rear window when either the
left or right key fob button is pressed.
The left button is used for turning the alarm system on/off and locking/
unlocking the car. The right button is used for unlocking the boot.
The key fob has a range of about 10 metres (30 feet) when operating with
no intervening obstructions.
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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.
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A - Before Driving
1-A-5
Door Locks
The door locks and fuel filler flap are centrally controlled and are normally
unlocked when the left button is pressed on the alarm key fob. The boot lock
is also enabled at this time but does not release until opened using the boot
release switch, ignition key or by pressing the right button on the key fob.
NOTE: If a door is unlocked and opened with the key whilst the alarm is switched
on, the alarm will sound.
If the alarm system is off, then locking or unlocking of either door with the
ignition key causes simultaneous locking or unlocking of the other door and
the fuel filler flap by means of the central locking system.
Door Sealing
Your DB AR1 is fitted with frameless door windows. A special door sealing
system is fitted to ensure a tight fit of the door glass to the seal along the 'A'
post.
When you open a door, the window glass is automatically lowered a few
millimetres to clear the door seal.
As you close a door, the window glass is automatically raised against the
body frame rubber seals.
WARNING: Ensure that all occupants are clear when the window mechanism is
operating.
Caution: Door Seal Damage - Reconnect the battery (see Battery Reconnect Switch
1-F-35) before opening the doors to avoid damage to the door seals.
Page 19 of 279

A - Before Driving
1-A-7
Rain Cover
To protect the interior of your DB AR1 during periods of inclement weather
a rain cover is provided.
WARNING. Aston Martin recommend that your DB AR1 is not to be driven while
the rain cover is installed.
If it is essential that your DB AR1 is to be moved with the rain cover installed, i.e.
to move to a safe parking area or into a covered area, do not exceed 5 m.p.h. and
only drive a very short distance. The front of the rain cover, over the windscreen,
can be rolled up, allowing the driver to have vision.
To Fit the Rain Cover
Before fitting the rain cover raise both door windows fully and remove the
ignition key from the ignition lock.
1. Remove the rain cover from its storage bag.
Place the rain cover over the windscreen,
black side up, with the two sucker
attachments towards the front of the vehicle.
Attach the suckers to the windscreen (one
in each bottom corner of the windscreen).
Note: Place the sucker attachments close to the
corners, this will enable the windscreen wipers to operate if required.
Page 20 of 279
A - Before Driving
1-A-8 2. Pull the rain cover backwards over the
vehicle and locate two (L/H and R/H)
elastic cords over the door area
mountings.
3. Continue to pull the rain cover backwards
and locate the two (L/H and R/H) elastic
cord pulls over the boot area mountings.
4. Close the doors. Guide the rain cover
over the window as the door is closed.
Take care not to trap the rain cover.
Ensure that the rain cover is fitted correctly.
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A - Before Driving
1-A-9 5. Install the two (L/H and R/H) elastic cord
pulls over the door mirrors.
With the rain cover fitted both doors can
still be opened and closed. As a door is
opened or closed take care to lift the
rain cover clear of the window.
Note: To aid door opening, remove the elastic cord pull from the door mirror. Refit
after closing the door.
Take care not to trap the rain cover. Ensure that the rain cover is fitted
correctly.
To Remove the Rain Cover
Remove the rain cover from the vehicle starting from the rear of the vehicle
and work forwards, removing the sucker attachments last.
Ensure that the rain cover is completely dry before packing it away in its
storage bag.
Manouvering with Rain Cover Fitted
WARNING. Aston Martin recommend that your DB AR1 is not to be driven while
the rain cover is installed.
If it is essential that your DB AR1 is to
be moved with the rain cover installed,
i.e. to move to a safe parking area or
into a covered area, do not exceed 5
m.p.h. and only drive a very short
distance.
A section of the rain cover covering the windowscreen can be rolled up
(secured with velcro) to allow forward vision in the event of essential vehicle
movement with the rain cover fitted.
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 57 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-21
Electric Window Switches
On either side of the gear selector lever are two identical
rocker switches to control the movement of the electric
windows.
With the ignition on and the doors closed, press and hold
the down (hollow) arrow to lower the window.
Press and hold the up (solid) arrow to raise the window.
Note: The electric window will only operate if the door is
closed.
Electric Window 'One Touch Down' Feature
Briefly press and release the down (hollow) arrow to lower the window fully.
Pressing the button again will stop downward window movement.
WARNINGS: Clear all obstructions before raising the window. When leaving the
vehicle, remove the ignition keys. Misuse of window switches, especially by
children, can cause injury.
Note: If battery power to the electric windows has been interrupted for any
reason, they will fail to operate correctly until reset using the procedure described
in 'Owner Maintenance'.