engine ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

B - Controls
1-B-20
Starter Button
This button is located on the drivers side of the radio
cassette player. It is used to start the engine after turning
on the ignition. See the detailed instructions in the
'Driving' section.
The button will illuminate when the ignition is switched
on. The button lamp will extinguish when the engine
starts.
Traction Control Switch
The traction control system is always switched on when the ignition is
switched on. The system may be switched off using this switch on the centre
console.
The traction control warning lamp in the instrument pack will illuminate to
warn you when the system is switched off.

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-1
Contents
Checks Before Driving........................................................................ 1-C-2
The Ignition Lock ................................................................................ 1-C-5
Starting the Engine - Hot or Cold ........................................................ 1-C-7
Stopping the Engine - Removing the Ignition Key ................................ 1-C-8
Fuel Cut-Off Switch ............................................................................ 1-C-8
Gear Changing ................................................................................. 1-C-10
Additional Automatic Gearbox Functions .......................................... 1-C-16
Traction Control System.................................................................... 1-C-17
The Braking Systems......................................................................... 1-C-19

C - Driving
1-C-4
Fuel Filling
The unleaded fuel tank filler neck has a restricted opening which will only
accommodate the fuel supply nozzle of unleaded fuel pumps.
To avoid fuel spillage, stop filling at the first automatic cutoff of the fuel
supply nozzle.
Catalytic Converters
The DB AR1 exhaust system contains 3-way catalytic convertors which
convert harmful exhaust gasses into less noxious substances and so reduce
environmental pollution. Catalytic converters operate at high temperatures
and continue to radiate a considerable amount of heat after turning off the
engine.
WARNINGS: Leaded fuel will cause irreparable damage to the catalytic converters.
If you do inadvertently put leaded fuel into a DB AR1, DO NOT START THE
ENGINE. DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR. Contact your Aston Martin Dealer immediately.
Do not park over dry grass, leaves or other combustible material. A significant
fire risk exists because of residual heat in the catalytic converters.
Do not drive through deep water. The rapid cooling of the catalyst may cause it
to break up. Replacement catalytic converters are expensive.

C - Driving
1-C-6
Warning Light Indications at Ignition On
As the ignition is switched on, the DB AR1 electronic control units each
complete a self check to ensure correct operation. During these checks, the
warning lights on the instrument panel will illuminate as follows:
• Bulb Check - All warning lamps illuminate for about three seconds as a
bulb check. (The Sport and Transmission Fail lamps are not illuminated
on manual transmission vehicles).
• The Ignition and Oil Pressure warning lights illuminate until the engine
starts.
• The Check Engine light will illuminate during the engine management
self-check and will extinguish when the starter button is pressed.
• The Seat Belt warning light illuminates and a gong sounds for six seconds
if the driver's seat belt is not fastened. On fastening the seat belt, the gong
immediately ceases. The warning lamp extinguishes at the end of the six
second warning period.
• The ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminate and extinguish
if the system self checks are satisfactory.
• The Brake warning light will illuminate and extinguish if the brake fluid
level is within specification.
• The SRS Airbag warning light will illuminate and extinguish if the SRS
Airbag control system check is satisfactory.
Only the handbrake (parking brake) warning light should stay on after the
engine has started and is running correctly. The handbrake warning light will
extinguish as the handbrake is fully released.
Note: Other Information lights may remain on (e.g. Main Beam Warning or Low
Screen Wash) dependant on the vehicle state and switch settings at the time.

C - Driving
1-C-7 If either the ABS or Brake Fluid Warning lights remain illuminated, refer to
the description of Brake Warnings during Driving later in this section.
Starting the Engine - Hot or Cold
WARNINGS:
Before driving the vehicle, ensure that you are wearing appropriate footwear to
efficiently operate the floor mounted pedals.
Ensure that floor mounted pedal movement is not restricted by floor mats or
other objects trapped beneath the pedals.
Manual Transmission - The engine can only be started with the clutch
pedal fully depressed.
Touchtronic Transmission - The engine can only be started when the gear
selector lever is in Park or Neutral.
Place the gear selector lever in Neutral (Park on Touchtronic vehicles) and
check that the handbrake is applied. Fully depress the clutch pedal on
manual transmission vehicles.
Insert the ignition key and rotate it to position II. Press the
starter button, wait until the engine fires, then release the
starter button.
Note: Do not press the accelerator during engine starting. The Electronic Engine
Management System automatically compensates for cold or hot start conditions
and makes appropriate adjustments to the fuel/air mixture and engine idle speed
without driver intervention.

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.

C - Driving
1-C-9
Running-In
Your DB AR1 engine is fully hot tested during manufacture and no special
running-in procedures are necessary. Nevertheless it is prudent to limit
engine loads (e.g. by using lower gears on steep hills) during the first 4,000
km (2500 miles).
Maximum Engine Speed - Fuel Cut-Off
The maximum safe engine speed is 7,000 RPM on manual transmission
vehicles (6,400 RPM on auto and touchtronic transmission cars). If this
speed is exceeded, fuel supply to the engine is gradually reduced. As the
engine speed reduces back to a safe level, fuel supply is progressively
restored.
Driving in Wet Conditions
When driving in wet conditions, water can build up under your tyres so that
they ride on a layer of water. This is called aquaplaning or hydroplaning.
When this happens, you have little or no control. Aquaplaning is more prone
to happening at higher road speeds if there is a lot of water on the road and
particularly if the tyres are also under inflated or approaching minimum
tread depth. Slow down when it is raining.
It is important to take bends or curves at a safe, reasonable speed,
particularly when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
Rapid acceleration or deceleration can cause loss of control, especially on
slippery surfaces. Use extra care when driving on such surfaces.

C - Driving
1-C-10
Gear Changing
When operating either the DB AR1 manual or Touchtronic transmission
systems, the following warnings are of particular importance:
WARNING: Do not skip one or more gears when downshifting, you could lose
control of the vehicle and injury could result.
WARNING: Shifting without correct operation of the clutch and throttle can
result in severe damage to the transmission and engine.
Gear Changing - Manual Transmission
The gear lever for the six speed manual transmission is spring biased to the
centre of the gate. Push to the left before selecting first or second gears and
to the right before selecting fifth or sixth gear.
Press fully to the right and forwards to overcome additional spring pressure
when selecting reverse gear. The reverse gear position has a solenoid lock
to prevent accidental engagement when driving forward.
13
4
25
R
6

C - Driving
1-C-14
Gearshift Modes
Automatic Mode
When the gear selector lever is operated in the right half of
the selector gate ('A' showing in the instrument panel
display), the transmission is in Automatic mode.
The gearbox functions as a standard automatic five speed transmission. The
selector lever may be placed into the P, R, N or D positions. When D is
selected, gearshifts will be made automatically at points dependant on
vehicle speed, throttle position and engine load.
Sport Mode
The Sport mode can be selected by moving the gear selector
lever to the left from the 'D' position. The Sport warning lamp
on the instrument panel will illuminate on entering Sport
mode.
Sport mode may be cancelled by moving the selector lever back to the right
half of the selector gate to return to Auto mode. Sport mode is also cancelled
by selecting a gear in Touchtronic mode.
Touchtronic Mode
From the Sport position, Touchtronic mode is selected by any forward or
rearward movement of the selector lever or by pressing one of the steering
wheel gearshift buttons.
Any forward movement of the selector lever will engage the next higher
gear. Any rearward movement of the selector lever will engage the next
lower gear. The lever will return to the centre position after each movement.
In Touchtronic mode, all gearshifts are under driver control. The number of
the current gear appears in the digital selector display.