light ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide
Page 48 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-12
Steering Column Controls - Left Hand Stalk
The left column stalk controls the following functions:
Turn Signals
Move the stalk up to indicate a right turn, or down to indicate a left turn. The
stalk automatically returns to the centre position on completion of the
manoeuvre. The stalk may be moved partially up or down to bring on the
indicator lights to indicate a lane change. When released from the partially
up or down positions, the stalk is returned to the centre position by spring
pressure.
If an external indicator bulb fails, the remaining indicator lights on that side
of the car and the instrument panel warning light for that side will flash at
twice the normal rate when a turn to that side is indicated. If this situation
occurs, replace the defective bulb as soon as possible.
Page 49 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-13
Side and Headlight Switching
The left stalk collar has three positions that control the external running lights
of the vehicle: in the off position all external lights are off.
Rotating the collar to the first click (the side lamp symbol) switches on the
side lights, side marker lights, rear lights and registration plate lights (licence
plate lights).
Rotating to the second click position (the headlamp symbol) switches on the
headlight dipped beams in addition to the side, side marker, rear and
registration plate (licence plate) lights.
Main and Dipped Beam Switching
When the headlight dipped beams are switched on, they may be switched
to main beams by pushing the left stalk away from the steering wheel. Pulling
the left stalk back to its central position will switch the headlights back to
dipped beams.
Headlight Flashing
When all lights are off or when only the side lights are on, the headlight main
beams may be flashed by pulling the left stalk towards the steering wheel.
The headlights will go off when the stalk is released.
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 54 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-18
Fog Lights, Screen Heater and Seat Heater Switches
The row of controls beneath the air-conditioning panel contains a variety of
switches dependant on model and market. Your DB AR1 will have an
appropriate selection of the switches described below.
Front Fog Lights
The front fog lights can be switched on when the headlights
or sidelights are in use. They must be switched off when
visibility clears to reduce glare to the drivers of oncoming
vehicles.
Rear Fog Lights (Where fitted)
These lights may only be used in conjunction with the
headlamps or sidelamps. They should be switched on when
fog is causing restricted visibility. They must be switched off
when visibility clears to reduce glare to the drivers of
following vehicles.
Heated Front Screen
This switch controls the front windscreen heater which
turns off automatically after about 4 minutes if not turned
off manually.
Page 55 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-19 Seat Heater Switches
Press to switch on the heater. Press the button a second
time to switch off the heater. The heater is thermostatically
controlled and maintains a constant seat temperature until
either the heater is switched off or the ignition is switched
off.
Boot Release Switch
Press to open the boot at any time when the alarm system
is switched off and the ignition is switched on.
Radio/Cassette/CD Player
The radio/cassette player is located beneath the console switch panel. The
CD changer is fitted in the boot (trunk). Manufacturers operating instructions
for the in-car entertainment system are included with this Owner's Guide.
Hazard Warning Lights
The hazard warning light switch is located beside the
radio cassette player. When pressed, the external indicator
lights and side repeater lights will flash in unison.
Press the switch again to turn off the hazard lights.
Caution: Observe local laws on the use of hazard lights
Page 58 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-22
Cigar Lighter and Ashtray
The cigar lighter is located to the left of the ashtray and may be used when
the ignition switch is in positions I or II. It is heated by pushing down until
it clicks. The lighter will pop up when ready for use.
WARNING: The cigar lighter is heated to "Red Heat" when in use. Take care to
avoid burns and do not allow children to play with the lighter.
The ashtray may be removed for cleaning by sliding back the lid and pulling
the tray upwards. After cleaning it should be replaced and pushed down
until the locating springs click into position.
Page 59 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-23
Bonnet (Hood) and Boot (Trunk)
Bonnet (Hood) Release
The bonnet release lever is situated
on the outside of the left hand front
footwell. Pull the lever to release the
bonnet latches. The bonnet will be
released and will rise until captured
by the bonnet safety catch.
Bonnet (Hood) Safety Catch
The bonnet safety catch is located under the
bonnet rear edge on the drivers side of the car
(left side on left hand drive, right side on right
hand drive).
Push down slightly on the bonnet rear edge
whilst pushing forward on the bonnet safety
catch to release it. Lift the bonnet until fully
open. The bonnet is held open by two gas
struts.
Page 63 of 279
B - Controls
1-B-27
Interior Lights
The interior light assembly is mounted in the front windscreen header rail
and contains two 'eyeball' lamps and the front interior lamp. The 'eyeball'
lamps are controlled by the outer switches on the lamp assembly and may
be rotated to illuminate the driver or passenger seat areas.
The centre switch on the lamp assembly controls the operation of the front
and rear interior lights as follows:
Front and rear interior lights on
Front and rear interior lights off
Front and rear interior lights come on when a door is opened and
remain on for approximately 12 seconds after a door is closed with
the ignition off.
12 sec
Page 67 of 279
C - Driving
1-C-2
Checks Before Driving
Inspect the car to make sure that everything is according to the information
and specifications in this Owner's Guide.
Check the wheels, wheel nuts and tyres.
Check that all windows, mirrors and lights are clear and unobstructed.
Check that the boot and bonnet are closed.
Once you are in the car, check that the doors are closed.
Check that the seat, mirrors and steering wheel adjustments are correct.
Check that all gauges and indicators are reading correctly.
Check that the seat backs are in an upright position.
Check that all occupants have fastened their seat belts.
Fuel
DB AR1 uses 95/98 RON Unleaded Fuel only (USA - Premium Unleaded).
For optimum performance and extended high speed driving, the use of 98
RON fuel is recommended.
Caution: Do not use unleaded petrol containing metal based additives, such as those
based on Manganese (often sold as MMT) and Iron (often sold as Ferrocene). The use
of fuel containing such additives could lead to catalyst failure which is not covered by
the vehicle warranties.
The DB AR1 total fuel capacity is 82 litres (18 Imp gallons / 21.5 US gallons).
Note: Approximately 7 litres of the total fuel capacity specified above is required
to prime the fuel system and is therefore not usable.
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.