service ASTON MARTIN DB7 1997 Owner's Manual

Electrics
Airbag System ^?
Airbag DM Fault Code 51
Airbag diagnostic module - thermal fuse blown.
WARNING: The diagnostic module will blow the
internal fuse whenever a short circuit to ground
occurs in the deployment circuits. Itdoesnotblow
because of
excessive
current
flow.
The thermal
fuse is not a serviceable item. No attempt should
be made to replace or
bypass
the fuse.
WARNING: Do not install a new diagnostic
module until the short has been located and
corrected. A short which goes away before
corrective action has been taken must be regarded
asan intermittentfault. Installinga newdiagnostic
module when there is an intermittent fault will
result in repeated diagnostic module failures and
repeated repairs.
Fault Analysis
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Inspecttheconnectorsandterminalsfor any foreign
metal objects or damaged terminals which could
be the cause of the short circuit.
Check each of the circuits in the possible causes list
and isolate the intermittent short circuit. Rectify the
fault.
See the warnings above about replacement of
diagnostic modules when intermittent shorts are
present.
Replace the diagnostic module.
Reconnect all components and rearm the airbags
(6.4.21.4).
Normal Operation
In order to prevent airbag deployment in the event
of a short circuit to ground, the diagnostic module
blows its internal fuse as soon as a short to ground
is detected. This action removes all battery and
back-up power from the deployment circuits. The
diagnostic module will flag the higher priority
codes 13 or 14 while the short to ground exists. If
the short is intermittent and temporarily corrects
itself, the d iagnostic modu le wi
11
flag code
51.
If the
short to ground returns, the diagnostic module will
again flag the higher priority code 13 or 14 instead
of code 51.
Code 51 after Airbag Deployment
The internal wiring may be shorted to the metal
airbag housings after the airbags are deployed. The
diagnostic module will see this as a short to ground
in the deployment wiring, it will flagacode 14and
blow the internal fuse. As the deployed airbags

cool,
the short circuit may rectify itself. The
diagnostic module will then flag a code 51. This
intermittentfault must be investigated and corrected.
Possible Causes
A short circuit to ground in any of the following:
DM pins 2-2, 2-5 or 2-6 to the safing sensor
DM pins 2-2, 2-5 or 2-3 to the passenger airbag
DM pins 2-2, 2-4 or 2-5 to the drivers airbag
DM pins
1
-2 or
1 -11
to RH crash sensor
DM pins
1
-6 or
1
-12 to LH crash sensor
6-98 September 1996

in:[M3^?
Electrics
Airbag System
Airbag DM Fault Code 52
Back-up power supply - voltage boost fault.
Normal Operation
A back-up power supply consisting of a capacitor
and voltage booster is contained within the
diagnostic module. The voltage booster charges
the capacitor to 24 ±
1
volt when the ignition is on.
The back-up power supply is connected to
diagnostic module pin 1-9 via a diode. Since the
resistance of pin 1-9 to ground is infinite, the
capacitor has no discharge path and the back-up
supply
is
maintained ata high
voltage.
Thediagnostic
module monitors this voltage and will flag a code
52 if a minimum of 23V is not achieved within 45
seconds of switching on the ignition.
Possible Causes
Low back-up supply voltage may be caused by:
• Partial or total short circuit of pin 1-9 to ground.
• Boost circuit failure within the diagnostic
module.
Fault Analysis

1.
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).

2.
Disconnect the diagnostic module. Check for a
partial or permanent short circuit to ground from
diagnostic module harness connector pin 1-9.
If no short circuit is detected, go to step 3.
If a short circuit is detected, service the wiring as
necessary. Reconnectthediagnostic module. Clear
the code 52. Rearm the airbags.
3. Using a high resistance digital multimeter, set up to
measure the voltage from diagnostic module pin
1
-
9 to ground. Switch on the ignition.
If the voltage is in the range 24 ± 1 volt, the back­
up power supply is good. Suspect an intermittent
short circuit to ground and recheck the output
circuit from pin 1-9.
Ifthe voltage is below the range 24 ±
1
volt, replace
the diagnostic module.

4.
Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
Airbag DM Fault Code 53
internal diagnostic module failure.
Normal Operation
The diagnostic module constantly measures the
voltage on pins
1
-2,
1
-6,
1 -11
and
1
-12. It should
be 10
±1
volt. The voltage is regulated by a resistor
within the diagnostic module and the resistance to
ground ofpins
1-2,6,11
and 12 should be infinite.
The resistance across the normally open contacts of
the crash sensors should also be infinite. If the
resistance of the pins to ground or across the crash
sensors becomes measurable, the voltage wi
11
drop.
At between 5V and lOVthe diagnostic module will
recognise an internal voltage regulation failure and
flag a code 53 fault and the airbag warning light will
be illuminated.
Notes: A dead short to ground in the
crash
sensor circuits
will drop the voltage below 5V and the diagnostic
module will flag
a
code
14
fault.

The
diagnostic module
performs several self-tests as
the
ignition is switched on. If it fails any
test,
fault code 53
will be flagged.
Possible Causes
• A decrease in resistance from infinity between
the primary crash sensor circuits and ground.
• An internal diagnostic module self-test failure.
Fault Analysis

1.
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).

2.
Check each of pins 1-2, 1-6, 1-11 and 1-12 for
continuity to ground.
If resistance of all circuits is infinity, go to step 3.
If any resistance other than infinity is detected,
service the circuit wiring as necessary. Reconnect
all connectors and switch on and clear all fault
codes.
Switch off the ignition and then switch on again.
Check that the airbag warning lamp comes on at
'ignition on' and extinguishes after approximately
six seconds on satisfactory completion of the airbag
system self-check.
3. Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
September 1996 6-99

Electrics
Airbag System [n:M^^^?
Airbag DM Fault Code 99
Rapid continuous flashing of the airbag warning
light - Both front crash sensors disconnected.
Normal Operation
Each crash sensor has three wires. Two deploy the
airbag and monitor the sensors connection to the
diagnostic monitor. The third wire monitors the
mounting of the sensor to the vehicle bodywork. A
code99isdeclaredifbothsensorsaredisconnected
and not properly grounded.
Fault Analysis
Disarm the airbag system and fit airbag simulators
(6.4.21.4).
Check continuity of all circuits listed below and
service as necessary.
LH Crash Sensor
DM Pin
1-6
1-12
2-9
RH Crash Sensor
DM Pin
1-2
1-11
2-8
Sensor Pin
1
2
4
Sensor Pin
1
2
4
Also check for correct grounding of the diagnostic
module and the sensor cases.
Reconnect all connectors, clear fault code 99.
Switch off the ignition and then switch on again.
Check that the airbag warning lamp comes on at
'ignition on' and extinguishes after approximately
six seconds on satisfactory completion of the airbag
system self-check.
Rearm the airbags (6.4.21.4).
6-100 September 1996

Electrics //—>> ^^^^^^ • >^
Seat Belt Pretensioner I'•—
-"i-t.
^-^
JH—X

System Fault Strategy
No single fault may cause an unexpected deployment. The controller will supervise the pretensioner electrical
system in order to warn the driver should a fault occur. Any fault detected by the self diagnostics shall cause the SRS/
airbag warning lamp to be activated, and in some cases the pretensioner control module to enter shutdown mode.
In shutdown mode, the energy of the reserve capacitors shall be discharged to avoid unintended deployment.
As the ignition is switched on, the pretensioner controller will directly discharge the energy capacitors. When the
start up procedure is completed without detecting any faults, the DC/DC converter will be activated allowing the
capacitors to be charged. The system shall be fully active within
11
secondsafterswitchingthe ignition on providing
that no faults are detected.
All system faults monitored by the controller are filtered in software to avoid fault warnings due to transient electrical
disturbances.
If a fault which could lead to inadvertent deployment is detected by the microprocessor, a software shutdown will
be generated. However, a leakage to an earth or positive potential in the pretensioner output circuit shall not cause
the controller to enter shutdown mode.
If a permanent short of the ignition transistor occurs, a shutdown shall be generated by the hardware circuit. If a
shutdown occurs, the system shall be unable to deploy the pretensioner after a period of 3 seconds (i.e. capacitors
discharged to under minimum deployment voltage).
WARNING: To avoid the possibility of personal injury caused by accidental deployment of the pretensioner,
disconnect the vehicle battery and wait at least 10 minutes for all voltages to fully discharge before working on
the pretensioner
system.
This
covers the possibility of the normal capacitor discharge circuits being inoperative
and failing to discharge the capacitor when instructed to do so.
WA RNING: Do not make any electrical measurements on the pretensioner squib. Electrical measurement devices
can induce sufficient voltage to cause unintentional firing of the pretensioner assembly
If the module enters shutdown mode, all diagnostic functions are stopped, but the communications link remains

active.
A fault code corresponding to the cause of the problem may be read by the PDU.
Assembly/Removal/Service I nstructions
WARNING: In the event of a vehicle impact where the airbags and the seatbelt pretensioner (if fitted) are
deployed, the following actions MUST be performed:
Check the condition of the
seatbelts,
steering wheel, steering column, all connections to airbags, and the column
switchgear connectors for integrity and damage. If in any doubt, replace suspected parts for new parts.
Replace both crash
sensors,
the safing sensor and the seatbelt pretensioner module (if fitted).
On completion of all repair procedures, switch on the ignition and check that the Airbag/SRS warning light
comes

on when the ignition is switched on and extinguishes after approximately six seconds indicating satisfactory
completion of the airbag and pretensioner
system
self
tests.

Vehicles for the North American, Australian and Japanese markets are fitted with drivers seat belt pretensioner
systems and are fitted with a shorting plug in the yellow connector adjacent to the pretensioner control module.
Vehicles for other markets do not have drivers seat belt pretensioners fitted but have a blanking plug in the yellow
connector adjacent to the pretensioner control module.
6-102 September 1996

'^^
Electrics
Seat Belt Pretensioner

6.6.26.1
Pretensioner Control Module -
Renew
Read the warnings given in system fault strategy
and service instructions on the previous page before
starting the following procedure.
Procedure

1.
Disconnect the battery ground (black) lead and
wait at least 10 minutes for the pretensioner power
supply to fully discharge before working on the
pretensioner system.
Note:
The
vehicle battery must
be
disconnected within
12
seconds
of switching off
the
ignition to avoid the alarm
siren sounding.
2. Motor the right front seat to its rearmost position.
3. Remove the floor carpet and the ECU cover.

4.
Disconnect the pretensioner control module
connector (orange connector with black safety

clip).

5. Remove 3 flange screws securing the module,
noting the position of the earth strap.
6. Fit the new pretensioner control module with the
connector facing to the rear and secure with 3
flange screwsensuringthatthe earth strap is secured
with the outboard rear screw.
7. Connect the orange connector to the control
module.
8. RefitandsecuretheECU cover and the floor carpet.
9. Reconnect the battery ground (black)
lead.

Note:
The
vehicle clock and the window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of this procedure.

10.
Switch on the ignition and check that the airbag
warni ng I ight comes on when the ign ition
is
switched
on and extinguishesafterapproximately sixseconds
indicating satisfactory completion of the
pretensioner and airbag system self tests.

6.6.24.1
Pretensioner Assembly Renew
Read the warnings given in system fault strategy
and service i nstruaions on the previous page before
starting the following procedure.

1.

2.

4.

Procedure
Motor the drivers seat to its rearmost position.
Disconnect the battery ground (black) lead and
wait at least 10 minutes for the pretensioner power
supply to fully discharge before working on the
pretensioner system.
Note: Disconnect the battery within 12 seconds of
switchingoffthe ignition to avoid the alarm siren sounding.
Remove the pretensioner trim cover. Unbolt the
drivers seat. Tip the seat rearwards and disconnect
the seat and pretensioner squib connectors.
Release one bolt at the
base
of the seat belt
stal k
and
remove the pretensioner assembly.
Ensure that the safety clip is fitted to the connector
at the pretensioner squib. Fit the new assembly,
locating the anti-rotation peg into the rear hole of
the mounting bracket. Secure the assembly with
one bolt. Torque the bolt to 35Nm.
Safety Clip in place
5. Route the pretensioner lead between the seat and
the frame. Reconnect the seat and pretensioner
connectors. Ensure that the pretensioner connector
safety clip is secured. Refit the drivers seat and
loosely secure.
6. Reconnect the battery ground (black)
lead.

Note:
The
vehicle clock and
the
window control unit will
need
resetting
after completion of this procedure.
7. Switch on the ignition and check that the airbag
warn i ng I ight comes on when the ignition
is
switched
on and extingu
ishes
after approximately six seconds
indicating satisfactory completion of the
pretensioner and airbag system self tests.
8. Fit the front screws ensuring a 1.2mm gap between
screws and slide. Power the seat forwardTorque the
rear screws to 25 Nm. Power the seat backward.
Torque the front screws to 25 Nm.
September 1996 6-103

D=27
Electrics
Seat Belt Pretensioner
050C Pretensioner Squib High Resistance 050D Pretensioner squib low resistance
050C will be logged if the resistance of the
pretensioner squib circuit rises above 4.5 ±0.5C2
050D will be logged if the resistance of the
pretensioner squib circuit falls below 1.4 ±0.4Q
Procedure
Read the warnings given at the start of this
pretensioner diagnostics section.
Connect the PDU to the lower diagnostic socket
and access the pretensioner control module. Verify
that an 050C code is logged and note if the fault is
shown as internnittent. Note any other codes in the
DTC log and then clear ail codes.
Switch off the ignition and wait at least 10 minutes
for the pretensioner squib firing capacitors to fully
discharge before continuing with this procedure.
Disconnect the pretensioner squib connector at the
rearward harness. Disconnect the pretensioner
control module and temporarily cheat the squib
shorting link.
3.
Procedure
Read the warnings given at the start of this
pretensioner diagnostics section.
Connect the PDU to the lower diagnostic socket
and accessthe pretensioner control module. Verify
that an 050D code is logged and note if the fault is
shown as intermittent. Note any other codes in the
DTC log and then clear all codes.
Switch off the ignition and wait at least 10 minutes
for the pretensioner squib firing capacitors to fully
discharge before continuing with this procedure.
Disconnect the pretensioner squib connector atthe
rearward harness. Disconnect the pretensioner
control module and temporarily cheat the squib
shorting link.
Note: The control module harness connector has a
shorting link which
short
circuits the squib
lines together

when the connector is displaced. Carefully insert a
suitable non-metallic
cheater to
remove
the short
circuit
between pins 11 and 12 before continuing with fault
diagnosis.
.j^ 'o o ob bo oooooooo
O O O
iV ^3 ^3 ^3 ^3 ^3 ^
lU Insert cheater here
Check the continuity of the squib feed and return

lines.
If any significant resistance is measured,
service the wiring as necessary.
Also check the condition of the connector pins for
damage or lack of tension and service
as
necessary.
If the circuit resistance is acceptable and the
connector pins are good, go to step 6.
If any defects are identified and serviced, go to step
7.
If the checks in step 4 are good, the high circuit
resistance must be in the pretensioner squib or in
thecontrol module. Replace the pretensioner squib
and reconnect all components.
Clearall logged DTCs from the pretensioner control
module and then test the vehicle.
If the 050C code is logged again, replace the
control module.
Note: The control module harness connector has a
shorting link which
short
circuits the squib
lines together

when the connector is displaced. Carefully insert a
suitable non-metallic
cheater to remove the
short circuit
between pins 11 and 12 before continuing with fault
diagnosis.
Insert cheater here
Check the continuity from the squib feed line to the
squib return line. With the shorting link cheated,
the resistance should be more than lOkQ. If the
resistance is less than 10kQ, service the wiring as
necessary.
Also check the connector pins for any damage
which could cause an unintentional short circuit.
If the checks in step 5 are good, the low circuit
resistance must be in the pretensioner squib or in
thecontrol module. Replace the pretensioner squib
and reconnect all components.
Clearall logged DTCs from the pretensioner control
module and then test the vehicle.
If the 050D code is logged again, replace the
control module.
September 1996 6-107

Electrics
Seat Belt Pretensioner
Check the continuity of
the
line from pretensioner
control module pin 2 to instrument pack green
connector pin 2.
If continuity is approximately
OQ,
go to step 5.
If the line resistance
is
significantly greater
than
OQ,
service the wiring as necessary. Reconnect all
components and test the vehicle to ensure that the
problem is resolved.
Ifthe lamp
and
wiring
checks are
good,
the
fault lies
in the instrument pack or in the control module.
Replace the control module and retest. Ifthe fault
persists, replace the instrument
pack.
Reconnectall
components and test the vehicle to ensure that the
problem is resolved.
Pretensioner Control Module Internal
Faults
The following codes indicate internal faults within the
pretensioner control module.
0209 Safing sensor error
030A Temperature sensor error
0D13 Capacitor voltage error
0D14 Capacitor capacitance
0D09 Energy reserve switch
0D1E Energy shutdown switch
050E Seatbelt pretensioner switch error
0109 Accelerometer function
01OA Acceleration out of range

01 OB
Acceierometer offset
OAOC Analogue voltage error
090A EEPROM not programmed
0909 EEPROM checksum
090C RAM check error
060E Warning lamp driver error
0A09 Communications error
OAOA External watchdog error
OAOB External watchdog time out
020A Safing sensor not closed
If any of the above codes are logged, replace the
pretensioner control module.
September 1996 6-109

^^?
Air Conditioning
System Description
System Description
The in-car temperature and humidity are regulated by the electronically controlled air conditioning system. The
system comprises four subsystems:
• heater matrix, supplied with water from the engine cooling system
• refrigeration
• vacuum
• electronic control
Apart from the ambient temperature sensor and the aspirated in-car temperature sensor, most of the components
are housed in the air conditioning unit (Fig. 1) situated behind the dash board, or in the engine compartment.
Figure 1.
Key to Fig. 1 - Left Hand Air Conditioning Unit

1.
Upper feedback potentiometer

2.
Water temperature switch
3. Lower feedback potentiometer

4.
Vacuum valve block
5. Vacuum restrictor
6. Condensate drain tube
Figure 2.
Key to Fig. 2 - Right Hand Air Conditioning Unit

1.
Upper servo motor

2.
Electronic control module
3. Lower servo motor

4.
Evaporator sensor
5. Condensate drain tube
Special Servicing Tools and Equipment
1 PDU system
1 Charging station
1 Leak detector
1 Temperature test box
1 Sanden compressor service tool kit
1 CM Type compressor service tool kit
1 Digital voltmeter
1 Multimeter
May 1996 8-7

Air Conditioning
Working Practices O" 15-^?
Working Practices
General
Be aware of, and comply
with,
all health and safety
requirements.
Before beginning any repair or service procedure,
disconnect the vehicle battery ground connection
and protect the vehicle from dirt or damage.
Work in a well ventilated, clean and tidy area.
Recovery and chargeequipment must comply
with,

or exceed the standard detailed in the General
Description.
Handling Refrigerant
Wear eye protection at all times.
Use gloves, keep skin that may come into contact
with refrigerant covered. If the refrigerant comes
into contactwith youreyesorskin wash the affected
area immediatelyw'ith cool water and seek medical
advice, do not attempt to treat yourself.
Avoid inhaling refrigerant vapour, it wil
your respiratory system.
irritate
Never use high pressure compressed air to flush out
a system. Under certain circumstances a
combination of HFC 134A and compressed air in
the presenceofa source ofcombustion (for instance,
welding or brazing equipment), results in an
explosion that releases toxic compounds into the
atmosphere.
The refrigerant and CFC 12 must never come into
contact with each other
as
they form an inseparable
mixture that can only be disposed of by incineration.
Do not vent refrigerant directly into the atmosphere,
always use approved recovery equipment.
Refrigerant is costly but it can be recycled. Clean
the refrigerant, using the recovery equipment and
reuse it.
Carry out LeakTestsonly with an electronic analyser
dedicated to Refrigerant El 34A.
Do not attemptto guess the amount of refrigerant in
a system, always recover it and recharge with the
correct charge weight. Do not depress the charge or
discharge port valves to check for the presence of
refrigerant.
Handling Lubricating Oil
Avoid breathinglubricantmist,itwillcauseirritation
to your respiratory system.
Always decant fresh oil from a sealed container. Do
not leave oil exposed to the atmosphere for any
reason other than to fill or empty a system; PAG oil
is hygroscopic (it absorbs water) and iscontaminated
rapidly by atmospheric moisture.
Following the recovery cycle do not reuse the oil
when it has been separated from the refrigerant;
dispose of the oil safely.
System Maintenance
Do not leave the system open to the atmosphere. If
a unit or part of the system is left open for more than
five minutes, it is advisable to renew the receiver-
dryer. There is not a safe period in which work is to
be carried out. Always plug pipes and units
immediately after disconnection and only remove
plugs when re-connecting.
If replacement parts are supplied without transit
plugs and seals do not use the parts. Return them to
your supplier.
Diagnostic equipment for pressure, mass and
volumeshouidbecalibrated regularly and certified
by a third party organisation.
Use extreme care when handling and securing
aluminium fittings, always use a backing spanner
and take special care when handlingtheevaporator.
Use only the correct or recommended tools for the
job and apply the manufacturer's torque
specifications.
Keep the working area, all components and tools

clean.

8-8 May 1996

^=2?
Air Conditioning
System Trouble Shooting
System Trouble Shooting
There are five basic symptoms associated with air conditioning fault diagnosis. It is very important to identify the area of
concern before starting a rectification procedure. Spend time with your customer on problem identification, and use the
following trouble shooting guide.
The following conditions are not in order of priority.
No Cooling

1.
Is the electrical circuit to the compressor clutch functional?

2.
Is the electrical circuit to the blower motor(s) functional?
3. Slack or broken compressor drive belt.

4.
Compressor partially or completely seized.
5. Compressor shaft seal leak (see 9).
6. Compressor valve or piston damag^ (may be indicated by small variation between HIGH & LOW side pressures
relative to engine speed).
7. Broken refrigerant pipe (causing total loss of refrigerant).
8. Leak in system (causing total loss of refrigerant).
9. Blocked filter in the receiver drier.

10.
Evaporator sensor disconnected?

11.
Dual pressure switch faulty?
Note:
Should a
leak or low
refrigerant be established as
the
cause,
follow
the procedures
for
Recovery-Recycle
-Recharge,
and
observe all refrigerant and oil handling instructions.
insufficient Cooing

1.
Blower motor(s) sluggish.

2.
Restricted blower inlet or outlet passage
3. Blocked or partially restricted condenser matrix or fins.

4.
Blocked or partially restricted evaporator matrix.
5. Blocked or partially restricted filter in the receiver drier.
6. Blocked or partially restricted expansion valve.
7. Partially collapsed flexible pipe.
8. Expansion valve temperature sensor faulty (this sensor is integral with valve and is not serviceable).
9. Excessive moisture in the system.

10.
Air in the system.

11.
Low refrigerant charge.
May 1996 8-17