ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-22
Jacking and Wheel Changing
WARNINGS:
The front road wheels must be in the straight ahead position before removal. The
front tyre will catch on the wheel arch during removal if not in the "straight
ahead" position.
Check that the temporarily repaired tyre is inflated to the specified pressure.
Never exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) when a temporarily repaired wheel is fitted.
Ensure that no persons are in the vehicle before jacking commences.
Ensure that the handbrake (parking brake) is set and that the car is in 'Park' (Auto)
or 1st Gear (Manual).
Ensure that the vehicle is parked on firm and level ground to ensure a secure base
for the jack.
Do not run the engine while the car is on the jack and never let anyone work
under the car whilst it is on the jack.
Spare Wheel Access (where fitted)
On vehicles with the space saver spare
wheel, the spare wheel is stored in a
well in the boot floor.
Lift out the boot floor and toolkit.
Remove the spare wheel retaining screw
and lift out the spare wheel.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-23
Jacking and Wheel Changing
1. Place the vehicle on firm and level ground and secure the handbrake.
Place the chock from the toolkit under the wheel diagonally opposite to
the one to be removed. If parked on an incline, chock the 'downhill' side
of the wheel.
2. Remove the locking wheel nut
cap from the special nut using the
extractor tube from the toolkit.
Assemble the wheel nut wrench.
3. Using the wheel nut wrench from the tool kit, slightly loosen the four
normal wheel nuts in turn so that the nuts may be removed easily when
the wheel is raised from the ground.
4. Using the special socket from the toolkit, slightly loosen the fifth special
wheelnut.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-24
5. Using the handwheel (A) on the jack screwshaft, raise the jack until the
jack top plate (B) fits to the jacking point stud under the sill at the affected
wheel. Ensure that the jack baseplate is squarely seated on solid ground.
Note: In the following step, the jack handle extension (D) must be used to prevent
damage to the vehicle paintwork as the jack handle (C) is rotated.
6. Ensure the safety of any persons in the vicinity and the security of the
wheel chock. Raise the vehicle as necessary using the jack ratchet handle
(C) and extension (D) to lift the deflated wheel clear of the ground.
Remove the wheel nuts and remove the deflated wheel.
7. Mount the spare wheel on the hub. Reverse the jack ratchet handle on
the extension and partially tighten the wheel nuts.
8. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel nuts alternately.
Remove the wheel chock.
9. Repack the tools into their location in the boot. Place the defective wheel
into the bag provided and place on the rear seats.
10. When the spare wheel is correctly fitted and secured, drive conservatively
(80 km/h (50 mph) maximum) and have the wheel nuts torque tightened
to 88-102 Nm (65-75 lbs/ft) at the earliest opportunity.
WARNINGS:
Follow the wheel label warnings. Failure to comply can be dangerous. Drive
cautiously and refit a serviceable standard wheel and tyre as soon as possible.
Never fit more than one temporary spare wheel at a time.
Check that the temporary spare tyre is inflated to the specified pressure.
Never exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when the spare wheel is fitted.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-25

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-26
Vehicle Recovery
General
The preferred method for moving a defective vehicle is to have it carried in
a purpose built covered vehicle transporter.
Ensure that the recovery team are aware of the following instructions:
Transporting and Towing
The front towing eye is primarily for emergency use when towing for short
distances, e.g. removing the vehicle if it is causing an obstruction, or
winching the vehicle onto a covered flatbed transporter.
If moving a DB AR1 in such a situation, remove the towing eye access plate
in the grille using the screwdriver from the toolkit. Fit the front towing eye
to the stud in the front grille aperture.
Caution: Take care to protect the paintwork when fitting the towing eye.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-27 The DB AR1 may then be winched onto a transporter or towed to a safe
location using a rope, provided that the following precautions are observed:
Transporting
If the vehicle is to be transported on a trailer or flat bed transporter, the
handbrake must be applied and the wheels chocked. Vehicles fitted with
Touchtronic transmission must have the gear selector lever moved to N or
D but NEVER in P. The parking lock may be damaged if the vehicle is
transported with the gear selector lever in P.
Four tie-down brackets are provided, two on each axle. These are NOT
suitable for solid bar towing.
Front Axle Tie-Down Rear Axle Tie Down
Vehicles with Defective Touchtronic Transmission
The vehicle must be carried on a transporter or towed with the rear wheels
clear of the ground (see suspended towing) or towed with the propeller shaft
disconnected at the final drive input flange. If the propeller shaft is
disconnected, it must be firmly secured away from the final drive flange.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-28
Suspended Towing
Do NOT tow with sling-type equipment since damage to the bodywork may
result.
Take care when using 'spectacle frame' type towing equipment that the
towing device is well clear of the front or rear apron. Body damage may
occur if the vehicles pass over uneven road surfaces.
Adhere to Towing Regulations
In certain countries the registration number of the towing vehicle and an ON
TOW sign or warning triangle must be displayed in a prominent position at
the rear of the vehicle being towed.
Front Suspended Tow
Caution: To prevent body damage ensure an adequate clearance is
maintained between the car body and (1) the ground and (2) the 'spectacle
frame' of the towing vehicle while your car is being towed.
1. Remove the ignition key from the ignition.
2. Vehicles with manual transmission: Place the gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Disconnect the propeller shaft at the final drive input flange.
Ensure that the propeller shaft is firmly secured away from the final drive
input flange.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-29 3. Raise the vehicle using a 'spectacle frame' type lifting device with a cradle
positioned under each front wheel as shown below.
Rear Suspended Tow
Caution: To prevent body damage ensure an adequate clearance is
maintained between the car body and (1) the ground and (2) the 'spectacle
frame' of the towing vehicle while your car is being towed.
1. Remove the ignition key from the ignition/steering lock.
2. Raise the vehicle using a 'spectacle frame' style lifting device where a
cradle is positioned under each rear wheel as indicated below.
Towing by Another Vehicle
WARNING: When the engine is stationary, there will be no power assistance to
the steering or brakes. Therefore be prepared for relatively heavy steering and
the need for greatly increased brake pedal pressure.
The vehicle may be towed short distances by another provided that a speed
of 48 km/h (30 mph) is not exceeded. Do not tow for more than 24km (15
miles). When being towed, the vehicles gear lever, or gear selector lever
(automatic transmission), must be in Neutral or position N with the ignition
key turned to position II to release the steering lock and to render the horn,
indicators and brake lights operational.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-30
Electrics
Battery
The battery is located in the right-hand side of the boot. The battery is
maintenance free and should only require checking by your dealer during
regular vehicle services.
Battery charge level must be maintained by use of the battery conditioner
if the vehicle is not in frequent use.
Caution: The engine must never be run with the battery disconnected.
WARNING: The battery emits combustible gas (hydrogen) when charging. Avoid
sparks and short circuits by switching off the charger before connecting or
disconnecting the charger at the battery.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-31
WARNINGS:
To help avoid personal injury, do not use open flame, smoke, or cause an electric
spark when checking the battery, as gas generated by the battery is flammable
and can explode. Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery.
Do not ingest battery acid or fumes. If battery acid is ingested, drink large
quantities of water or milk followed by milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable
oil. Call for medical assistance immediately.
Do not let battery acid come into contact with skin, eyes, hair, fabric or painted
surfaces. A solution of warm soapy water and baking soda may help neutralise
acid.
Used batteries contain sulphuric acid, lead and other potentially hazardous
materials. Dispose of unwanted batteries in authorised waste disposal facilities.
DO NOT discard unwanted batteries in household waste.
Quiescent Battery Drain
Any power drain from a battery after the ignition is switched off is referred
to as 'quiescent battery drain'. Your DB AR1, in common with many modern,
high technology motor cars, contains electronic circuits and sub-systems
which must be left activated at all times. For example, the clock, security
systems and in-car entertainment system continue to drain battery power
even with the ignition switched off. This quiescent drain will discharge a fully
charged new battery in approximately 30 days unless recharged by normal
engine running or an independent battery charger.
It is therefore vital that, when leaving your car unused for extended
periods, you use the battery disconnect switch to minimise quiescent
drain and that you use the battery conditioner to maintain battery
charge level.