steering wheel ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

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.

C - Driving
1-C-15 When at a standstill, Touchtronic mode is engaged by pushing the lever
forward or by pressing the '+' button on the steering wheel. The gearbox
controller will always initially select 2nd gear. If first gear is required, it may
be selected by pulling the lever rearwards or by pressing the - button on the
steering wheel.
When Touchtronic mode is engaged whilst driving, the transmission will
remain in the current gear. Gearshift control will revert from automatic to
manual control.
Touchtronic mode may be deselected whilst driving by moving the selector
lever to the right. The transmission will revert to Automatic mode and may
shift to a more appropriate gear.
Minimum Upshift Speeds
The transmission controller will only allow upshifts when vehicle speed is
above the following minimum limits:
Upshifts enabled 2nd to 3rd gear above 15 km/h (10 mph)
3rd to 4th gear above 35 km/h (22 mph)
4th to 5th gear above 52 km/h (32 mph)
During deceleration, if road speed falls below the minimum limit for each
gear, the transmission will automatically downshift to eliminate the possibility
of the engine stalling.
Gearshift Inhibit
In Touchtronic mode, any attempted gearshift which would cause the
engine speed to rise over 6,500 rpm, or fall below 1,300 rpm will be
prevented by the transmission controller.

C - Driving
1-C-21
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) fitted to the DB AR1 helps prevent the
road wheels from locking and skidding during emergency braking, helping
steering and directional stability to be maintained.
If, in an emergency braking situation, the braking force applied begins to
exceed the tyre/road adhesion, the ABS system is activated to prevent the
road wheels locking. When this happens a pulsating effect is felt through the
brake pedal. This is a normal ABS effect.
WARNING: In all cases it remains the drivers responsibility to drive safely
according to the law and with due regard to prevailing conditions. The fact that
a vehicle is equipped with ABS must never allow the driver to be tempted into
taking risks which could affect his/her safety or that of other road users. The
addition of ABS cannot overcome the consequences of trying to stop in too short
a distance, cornering at too high a speed, or the risk of aquaplaning - where the
tyres are prevented from contacting the road surface by a layer of water.
The driver should always take road conditions into account. A slippery road
surface always requires more braking distance for a given speed, even with ABS.
Possible extensions of stopping distance compared to locked wheels may occur
during ABS operation on slushy snow, gravel, sand or certain heavily corrugated
or ridged warning sections of road surfaces.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-15 Only fit the specified tyres. These are designed for the potential speed,
acceleration, handling and braking performance of the car
New tyres should not be fitted to the front wheels in combination with worn
rear tyres as rear end stability will be affected. Consult your Aston Martin
dealer for advice if the rear tyres are also worn.
Each wheel and tyre unit must be balanced dynamically to ensure efficient
steering, optimum tyre wear and maximum ride comfort. Because of the
potentially high speeds, it is essential that wheel balancing is carried out
when new tyres are fitted.
WARNING: Because of the high performance potential of your DB AR1, Aston
Martin strongly recommend replacement of any damaged or worn tyre.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are incorporated
into the construction of all tyres. These
indicators are integral moulded ribs
spaced at regular intervals around the
circumference of the tyre and extend
across the full width of the tread, in all
primary grooves.
When a tyre has worn causing one or more of the indicators to be flush with
the outer face of the tread, only 1.6mm (0.062in) or less tread depth remains
and the tyre has reached its wear limit. It then becomes illegal in certain
countries and must be replaced.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-20
Tyre Inflation Aerosols
Your DB AR1 is equipped with two tyre inflation aerosols instead of a spare
wheel. The aerosols are located with the tool kit. In the event of a simple
puncture, the following procedure must be used to perform a safe temporary
reinflation of the tyre. Tyres with major damage cannot be repaired using
inflation aerosols.
WARNING: A replacement tyre must be fitted at the earliest possible opportunity
This is particularly important because of the high performance potential of the
DB AR1.
Warning labels must be placed on the steering wheel and on the repaired wheel
to remind the driver and operator that tyre sealant is in use.
This type of tyreweld is not a permanent repair, but is designed to get you to a
place of repair. The tyre should be replaced as soon as possible.
After affecting a temporary repair, travel at a maximum speed of 50 Km/h (30
mph) until the defective tyre is replaced.
Warning: Inflation aerosols are not suitable for large holes or for repairs to tyre
walls. Do not attempt a repair if the tyre has been displaced from the rim.
Reinflation Procedure
1. Move the vehicle to a safe location and if possible, remove the object
causing the puncture. Reposition the vehicle so that the puncture is at
the bottom of the tyre. Remove the valve cap, deflate the tyre completely
and clean the valve if necessary.
2. Shake both cans of tyre sealant. Warm the cans (e.g. by placing in the
warm air from the heater) if the temperature is below freezing.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-21 3. Firmly screw the aerosol to the valve of the punctured tyre. Remove the
cap from the canister. Holding the canister upright, press the button until
the contents of the can are completely emptied into the punctured tyre.
This may take up to 5 minutes per canister.
4. Repeat step 3 with the second canister.
WARNING: Because of the large air volume contained in tyres fitted to the
vehicle, two canisters are required to provide reinflation of a deflated tyre to
a safe working pressure.
5. Fit the 30 mph maximum speed WARNING labels to the repaired wheel
and to the steering wheel. Remove the steering wheel label only when
a new replacement tyre has been fitted.
6. Drive off immediately for 10 - 20 km (6 - 12 miles) at a maximum speed
of 50 km/h (30 mph) to allow the tyre weld product to spread within the
tyre.
7. Stop off the road in a safe place and visually inspect the tyre to confirm
that the leak has been completely sealed. Measure the tyre pressure
(pressure gauge in the tool kit) and if necessary drive to the nearest
service station and adjust to the correct pressure using an air line.
8. Limit your speed to 50 km/h (30 mph) and have the defective tyre and
valve replaced as soon as possible.
9. Purchase approved replacement aerosols and labels from your nearest
Aston Martin dealer as soon as possible.

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-44
Headlight Dipped Beam Bulb Replacement
The dipped beam lights are accessed through panels in the wheel arch liners.
1. Turn the steering to the opposite lock to the defective light (i.e. full right
lock to access the left dipped beam light and vice versa).
2. Using a screwdriver from the tool kit, release the quarter turn fastener on
the access cover in the wheel arch liner and remove the cover.
3. Remove and replace the bulb following the instructions for the main
beam on the previous page.
4. Refit and secure the access cover.

G - Specifications
1-G-1
Contents
Body ................................................................................................. 1-G-2
Engine ............................................................................................... 1-G-2
Power and Torque Graphs ................................................................. 1-G-3
Transmission - Manual....................................................................... 1-G-4
Transmission - Automatic ................................................................... 1-G-4
Final Drive ......................................................................................... 1-G-4
Steering ............................................................................................. 1-G-4
Suspension........................................................................................ 1-G-5
Brakes ............................................................................................... 1-G-5
Towing .............................................................................................. 1-G-5
Wheels and Tyres .............................................................................. 1-G-6
Exterior Features ................................................................................ 1-G-7
Interior Features ................................................................................ 1-G-7
Lights ................................................................................................ 1-G-8
Exterior Dimensions and Clearances.................................................. 1-G-9
Interior Dimensions .........................................................................1-G-10
Weights ........................................................................................... 1-G-10
Capacities........................................................................................ 1-G-11
Recommended Fluids ......................................................................1-G-12

G - Specifications
1-G-4
Transmission - Manual
Tremec T 56 six speed transmission
Gear Ratios
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Reverse
2.66:1 1.78:1 1.30:1 1.00:1 0.79:1 0.62:1 2.9:1
Transmission - Automatic
ZF 5HP-30 five speed automatic transmission with manual gearshift control
using the special selector lever or steering wheel mounted gear shift buttons.
Gear Ratios
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Reverse
3.55:1 2.24:1 1.54:1 1.00:1 0.79:1 3.68:1
Final Drive
GKN Powerlock limited slip differential.
Ratios Manual = 4.09:1 Auto = 3.06:1
Steering
Rack and pinion power-assisted steering. 2.76 turns lock to lock.
Column tilt and reach adjustments.
Turning Circle Kerb to Kerb - 11.4 metres
Wall to Wall - 11.8 metres
Toe-In 0° + 5' front, 0° 12' ± 6' rear
(at half laden ride height of 137 mm front, 141 mm rear)