transmission 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-16
Additional Automatic Gearbox Functions
Kickdown (Automatic and Sport Modes Only)
If maximum power is demanded from the engine by opening the throttle to
more than about 95%, the kickdown function is automatically actuated.
With kickdown in operation, the gearbox may shift to the next lower gear
and further upshifts will occur at much higher engine speeds than when
using modest throttle openings. This mode is useful to achieve maximum
acceleration when, for example, overtaking another vehicle.
Torque Converter Lock-up
When driving in 3rd, 4th or 5th gears, a further change takes place within
the transmission. The torque convertor, transmitting power from engine to
transmission, will lock to improve the transmission efficiency. This is a
completely automatic function of the transmission system and will occur at
predetermined speeds.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-9
Clutch Fluid Reservoir
The clutch fluid reservoir (7) is fitted to the drivers side of the engine
bulkhead on manual transmission cars only.
Before removing the filler cap, clean it and the surrounding area to prevent
any ingress of dirt or foreign matter into the system. Top up the reservoir
using only the recommended fluid until the fluid level is at the maximum
mark. (see 'Specifications').
Caution: Take care that hydraulic fluid does not contact the paint work during the
topping up operation. Serious paint work damage can result. If a spillage does occur,
immediately flush the hydraulic fluid from the paint work with clean, fresh water and
then wipe with a clean damp cloth.

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-39
Fuse Lists
Passenger Footwell Fusebox - Right Hand
F1 5A Passive Anti-Theft Module
F2 20A Cigar Lighter
F3 10A Diagnostic Sockets, Radio, Air Conditioning, Driver's
Door Mirror and Window
F4 5A Seat Switches and Heaters
F5 10A Indicator Flasher
F6 10A Ignition Coils 1-6
F7 10A Interior Lamp Cluster
F8 10A Ignition Coils 7-12
F9 20A RHS Seat Heater Relay, RHS Seat Module
F10 10A Dimmer, Passive Anti-Theft Module, Radio
F11 10A Door Mirrors
F12 5A Diagnostic Sockets
F13 25A Not used
F14 10A Hazard Flasher Unit
F15 20A Wiper Logic Module and Wiper Stalk
F16 30A ABS Control Unit
F17 20A Wiper Motor, Logic Module and Wiper Stalk
F18 30A ABS Control Unit
F19 10A Air Conditioning LH Blower Motor
F20 5A Gearshift Interlock Module, Traction Control Switch,
Interior, Map & Courtesy Lamps
F21 10A Air Conditioning RH Blower Motor
F22 10A Powertrain and Transmission control Modules - Keep
Alive Memory

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-40
Passenger Footwell Fusebox - Left Hand
F1 15A Accessory Terminal
F2 10A Transmission Control Module, Gearshift Interlock
Module, PRND Switch
F3 5A Headlamp Relay, Instrument Pack, Dimmer Unit
F4 10A Multi Function Unit, Air-Conditioning In-Car Sensor,
Anti-Lock Brakes Control Unit
F5 5A Traction Control Switch, Alternator Regulator, Heated
Front Screen Control
F6 10A Rear Fog Switch, RH Dip Beam
F7 30A Starter Relay
F8 10A LH Dip Beam
F9 20A LHS Seat Heater Relay, LHS Seat Module
F10 40A Heated Front Screen Controller
F11 10A RH Horn
F12 30A LH Rad Cooling Fan
F13 10A LH Horn
F14 30A RH Rad Cooling Fan
F15 30A Primary Powertrain Control Module RHS
F16 10A Multi-Function Unit, Central Locking Module, Air
Conditioning Control Panel, Alarm Sounder
F17 30A Secondary Powertrain Control Module LHS
F18 5A Interior Map Lights, Instrument Pack,
RH Rad Module
F19 10A RH Main Beam
F20 20A Window Lift Cut Out, Accessory Terminal,
Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
F21 10A Instrument Pack, LH Main Beam
F22 25A Front Fog Relay

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-58
Storing the Car - Recommendations
Note: These recommendations apply to new and pre-owned cars either in
Dealer or customer ownership.
When ever the car is not in use always cover the car with it's fabric cover.
If the vehicle is not to be used for periods up to six months it should be stored
in a dry, well ventilated building.
Drive the car for a sufficient distance to warm the oil in the engine, torque
convertor, transmission and final drive unit; this ensures complete lubrication
of the internal components.
Check the engine coolant level. Top up if necessary with the correct
antifreeze/water solution.
In order to take the weight off the tyres, raise the car with a jack and place
supports under the front and rear suspension.
If the vehicle is not raised from the ground, increase the tyre pressures to 3.4
bar 340 kpa 50 psi. Cover the tyres to exclude any light. Rotate the wheels
1/4 turn every month to avoid tyre flat spots.
The battery should be removed and cleaned. Fully charge the battery on a
trickle charger and recharge once a month.
Once a month
Reconnect the battery and ventilate the storage area. Start and run the
engine until fully warmed up. Check that there are no fluid leaks. Check
and correct the tyre pressures if necessary.
Run the Air Conditioning system to keep the internal parts of the Air
Conditioning system lubricated.