engine ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

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.

C - Driving
1-C-18Traction Control Operation
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 Traction Control 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 Traction Control cannot overcome the consequences of
applying too much engine power for the prevailing conditions.
The traction control system is designed to limit engine power when driven
wheel slip is detected. This most commonly happens when accelerating on
a slippery road or loose surface.
The system uses the vehicles ABS sensors to monitor the wheel speed of all
four road wheels. As soon as a driven rear wheel starts to spin due to the
application of too much power for the available grip, the system automatically
reduces engine power by temporarily adjusting the fuel supply. The brake
on the slipping wheel will also be applied as necessary until the wheel speed
matches that of the other wheels.
During activation, the system warning light will flash. The driver may
experience a loss in power or temporary 'misfire' as engine power is
reduced. These symptoms are normal and will clear as wheel spin is
eliminated and normal engine power is restored.
If traction control cuts in when driving on extended icy or slippery surfaces,
reduce engine power as necessary until the traction control warning light is
extinguished.
Caution: Do not maintain engine power at such a level that traction control is
activated for long periods (more than about one minute). The reduced fuelling levels
to the engine will cause the exhaust catalysts to overheat. Overheating of the exhaust
catalysts can destroy them.

D - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
1-D-6Defrost (A/C Off)
In defrost mode, the system is automatically switched
to high fan speed and maximum heat with no air
conditioning. The hot air is directed to the screen and
door vents only. The door vents may be closed to
direct maximum air flow to the screen.
Right Panel (A/C Mode Switch)
The right panel contains the mode switch and temperature differential
controls.
The mode switch settings are:
Economy (A/C off)
Manual Control
Auto Control
Demist
Recirculation
ECON (Economy)
In the ECON position, the air conditioning compressor is switched off.
Incoming air can be heated if required and the fan speed can be adjusted
to increase or decrease the airflow in the vehicle. This mode puts minimum
load on the engine and gives the best fuel economy with no air conditioning
(no cooling or dehumidifying of incoming air).

D - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
1-D-8DEM (Demist)
When this mode is selected heated air is directed to
the windscreen vents for demisting as well as to the
face level, footwell and door vents. Air speed and
temperature depend upon the fan speed, in-car
temperature selected and engine temperature.
Recirculation
In Recirculation mode, all external air inlets are
closed and conditions within the vehicle are
maintained by drawing air from within the cabin and
heating or cooling it as required before returning it
to the passenger compartment.
Recirculation mode avoids drawing noxious fumes
into the vehicle from outside. This mode is not
recommended for continuous use since no fresh air
is drawn into the vehicle and drowsiness may occur.
The car interior may be rapidly cooled in recirculation
mode by selecting Recirculation, Minimum
Temperature and Fan Speed 3.

E - Security Systems
1-E-2
Security Systems
The primary protection for your DB AR1 is provided by an electronic
security system. Protection is further enhanced by a passive anti-theft system
(PATS) which provides engine immobilisation measures if the wrong ignition
key is used. The total system has the following functions:
• Remote Arming/Disarming via a Key Fob.
• Perimeter Sensing via switches on the doors, boot lid and bonnet.
• Boot Release on the Key Fob.
• Panic Alarm triggered using the Alarm Key Fob.
• 120dB Siren with battery back-up (in markets where audible sirens are
permitted).
• Random Code Encryption to prevent electronic scanning or grabbing of
the key fob identity code.
• Passive Anti-Theft system.
Tracker System (Optional - UK only excluding Channel Isles)
• The Tracker hardware is fitted to UK cars only and may be activated for
any owners who wish to subscribe to this additional vehicle security
system. Please consult your dealer for system details and subscription
rates.

E - Security Systems
1-E-3
System Operation - Basic Controls
The system is controlled using the two button key fob. The left (key symbol)
button controls the normal locking/unlocking of the car and arms/disarms
the alarm system. The right (boot open symbol) button controls the
unlocking of the boot. The Panic Alarm feature is operated using the left key
fob button.
The security system aerial is located at the rear of the car. The key fob should
be pointed towards this area of the vehicle to ensure a strong signal. The
normal operating range of the key fob is approximately 10 metres (30 feet).
The Passive Anti-Theft feature is fully automatic and is operated via a
transponder in the ignition key head which communicates with the engine
immobiliser circuits.

E - Security Systems
1-E-4
Unlocking the Car, Disarming the Alarm
Point the key fob towards the rear window and press the left button once.
The following events will occur:
1. The green light on the key fob will light while the left button is pressed.
2. The car doors and fuel filler flap will unlock.
3. The direction indicators will flash (in markets where visible alarm signals
are permitted and programmed).
4. The alarm system will be switched off.
Locking the Car, Arming the Alarm
Point the key fob towards the rear window and press the left button. The
following events will occur:
1. The green light on the key fob will light while the left button is pressed.
2. The car doors and fuel filler flap will lock.
3. The direction indicators will flash once (in markets where visible alarm
signals are permitted).
4. The alarm system will be switched on.
Alarm and Security System Protection
With the alarm system armed, any attempt to open a door, the boot or the
bonnet will result in full alarm activation.
(See also the engine immobilisation protection afforded by the PATs system)

E - Security Systems
1-E-7
The Passive Anti-Theft System (PATs)
The PATs system is a fully automatic engine immobiliser. The system consists
of a transponder inside the head of each ignition key and, around the
ignition lock, a transceiver aerial which communicates signals to the PATs
electronic control unit. The PATs control unit communicates with the engine
management controller to immobilise the engine until a valid code signal is
received from the ignition key.
Two coded keys are provided with the vehicle. These
keys fit both the door locks, the boot lock and the ignition
lock.
In the event of loss of one of the keys, duplicate keys can
be created and programmed from the other key by your
Aston Martin dealer.
Starting the Engine
When the alarm system is disarmed and the vehicle key is turned in the
ignition lock, the PATs controller sends a signal to the ignition key. The
ignition key must respond with a valid code before engine start will be
enabled. If a valid code is received, the ignition system will operate
normally.
If the key code is not received, or is invalid, engine start remains disabled.
Caution: To ensure a trouble-free signal exchange between the key and the vehicle,
do not cover the key head with any metal object (e.g. another key).
ASTON MARTIN

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-3
Parts and Lubricants
When undertaking a warranty servicing task, only parts, materials,
lubricants etc. that are specifically recommended by Aston Martin
Lagonda Limited should be used. Failure to do so can result in
damage to the vehicle and invalidate the New Car Warranty or
other warranties. Recommended lubricants, capacities, etc. may be
found in the Specifications section of this Owner's Guide, and are
recommended for use at all routine services whether or not under
warranty.
Emissions Warranty
The emission control systems fitted to cars for certain markets are
covered by a separate emissions warranty. A statement of the provisions
is given in the Warranty section of this Owner's Guide. You are
advised to familiarise yourself with all warranty conditions prior to
taking delivery of your car.
Engine Compartment Covers
The primary fluid level checks and reservoirs within the engine
compartment are all immediately accessible. The less frequently
maintained items are located under the engine compartment side
covers. To remove the covers, use a coin or the tool kit screwdriver
to turn the cover fasteners a quarter turn anti-clockwise. The fasteners
will pop-up and the covers can then be lifted off, along with a
rubber protection strip.
When replacing the covers, fit them into place and secure by pushing
down on each fastener and turn it a quarter turn clockwise until it
locks, then insert the rubber protection strip.