lock ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: ASTON MARTIN, Model Year: 2003, Model line: DB AR1 Q, Model: ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003Pages: 279, PDF Size: 3.77 MB
Page 84 of 279

C - Driving
1-C-19
The Braking Systems
The Footbrake System
Your DB AR1 uses a vacuum boosted hydraulic braking system with anti-
lock (ABS) function. This system ensures braking performance in keeping
with the vehicle performance.
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is continually monitored for correct
operation whilst the ignition is switched on. Should a fault occur, it will be
signalled by the Anti-Lock Warning Light.
Brake System Safety Features
The brake system tandem master cylinder is designed so that in the worst
case (barring major accident damage), only half the brake system could fail.
Even in the event of a major brake pipe fracture, at least two wheels will have
fully operative brakes.
Page 86 of 279

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.
Page 87 of 279

C - Driving
1-C-22
Brake Warning Indications During Driving
Your DB AR1 electronic control units continue to monitor correct operation
of the braking sub-systems while the vehicle is being driven. Two brake
warning lights are of particular importance.
The Anti Lock Braking (ABS) Warning Light
The ABS system is monitored for correct operation while the
ignition is switched on. If a fault is detected, the Anti-Lock
warning light will illuminate and the ABS system will be partly
or fully disabled.
The normal braking system will continue to function without anti-lock but
with full vacuum boosted braking to all road wheels being maintained. In
the event of an ABS fault, consult your Aston Martin Dealer immediately.
WARNING: If the ABS warning light illuminates, you should be aware that
wheels could lock during extreme braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
Take additional care to avoid the danger of wheels locking.
The Brake System Warning Light
The braking system is continuously monitored for fluid level.
If only the brake warning light illuminates, it indicates that the
brake fluid has fallen below the acceptable level. It is essential
that the braking system is checked immediately, preferably
by an Aston Martin Dealer.
WARNING: If the brake warning light illuminates, you should
immediately be prepared for possible increased stopping distances
and possible partial failure of the braking system.
Page 88 of 279

C - Driving
1-C-23
The Handbrake (Parking Brake)
The handbrake lever is situated on the outside of the drivers seat. The
handbrake operates on brake drums within the rear wheel brake discs.
To engage the handbrake, pull up firmly on the lever without pressing the
release button. The handbrake ratchet will latch and the handbrake warning
light will illuminate. Note that this lamp is the only indication that the
handbrake is applied. The lever can then be lowered to its fully down
position.
To release the handbrake, pull up on the lever against spring pressure, press
and hold the lock release button whilst lowering the lever to its maximum
down position.
The handbrake warning light extinguishes when the handbrake is fully
released.
Caution: Always check that the warning lamp is correctly extinguished before moving
off. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle if the warning lamp remains on.
Page 94 of 279

D - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
1-D-5
Air Conditioning Controls
The air conditioning controls are located on two panels mounted either side
of the clock on the centre console.
Left Panel
The left panel contains the temperature and fan speed controls.
Temperature Control
This control sets the desired in-car temperature for the
system. Incoming air is cooled and then heated or
blended as required to maintain the in-car temperature
at the set level within the operating range of the system.
Fan Speed Control
This five position switch is used to set the fan speed: Off
(Fan symbol), 1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High and Defrost.
In Defrost mode the fans run at high speed and supply
air to the windscreen and side screen vents only.
When the system is switched Off, (Fan symbol) the
complete system is OFF. The external air inlets are
closed, cutting off fresh air supply from outside the car.
Page 98 of 279

D - Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
1-D-9
Temperature Differential Control
This control sets the difference in temperature
between the air from the face vents and that from
the footwell vents.
To provide cooler air to the face, the differential
control should be set fully anticlockwise. If the
control is set fully clockwise, the air from the face
vents will be at the same temperature as that from
the footwell vents.
The differential control is only effective when the
temperature control is set to its mid position.
Page 102 of 279

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.
Page 103 of 279

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)
Page 104 of 279

E - Security Systems
1-E-5
Full Alarm Activation
When activated, the siren sounds for 30 seconds (in markets where audible
sirens are permitted) and the direction indicators flash (in markets where
visible alarm signals are permitted). After 5 minutes the alarm stops (i.e. the
direction indicators stop flashing) and returns to the armed state. The doors,
boot and filler flap remain locked throughout.
The alarm can be deactivated by pressing the left (Key) button on the key
fob. This will also disarm the alarm and unlock the doors and filler flap.
Panic Alarm
The system has a panic alarm feature which can be activated whatever the
alarm state. This feature may be used to discourage offenders when you are
either inside the car or within the operating range of the alarm key fob
(approximately 10 metres / 30 feet).
To activate the panic alarm, press and hold the left key fob button for at least
three seconds. The system will enter the full alarm state.
Press the key fob left button again to stop the panic alarm and return to the
state prior to initial panic alarm activation.
If the panic alarm is not switched off using the left button, the siren will stop
after 30 seconds and the indicator flashing will deactivate after 5 minutes.
Page 105 of 279

E - Security Systems
1-E-6
Boot (Trunk) Lock Control
To open the boot (trunk), press the right
key fob button. The key fob red lamp will
stay on so long as the right hand button is
pressed. The direction indicators will flash
once (in markets where visible alarm signals
are permitted), the siren will chirp once (in
markets where audible sirens are permitted
and programmed) and the boot will unlock.
It is not necessary to disarm the alarm in
order to use the boot unlock feature.
Caution: Always ensure that the boot (trunk) lid is securely closed after use. The boot
(trunk) interior lights will be on when the lid is left partially open and will cause the
vehicle battery to discharge.