steering ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-14
Tyre Pressures
In the interest of safety and tyre life it is important that correct tyre pressures
are carefully maintained (See 'Specifications').
Road holding, steering and braking are especially vulnerable to incorrect
tyre pressures.
Pressures increase slightly when tyres are hot and, for an accurate reading,
pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold.
After checking the pressures ensure that the valve caps are securely replaced
to provide an additional air seal and to prevent the ingress of dirt.
Running-In New Tyres
When new tyres have been fitted, speed should be limited, particularly
during the first 80 km (50 miles) or so of driving. Fast cornering, hard braking,
and harsh acceleration should also be avoided during this period.
Tyre Service
Tyres should be examined at regular intervals for wear and damage. Stones
or other objects which have become lodged in the tyre treads should be
carefully removed.
When new tyres are required, it is advisable to consult an Aston Martin
dealer who will be able to supply tyres to the correct specification.

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)

G - Specifications
1-G-12
Recommended Fluids
Engine oil (Initial fill) Mobil 1 0w-40 Europe (0w-30 USA)
Engine oil API SJ/CF, ACEA A3/B3 OR ILSAC GF2
Mobil 1 recommended
Engine coolant 60% water, 40% Havoline OAT
Do not mix OAT with glycol based antifreeze
Manual gearbox oil Texaco 1863, Transam 7045, Mobil ATF or
Dexron III
Auto transmission fluid Esso LT 71141
Final drive oil Shell spirax super 90 TS or Mobilube SHC LS
Brake/Clutch fluid Mobil Universal Brake Fluid
Power steering fluid Mobil ATF or Dexron III
A/C refrigerant R134A (HFC134A)
Engine Oil
Synthetic oils must conform to API SJ/CF standards. Preferably with ACEA
A3/B3 and ILSAC GF2. The chart below gives oil grades for average ambient
temperatures and applies to both mineral and synthetic oils.
Caution: To achieve the desired high performance of synthetic lubricants, do not mix
with mineral oils.

2-A-5
A - Service Schedules
Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI)
Before you receive your DB AR1, it will undergo a comprehensive pre-
delivery inspection at the Dealer's premises to ensure that it meets Aston
Martin's quality standards. The following checks will be made:
Levels and Leaks
Engine oil
Power steering oil
Brake Fluid
Clutch fluid (manual only)
Engine coolant level
Engine coolant specific gravity
Windscreen washer fluid
Fuel system
Gearbox oil/Auto transmission fluid
Rear axle oil - Differential
Battery
Mechanical Functions
Auto transmission
Selection and P & N functions
Manual gear selection
Clutch operation (manual only)
Throttle pedal operation
Parking brake operation
Steering column adjustment and lock
operation
Seat adjuster rails
Bonnet (Hood) release and catch
Door operation and locks
Storage compartments
Rear view mirror
Wheels and Tyres
Road wheel nuts
Tyre pressures
Front wheel tracking
Electrical Checks
Battery condition
Heated windscreen
Windscreen washers
Windscreen wipers
Air-conditioning controls
Gauges and warning lights
Radio/Cassette/CD player
Navigation (where fitted)
All speakers
Electric aerial
Inertia switch
Window mechanisms
Side and headlights (main and dip)
Front fog lights
Rear fog lights (where fitted)
Hazard warning lights
Instrument illumination and dimmer
Air conditioning panel illumination
Auto Trans. PRNDL illumination
Horns
Interior/map lights
Cigar lighter
Seat adjustment - all functions
Door mirror adjustments
Reset clock (if necessary)
Door / boot courtesy lights
Central locking system
Filler flap lock operation
Seat belt operation
Seat belt warning system
Security system / Remote control
Clutch pedal start inhibit
Interrogate DTC codes (not N.
America)
Record battery open-circuit voltage