engine ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

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-30
Electrics
Battery
The battery is located in the right-hand side of the boot. The battery is
maintenance free and should only require checking by your dealer during
regular vehicle services.
Battery charge level must be maintained by use of the battery conditioner
if the vehicle is not in frequent use.
Caution: The engine must never be run with the battery disconnected.
WARNING: The battery emits combustible gas (hydrogen) when charging. Avoid
sparks and short circuits by switching off the charger before connecting or
disconnecting the charger at the battery.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-31
WARNINGS:
To help avoid personal injury, do not use open flame, smoke, or cause an electric
spark when checking the battery, as gas generated by the battery is flammable
and can explode. Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery.
Do not ingest battery acid or fumes. If battery acid is ingested, drink large
quantities of water or milk followed by milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable
oil. Call for medical assistance immediately.
Do not let battery acid come into contact with skin, eyes, hair, fabric or painted
surfaces. A solution of warm soapy water and baking soda may help neutralise
acid.
Used batteries contain sulphuric acid, lead and other potentially hazardous
materials. Dispose of unwanted batteries in authorised waste disposal facilities.
DO NOT discard unwanted batteries in household waste.
Quiescent Battery Drain
Any power drain from a battery after the ignition is switched off is referred
to as 'quiescent battery drain'. Your DB AR1, in common with many modern,
high technology motor cars, contains electronic circuits and sub-systems
which must be left activated at all times. For example, the clock, security
systems and in-car entertainment system continue to drain battery power
even with the ignition switched off. This quiescent drain will discharge a fully
charged new battery in approximately 30 days unless recharged by normal
engine running or an independent battery charger.
It is therefore vital that, when leaving your car unused for extended
periods, you use the battery disconnect switch to minimise quiescent
drain and that you use the battery conditioner to maintain battery
charge level.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-36
Electrical Start from Another Vehicle
If your DB AR1 will not start due to a discharged battery, it may be started
by connecting the battery from another vehicle to the discharged battery.
Before the vehicle is started in this way, ensure that the donor vehicle has
a 12 volt battery and negative (-), black earth terminal to ensure that the
correct battery polarity is maintained.
WARNING: If the voltage or earth of the donor vehicle is different or not known,
do not attempt starting in the way described.
1. Position the vehicles so that the connecting cable will reach between
the batteries. Ensure that the vehicles do not touch each other.
2. To lessen the risk of an electrical short circuit, remove rings, metal
watch bands and any other jewellery. Wear eye protection when
working near the battery. Turn off all electrical motors and ancillaries
in both vehicles. Switch off all lights except those needed to protect the
vehicles or illuminate the work area. Switch off the ignition and apply
the handbrake.
3. Lift out the boot floor panels to gain access to the battery.
4. Connect the red (+) cable between the red (+) positive terminal of the
two batteries.
5. Connect the black (-) cable between the black (-) negative terminals of
the two batteries.
6. Start the donor vehicle engine and run at about 1500 - 2000 rpm.
7. Start the engine. Allow the engine to run for some minutes until the flat
battery is partially charged. Switch off both vehicles.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-37 8. Remove the black (-) negative cable from both batteries and then
remove the red (+) positive cable from both batteries.
9. Refit the boot floor panels and close the boot.
10. Restart the engine and take it for a long road run if possible to recharge
the battery.
11. If necessary, recharge the battery using an appropriate 'trickle' charger.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-53 Window Controller Memory Check
With the alarm off and the doors unlocked, open and then close each door
in turn. If the door window drops on opening and rises on closing the door,
the window controller memory is good. If the windows do not drop and rise
correctly, reset the window controllers as follows:
Window Controller Memory Reset Procedure
1. Sit in the drivers seat with the doors closed. Turn on the ignition switch.
2. Press and hold down the window Down button until the window drops
to its maximum down position in one movement.
3. Press and hold the window Up button until the window rises to its
maximum up position in one movement.
4. Switch off the ignition, step out of the car and close the doors. Perform
the Window Controller Memory Check to ensure that the window
maximum up and down positions have been correctly reset.
Headlamp Ventilation
In very humid conditions some condensation may accumulate within the
headlamp pod enclosures whilst the engine is stopped. When the vehicle
is running and the air conditioning is switched on, the headlamp pod
enclosures are automatically vented and any condensation will clear within
a few minutes.
For rapid headlamp ventilation, use the following settings: A/C On, Fan
speed 3, Interior vents all closed. If the condensation does not clear quickly,
consult your Aston Martin dealer.

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.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-59 When returning the car to normal service, set the tyre pressures to normal
specification before driving on the road.
Extended Storage
For storage periods exceeding six months the following additional measures
are recommended;
Run the car until there is as small a quantity of fuel in the tank as is practical
for storage purposes.
Caution: Do Not Drain The Fuel System
Add Engine Oil to the remaining fuel in the tank to ensure a concentration
of 2% (i.e. 20ml per 1 litre of fuel) and then run the engine for not less than
ten minutes to circulate the mixture thoroughly through the entire fuel
system.
Inspect the rubber connections of the cooling system and have them
renewed if necessary.
Wash the bodywork of the car thoroughly and repair any paint
blisters or patches of rust in order to prevent any further deterioration.
Apply a suitable polish.
Clean the carpets and upholstery thoroughly. Dust them with an
anti-moth powder and store in a dry place. Treat all leather upholstery
with an appropriate leather conditioner.
If the storage building is dry leave the car windows slightly open. If
there is any tendency towards dampness close the car doors and
windows and place an anti-moisture compound such as Silica desiccant
bags in an open metal container inside the car.
Cover the car with it's fabric cover.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-60
Recommissioning After Storage
Provided that the car has been stored in accordance with the recommended
procedure, the following points only should require attention before using
the car on the road.
Check the tyre pressures, inflate if necessary and lower the car to the ground.
Fully charge and refit the battery. Reset the clock and electric windows.
Drain the engine sump and final drive unit, fit a new engine oil filter element,
then refill with the approved oils. Check the coolant level and if necessary
top up with the correct antifreeze/water solution.
Check all fluid levels and top-up as necessary. Fill the fuel tank
Caution: Starting the engine without sufficient lubrication can cause serious engine
damage. Take care to establish engine oil pressure as directed in the following steps
before allowing the engine to start.
Press and hold the accelerator hard to the floor (kickdown switch actuated).
This will temporarily inhibit the fuel injectors during cranking. Turn on the
ignition. Press and hold the starter button to crank the engine until normal
oil pressure is indicated on the oil pressure gauge. Release the starter button
and the accelerator pedal.
Start the engine normally and check that the oil pressure and ignition
warning lights go out as the engine starts indicating correct oil pressure and
battery charging. Raise the bonnet and check for leaks of fuel, oil and
coolant.
Finally, check the operation of all instruments, lights and accessories.

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