warning ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

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.

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.

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.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-2
Introduction
Owner Maintenance
Each item in the Service Schedules must be performed on time as failure to
do so may void the New Car Warranty or other warranties. It is the owner's
responsibility to see that the vehicle is maintained properly and in accordance
with the manufacturer's service schedules.
Due to the sophistication of the various systems and the specialised
equipment required to maintain the DB AR1, owner maintenance should
be restricted to the routine procedures given in this Owner's Guide. If you
think that the car is not functioning properly, please return it to an Aston
Martin Dealer to be checked professionally.
Electronic Fuel Injection
WARNING: Electronic Fuel Injection: If the fuel system is allowed to run dry
irreparable damage to the fuel pumps may occur.
The electronic fuel injection system requires special equipment and test
facilities to set up and maintain so that the car gives maximum performance
coupled with economy and reliability. You are, therefore, strongly advised
to entrust all service work to an Aston Martin dealer.
WARNING: Any modifications/additions to the fuel system not specifically
designed by Aston Martin are prohibited. If done, they may cause damage to the
fuel system which in some circumstances could result in fire. It is recommended
that all Service Field Actions are entrusted to an Aston Martin dealer.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-4
Servicing Precautions
To avoid personal injury, the following safety precautions must be observed
when the bonnet is open and the engine is running or the ignition is switched
on.
WARNINGS:
Keep hands, hair, tools, items of clothing and jewellery clear of all drive belts,
pulleys and operating mechanisms. The cooling fans may operate even though
the engine is not running. The windscreen wiper mechanism is fitted with an
intermittent delay facility and may operate unexpectedly if left switched on.
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas and can cause unconsciousness and may be
fatal. Do not breathe exhaust gas as it contains carbon monoxide which by itself
has no colour or odour. Never start or leave the engine running in an enclosed,
unventilated area.
Avoid skin contact with all exhaust system and engine components, engine fluids
and escaping steam. They may be hot and will burn you.
Whenever possible work in the engine compartment with the engine cool, the
ignition switched off and the battery disconnected.
Do not work beneath the car with the vehicle lifting jack as the only support.
Place suitable stands under the car.
Keep children and pets clear of the car. Do not allow anyone inside the car unless
specifically working to your instructions.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-5
Dangerous Substances
WARNING: Many liquids and other substances used in motor vehicles are
poisonous and should under no circumstances be consumed and should, so far
as possible, be kept from contact with the skin. These substances include battery
electrolyte, antifreeze, oil, brake and clutch fluid, petrol, windscreen washer
additives, lubricants, refrigerant and various adhesives. Particular care should
be taken to avoid unnecessary contact with used engine oil. Always read carefully
the instructions printed on labels or stamped on components and follow them
carefully. Such instructions are included for reasons of your health and personal
safety. Never disregard them. Dangerous substances should be kept out of reach
of children.
Engine Oils
WARNING: Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oils can cause
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and cancer. Avoid excessive contact,
wash thoroughly after contact. Keep out of reach of children. When your oil is
changed, be sure that it is done by an experienced person. In addition, observe
all laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and toxic fluids.
Protect The Environment
WARNING: It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses, or soil. Use authorised
waste disposal facilities, including civic amenity sites and garages providing
facilities for receipt of used oil. If in doubt, contact your local authority for advice.
Fuel Tank Filling
WARNING: Petrol is highly flammable and, in confined spaces, is also explosive
and toxic. In the event of spillage, switch off the engine, use no naked flame or
light. Do not smoke. Do not inhale fumes.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-7
Engine Oil Level Check
When checking engine oil level, the car should be on level ground. If the
engine has been running immediately prior to the check, wait several
minutes after stopping the engine for the oil to drain back into the sump. The
dipstick (1) (which should be wiped clean before checking the oil level) is
located on the left-hand side of the engine. The oil level should be
maintained at the 'Max' dipstick mark.
Approximately one litre is required to bring the level from Min to Max. The
recommended engine oil should be added through the oil filler (3). Do not
overfill. Replace the filler cap securely.
WARNING: Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious damage.
To avoid personal injury and before working in or near the engine compartment,
switch off the engine and let it cool. Engine components are hot and may cause
severe burns. See also the warnings given in SERVICING PRECAUTIONS.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-8
Engine Coolant Level Check
The engine coolant header tank (2) is mounted on the left-hand wheel arch
in the engine compartment. It is fitted with a pressure relief cap which
should not be removed unless the engine is cold. A thick cloth or glove must
be placed over the cap and the cap turned slowly in an anticlockwise
direction.
Allow any residual pressure to drop and then continue to turn the cap until
it is released from the header tank. Lift the cap clear and top up the tank with
an antifreeze mixture, of the correct strength, up to the maximum mark on
the side of the tank (see 'Specifications').
WARNING: Scalding can be caused by escaping steam or coolant. DO NOT
remove the pressure relief cap until the system is cold. In addition, use a cloth
or glove to protect hands. Protect your face and arms adequately. See warnings
given in SERVICING PRECAUTIONS.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-10
Power Steering Fluid Level Check
The power steering pump reservoir (4) is situated on the right inner
wing.
The reservoir level should be checked when the engine is cold. The
reservoir cap incorporates a dipstick. Top up the reservoir with clean
fluid of the recommended grade up to the lower mark on the dipstick.
DO NOT OVERFILL.
WARNING: Avoid touching the sides of the engine when working in the engine
compartment. The exhaust system will be hot if the engine has recently been run.
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-11
Brake Fluid Reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir (5) is fitted to the driver's side of the engine
compartment on top of the brake master cylinder assembly.
Before removing the cap, clean the cap and the surrounding area thoroughly
to prevent ingress of dirt and foreign matter. Top up to the indicated level
on the reservoir with the recommended brake fluid (see 'Specifications') and
refit the cap securely.
Brake fluid will absorb water vapour and must be replaced every two years
in order to maintain the efficiency of the hydraulic system.
WARNINGS: Do not drive the vehicle if the brake fluid level is low. Use only new
DOT4 brake fluid from air tight containers.
Avoid touching the sides of the engine when working in the engine compartment.
The exhaust system will be hot if the engine has recently been run.
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.