ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

B - Controls
1-B-25 2. The boot may be opened from outside the car
using the ignition key when the alarm system is
switched off. Lift up the Aston Martin badge to
access the boot lock.
3. The boot may be opened by pressing the boot
release switch located on the center console at
any time when the alarm system is switched off
and the ignition is switched on.
4. The boot may be opened from inside by
pulling the luminous emergency release handle.
The handle will latch on the edge of its housing.
To retract the handle, pull, lift and release so that
it may withdraw into the housing.
Boot (Trunk) Closing
Close the boot gently and press down the lid until the lock engages.
Slamming of the boot lid may damage the lock mechanism or the boot seals.

B - Controls
1-B-26
Accessory Socket
The accessory socket is mounted in the centre armrest beside the boot open
switch and may be used to power any 12 volt vehicle accessory requiring a
current of less than 15 amps.
The accessory socket is only live when the ignition key is inserted and the
switch is turned to position I or II.
WARNING: Damage to the electrical circuits will result if more than 15 amps is
drawn from the accessory socket.
Only connect accessories which are designed for use in a motor vehicle.
Read the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that you do not connect any
device which would exceed the current rating of the accessory socket.

B - Controls
1-B-27
Interior Lights
The interior light assembly is mounted in the front windscreen header rail
and contains two 'eyeball' lamps and the front interior lamp. The 'eyeball'
lamps are controlled by the outer switches on the lamp assembly and may
be rotated to illuminate the driver or passenger seat areas.
The centre switch on the lamp assembly controls the operation of the front
and rear interior lights as follows:
Front and rear interior lights on
Front and rear interior lights off
Front and rear interior lights come on when a door is opened and
remain on for approximately 12 seconds after a door is closed with
the ignition off.
12 sec

B - Controls
1-B-28

B - Controls
1-B-29

C - Driving
1-C-1
Contents
Checks Before Driving........................................................................ 1-C-2
The Ignition Lock ................................................................................ 1-C-5
Starting the Engine - Hot or Cold ........................................................ 1-C-7
Stopping the Engine - Removing the Ignition Key ................................ 1-C-8
Fuel Cut-Off Switch ............................................................................ 1-C-8
Gear Changing ................................................................................. 1-C-10
Additional Automatic Gearbox Functions .......................................... 1-C-16
Traction Control System.................................................................... 1-C-17
The Braking Systems......................................................................... 1-C-19

C - Driving
1-C-2
Checks Before Driving
Inspect the car to make sure that everything is according to the information
and specifications in this Owner's Guide.
Check the wheels, wheel nuts and tyres.
Check that all windows, mirrors and lights are clear and unobstructed.
Check that the boot and bonnet are closed.
Once you are in the car, check that the doors are closed.
Check that the seat, mirrors and steering wheel adjustments are correct.
Check that all gauges and indicators are reading correctly.
Check that the seat backs are in an upright position.
Check that all occupants have fastened their seat belts.
Fuel
DB AR1 uses 95/98 RON Unleaded Fuel only (USA - Premium Unleaded).
For optimum performance and extended high speed driving, the use of 98
RON fuel is recommended.
Caution: Do not use unleaded petrol containing metal based additives, such as those
based on Manganese (often sold as MMT) and Iron (often sold as Ferrocene). The use
of fuel containing such additives could lead to catalyst failure which is not covered by
the vehicle warranties.
The DB AR1 total fuel capacity is 82 litres (18 Imp gallons / 21.5 US gallons).
Note: Approximately 7 litres of the total fuel capacity specified above is required
to prime the fuel system and is therefore not usable.

C - Driving
1-C-3
Fuel Filler Cap
The fuel filler cap is located on the
left side of the car, to the left of the
boot (trunk) lid. The filler flap is
unlocked automatically upon turning
off the alarm or upon operating the
central locking system by unlocking
either door lock with the ignition
key.
Lift the filler flap. Release the filler
cap by rotating a quarter turn
anticlockwise, then lift off the cap.
WARNINGS: Fuel vapour is highly flammable, toxic and explosive. Always switch
off the ignition before refuelling. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Do not inhale fuel
fumes.
Never carry additional fuel in portable containers. They may leak, explode or
cause a fire, whether full or partially empty.
If you handle fuel improperly, it can ignite or explode and cause injury. Do not
smoke or light a flame while refuelling. Do not use mobile phones at filling
stations.
Do not use the car if there is fuel leakage or a persistent smell of fuel.

C - Driving
1-C-4
Fuel Filling
The unleaded fuel tank filler neck has a restricted opening which will only
accommodate the fuel supply nozzle of unleaded fuel pumps.
To avoid fuel spillage, stop filling at the first automatic cutoff of the fuel
supply nozzle.
Catalytic Converters
The DB AR1 exhaust system contains 3-way catalytic convertors which
convert harmful exhaust gasses into less noxious substances and so reduce
environmental pollution. Catalytic converters operate at high temperatures
and continue to radiate a considerable amount of heat after turning off the
engine.
WARNINGS: Leaded fuel will cause irreparable damage to the catalytic converters.
If you do inadvertently put leaded fuel into a DB AR1, DO NOT START THE
ENGINE. DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR. Contact your Aston Martin Dealer immediately.
Do not park over dry grass, leaves or other combustible material. A significant
fire risk exists because of residual heat in the catalytic converters.
Do not drive through deep water. The rapid cooling of the catalyst may cause it
to break up. Replacement catalytic converters are expensive.

C - Driving
1-C-5
The Ignition Lock
The Ignition Lock, located on the right side of the steering column, performs
the following functions:
• Steering Lock
• Ignition Switch
The switch has three positions:
Position OAll systems off, steering lock engaged.
Position IAuxiliaries on (e.g. radio), steering lock released. Use this
position if the vehicle is being towed.
Position IIIgnition and all other electrical systems on. This is the
normal running position.