warning ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

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.

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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.

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Battery Conditioner
The automatic battery conditioner supplied with DB AR1 is suitable for use
on all types of 12 volt lead acid batteries. The conditioner also allows
charging of maintenance free and 12V gel type batteries.
The conditioner has an inbuilt mains connector appropriate for the market
in which the vehicle is sold.
The conditioner output is 13.8V - 14.7V, up to 4.0A. It is designed for
conditioning of partially or fully charged batteries. It will not effectively
charge a completely discharged battery and is not a substitute for a
dedicated battery charger.
WARNINGS:
For indoor use only.
Disconnect the mains supply before making or breaking battery conditioner
connections.
Explosive gasses are given off by batteries during charging. Prevent flames and
sparks - No smoking.
Do not attempt to start the vehicle with the charger connected to the mains
supply.
The unit has an electronic controller which senses when the battery charge level
becomes low and commences charging.
When the battery charge level rises to 80%, a 2 hour timer starts. The unit
continues charging for a further 2 hours until the battery is 100% charged and
then reduces the charge voltage to 13.8 volts to maintain a small trickle charge
to keep the battery in a fully charged state. The conditioner may be left in this state
indefinitely.

F - Owner Maintenance
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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
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Fuse Boxes
Three fuse/relay boxes are fitted to DB AR1 containing the fuses to protect
electrical and electronic systems of the vehicle. The box locations are
indicated on the diagram above.
The forward left and right fuse boxes are located beneath a plate in the
passenger side footwell. The rear fuse box is located in the boot, close to the
battery.
WARNING: Do not add to or alter the electrical systems of DB AR1 unless fitting
Aston Martin approved options to the manufacturers instructions. Use of
unapproved components, incorrect dismantling, incorrect reassembly or incorrect
replacement of components may create electrical overloads and a fire risk.
WARNING: Do not attempt to repair a blown fuse. This could cause a fire hazard
or serious damage elsewhere in the electrical circuits.
WARNING: Do not install a fuse which exceeds the amperage for each location
listed on the following fuse charts.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-55 Aston Martin recommends the use of 'AUTOGLYM' car care products or
preparations of similar reputable manufacture for adding to the washing
water. The use of mild 'detergents' as directed by the manufacturers will also
help. When dust and mud have been removed with a hose brush and water,
finally dry with a chamois leather, which should be rinsed regularly in clean
water.
WARNING: Washing and polishing agents containing silicone should not be
applied to glass. This will reduce the efficiency of the windscreen wipers, causing
smears which will reduce visibility, particularly during darkness and in the rain.
During the winter months, it is advisable to wash the car more frequently,
paying particular attention to the underside to combat the detrimental
effects of any salt and sand contamination picked up from treated roads.
Polishing
Approximately twice a year, a good quality polish should be applied and
then buffed, using a soft lint-free cloth.
Alloy wheel rims should be treated with a cleaner which is specifically
manufactured for this purpose.

F - Owner Maintenance
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Upholstery, Carpets and Seats
The seats and soft trimmed components of DB AR1 are covered in Natural
Leather Hide and Alcantara. The Natural Leather Hide is supplied by Bridge
of Weir, Scotland.
In general, this natural leather upholstery requires little attention. The seats
should be brushed with a soft brush from time to time and may be cleaned
occasionally with a cloth damped in soap and water. DO NOT use
detergents, quick cleansers or furniture polishes.
Several times a year, a leather conditioner or preservative should be used.
Appropriate care materials are contained in the 'Bridge of Weir Leather Care
Kit', obtainable from your Aston Martin Dealer.
Alcantara trim and seat panels may be brushed with a soft brush. Stains from
water based substances such as coffee, tea or soft drinks should be cleaned
as soon as possible with mild soap and water. Please consult your dealer for
instructions on the removal of more difficult stains such as oil, grease or
ballpoint Ink.
Carpets should be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner. Any stains or
grease marks should be removed with a good quality solvent suitable for use
on carpets.
WARNING: Fumes from cleaning solvents may be dangerous in confined spaces.
Make sure that the car is well ventilated and follow the manufacturer's printed
instructions when using these products.

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Care and Maintenance of Seat Belts
To ensure that they are in proper working order, regularly check the seat
belts. Look for fraying, cuts, burns and similar problems. Ensure that the
latches and buckles function correctly. If a belt is not in good condition or
is not working properly, consult your Aston Martin Dealer.
Any belt that has been worn during a serious collision should be replaced
by an Aston Martin dealer.
To clean the belts, use mild soap and water; do not use bleach, solvents or
dyes as they can weaken the material. Allow the belts to dry before use.
WARNING: In the interest of safety, do not allow seat belts to be retracted until
completely dry.
Underbonnet Cleaning
Underbonnet cleaning using high pressure hoses or steam cleaners should
not be done. The electronic control modules and fuse boxes will be
damaged by indiscriminate use of high pressure cleaning equipment.
Aerial Care
Regular cleaning with a special aerial cleaner will ensure smooth and reliable
operation of the aerial.
Always wipe the aerial in an upwards direction
Lubricate using an aerial maintenance wipe cloth.
In freezing conditions, check that no ice has formed over the top of the
aerial, which could prevent it being raised and cause damage to the motor.

F - Owner Maintenance
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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.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-61 Carefully test drive the vehicle and check the operation of all functions.
WARNING: Braking performance can be impaired initially due to a fine film of
corrosion on the brake discs. Drive conservatively and, when safe to do so,
frequently apply the brakes until the discs have been deglazed. Full braking
performance should then be restored.