check engine light ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

xi
Regular Checks
In the interests of safety and reliability, it is advisable to carry out the
following checks at the intervals suggested (more frequently if the vehicle is
heavily used or operating in adverse conditions), and always before starting
on a long journey. Refer to the Owner Maintenance section of this guide.
Each Day
Check that there is sufficient fuel for the intended journey, particularly at
night and before entering highways.
Weekly - (Daily if covering high mileage or touring)
Tyres - Check the tyres, including the spare (if fitted) for condition and
pressure. See the 'Specifications' section for the recommended tyre pressures.
Lights - Check that all exterior lights and direction indicators function
correctly and that the lenses are clean.
Engine Oil - With the vehicle standing on level ground, check the oil level
and top up if necessary with oil of the correct grade.
Engine Cooling System - With the engine cold, check the level of the engine
coolant. Top-up if necessary with coolant containing the required percentage
of anti-freeze. Any significant coolant loss should be investigated by your
Aston Martin Dealer.
Brake Fluid - Check the level of the fluid in the brake reservoir. Top-up if
necessary with the specified brake fluid from a new unopened container.
Power Steering Fluid - Check and top-up the level of fluid in the power
steering reservoir with fluid of the correct specification.
DB AR1 Owners Guide

B - Controls
1-B-7
Door or Boot Open (Red)
Indicates that any door and/or the boot is open.
Gearshift Warning (Touchtronic transmission only) (Amber)
Indicates that a concern is detected in the gearshift electronic
control system. Consult your Dealer if this light illuminates.
ABS Warning Lamp (Amber)
Indicates a concern in the ABS control circuits. Consult your
Dealer immediately if this light remains illuminated.
Low Fuel Warning Lamp (Amber)
Illuminates when the fuel level drops to approximately 20 litres
(4.4
imp gallons / 5.0 US gallons).
Check Engine (Amber)
Indicates that an anomaly is detected in the engine management
system. The vehicle may go into 'Limp Home' mode with the
possibility of reduced engine performance.
If the lamp is on constantly, complete your journey and consult
your dealer at the earliest opportunity.
If the lamp flashes, a misfire is occurring which could damage
the catalytic convertor. Stop as soon as possible in a safe
location and have your car recovered to an Aston Martin
dealership.
Low Screen Wash (Amber)
Illuminates to warn you when the level of fluid in the screen
wash reservoir is low.

C - Driving
1-C-6
Warning Light Indications at Ignition On
As the ignition is switched on, the DB AR1 electronic control units each
complete a self check to ensure correct operation. During these checks, the
warning lights on the instrument panel will illuminate as follows:
• Bulb Check - All warning lamps illuminate for about three seconds as a
bulb check. (The Sport and Transmission Fail lamps are not illuminated
on manual transmission vehicles).
• The Ignition and Oil Pressure warning lights illuminate until the engine
starts.
• The Check Engine light will illuminate during the engine management
self-check and will extinguish when the starter button is pressed.
• The Seat Belt warning light illuminates and a gong sounds for six seconds
if the driver's seat belt is not fastened. On fastening the seat belt, the gong
immediately ceases. The warning lamp extinguishes at the end of the six
second warning period.
• The ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminate and extinguish
if the system self checks are satisfactory.
• The Brake warning light will illuminate and extinguish if the brake fluid
level is within specification.
• The SRS Airbag warning light will illuminate and extinguish if the SRS
Airbag control system check is satisfactory.
Only the handbrake (parking brake) warning light should stay on after the
engine has started and is running correctly. The handbrake warning light will
extinguish as the handbrake is fully released.
Note: Other Information lights may remain on (e.g. Main Beam Warning or Low
Screen Wash) dependant on the vehicle state and switch settings at the time.

C - Driving
1-C-7 If either the ABS or Brake Fluid Warning lights remain illuminated, refer to
the description of Brake Warnings during Driving later in this section.
Starting the Engine - Hot or Cold
WARNINGS:
Before driving the vehicle, ensure that you are wearing appropriate footwear to
efficiently operate the floor mounted pedals.
Ensure that floor mounted pedal movement is not restricted by floor mats or
other objects trapped beneath the pedals.
Manual Transmission - The engine can only be started with the clutch
pedal fully depressed.
Touchtronic Transmission - The engine can only be started when the gear
selector lever is in Park or Neutral.
Place the gear selector lever in Neutral (Park on Touchtronic vehicles) and
check that the handbrake is applied. Fully depress the clutch pedal on
manual transmission vehicles.
Insert the ignition key and rotate it to position II. Press the
starter button, wait until the engine fires, then release the
starter button.
Note: Do not press the accelerator during engine starting. The Electronic Engine
Management System automatically compensates for cold or hot start conditions
and makes appropriate adjustments to the fuel/air mixture and engine idle speed
without driver intervention.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-12
Windscreen Wash Fluid Level Check
The washer fluid filler cap (6) is situated in the right rear corner of the engine
bay and should be topped up as required with an appropriate concentration
of screen wash solution. When the level of screen wash fluid is low the
instrument panel warning light will illuminate.
Caution: State or local regulations may restrict the use of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), which are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in washer
fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC content should be used only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all regions and climates in which the vehicle will
be operated.
Warning: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F, use washer
fluid with anti-freeze protection. In cold weather, failure to use washer fluid with
anti-freeze protection could result in impaired windscreen vision and increase
the risk of a vehicle crash.

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-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.

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

Index
5-A-2
C
Care and Maintenance of Seat Belts 1-F-57
Catalytic Converters 1-C-4
Child Safety Seats
Child Seats and Passenger Airbags 1-A-20, 1-A-21
Warnings 1-A-19
Clock 1-B-17
Column Switchgear
Left Hand Stalk 1-B-12
Right Hand Stalk 1-B-14
Console Mounted Controls 1-B-16
D
Door Edge Lights 1-F-52
Door Locks 1-A-5
Door Sealing 1-A-5
Driving in Wet Conditions 1-C-9
E
Electric Window Reset Procedure 1-F-52
Electrics
Battery 1-F-30
Engine Bay 1-F-6
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 1-B-11
Engine Immobiliser 1-A-4
F
Fluid Level Checks 1-F-4
Brake Fluid Reservoir 1-F-11
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir 1-F-9
Engine Oil Level 1-F-7
Power Steering Reservoir 1-F-10
Footbrake 1-C-19
Front Indicator Lights / Front Parking Lights 1-F-47
Front Interior Lights 1-F-51
Fuel 1-C-2
Fuel Cut-Off Switch 1-C-8
Fuel Filler Cap 1-C-3
Fuel Filling 1-C-3
Fuel Gauge 1-B-10
Fuse Boxes 1-F-38
Fuse Lists - Right Hand Drive 1-F-39

Index
5-A-4
M
Main and Dipped Beam Switching 1-B-13
Maximum Engine Speed 1-C-9
Mirrors
Interior Mirror 1-A-13
N
Number Plate Lights 1-F-50
O
On Board Headlight Aiming 1-F-45
Owner Maintenance 1-F-2
Electronic Fuel Injection 1-F-2
Emission Warranty 1-F-3
Engine Compartment Covers 1-F-3
Parts and Lubricants 1-F-3
P
Passive Anti-Theft System 1-E-7
PATs Status 1-E-8
Starting the Engine 1-E-7
PATs Status 1-E-8
R
Rain Cover 1-A-7
Rear Interior Quarter Lights 1-F-51
Rear Lights 1-F-48, 1-F-49
Recommissioning After Storage 1-F-60
Regular Checks Forward-xi
Each Day Forward-xi
Monthly Forward-xii
Weekly Forward-xi
Reporting Safety Defects - ROW Forward-x
Running-In 1-C-9
S
Seat Belt Fastening 1-A-14
Seat Belt Pretensioner 1-A-14
Seat Belt Warnings 1-A-16
Seat Belts
Automatic Locking Retractors (ALR) 1-A-15
Care and Maintenance 1-F-57
Child Seat Removal (ALR System) 1-A-16