check oil 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

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.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-6
Fluid Level Checks
Engine Bay Component Location (Right Hand Drive Illustrated)
1 Engine Oil Dipstick 2 Engine Coolant Header Tank
3 Engine Oil Filler Cap 4 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 Brake Fluid Reservoir 6 Windscreen Washer Fluid Reservoir
7 Clutch Reservoir (Man) 8 Engine Bay Covers
Note: Items 5 &7 move to the left corner on left hand drive cars.
In the following descriptions, numbers in parenthesis, e.g. (1), refer to the
numbered items in the diagram and list above.
All directions are described as viewed from the driver's seat. Thus the oil filler cap
(item 3) is on the left side of the car, the brake fluid reservoir (item 5) is on the right
side of the car.

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-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-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.

A - Service Schedules
2-A-4
Service Schedules Summary
Your DB AR1 should be serviced every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 6 months,
whichever occurs first. The service schedules cover:
Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI)
This free series of checks is carried out on the car by the Selling Dealer before
delivery. The checks ensure that you receive a vehicle which matches the high
quality standards set by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited.
Initial 1,500km (1,000 mile) Service
The Selling Dealer is responsible for the costs and work involved in performing this
free service. The initial service consists of an inspection and oil change service after
completion of the first 1,500 km (1,000 miles) and includes fine adjustments to
compensate for initial 'bedding-in' e.g. handbrake adjustment. Also, engine oil and
filter will be changed to clear any contaminants picked up during the initial running.
12,000 km (7,500 mile) Service
This is the basic service interval for DB AR1 when consumable oils, filters, etc will be
changed and functional checks will be carried out on all major systems in the vehicle.
24,000 km (15,000 mile) Service
In addition to the 12,000 km (7,500 mile) service items, air filters, wiper blades etc.
are renewed at 24,000 km (15,000 mile) intervals.
48,000 & 96,000 km (30,000 & 60,000 mile) Services
Again the basic 12,000 km (7,500 mile) service is carried out together with the
additional checks and replacement items shown in the following schedules.
2 Years
To maintain the hydraulic brake system performance, the brake fluid is renewed
every 2 years to clear the system of absorbed water vapour.

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

2-A-7
A - Service Schedules
Service Schedules
The following service schedules are recommended for DB AR1. The schedules may
be modified if necessary. Please consult your Aston Martin Dealer for details of any
service schedule updates.
Road Test Evaluation
1000mls 7500mls 15000mls
1500km 12000km 24000km
3 months 6 months 12 months
x x x Pre-Maintenance Road Test Evaluation
Fluids Filters and Leaks Checks
1000mls 7500mls 15000mls
1500km 12000km 24000km
3 months 6 months 12 months
x x x Renew the engine oil
x x x Renew the engine oil filter
x x x Check for engine oil leaks
- - x Renew the air cleaner elements
x x x Check auto transmission for leaks
x x x Check man. gearbox for leaks.
Top-up if necessary
- - x Renew rear axle oil
x - - Check / top-up rear axle oil
- x - Check rear axle for leaks, top up if necessary
- - 30000 Renew engine coolant - check S.Gravity
x x x Check/top-up engine coolant
x x x Check cooling and heating systems for leaks
- - 60000 Renew fuel filters
x x x Check for fuel leaks
Every 2 years 30,000 miles Renew brake fluid
x x x Check / top-up brake fluid reservoir
x x x Check / top-up clutch fluid reservoir
x x x Check / top-up power steering reservoir
x x x Check power steering system for leaks
x x x Check brake hoses, pipes and unions for leaks
x x x Check suspension dampers for leaks
x x x Top-up windscreen washer reservoir
x x x Check exhaust system for leaks
x x x Check air conditioning system for leaks