sport mode ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

B - Controls
1-B-5 AMBER is used for non-emergency indications such as Low Fuel, Low
Screen Wash Fluid.
GREEN signals the use of normal functions such as Direction Indicators and
Sport Mode engagement.
BLUE is used to indicate that the Headlight Main Beams are on.
The following descriptions cover all instrument panel warning lights grouped
in the order warnings (reds), cautions (ambers), and normal status lights
(greens and blue).

B - Controls
1-B-8
SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) (Amber)
Flashes if a fault is detected in the airbag system.
When you start the car, this lamp comes on for a few seconds
as a readiness indicator. If it does not come on when you start
the car, or if it does not go off after a few seconds, or if it comes
on whilst driving, the airbag system has detected a fault. Consult
your Dealer immediately if this light illuminates.
Frost Warning Lamp (Amber)
This lamp will illuminate if the external temperature falls to
+4°C. At or below this temperature there is an increased risk of
frost on the road surface.
Traction Control Warning (Green)
Traction control is normally on. This lamp illuminates if the
system is switched off. The lamp flashes when traction control
is active. See the traction control description in this section.
Sport (Auto transmission only) (Green)
Indicates that Sport Mode is selected, increasing the engine
speeds at which the automatic transmission changes gear.
Left Turn Direction Indicator (Green)
Flashes with the indicator lights during operation of the left turn
signal or hazard warning lights.
Right Turn Direction Indicator (Green)
Flashes with the indicator lights during operation of the right turn
signal or the hazard warning lights.

B - Controls
1-B-15
Windscreen Washer Control
The windscreen washers are switched on by pressing the button on the end
of the right column stalk. The washers and wipers operate whilst the button
is pressed. On releasing the button, the washers stop immediately but the
wipers continue for a few strokes to clear any residual washer fluid from the
screen.
If the washer button is used during normal wiper operation, the washers
operate whilst the button is pressed and the wipers operate continually
irrespective of the washer operation.
Steering Wheel
Horn Push
The horn is sounded by pressing either of the
horn buttons above the steering wheel pad.
An alternative three spoke sports wheel is
fitted to cars with the Touchtronic transmission
option.
Two buttons marked '+' and
'-' are fitted to
the steering wheel horizontal spokes. These
buttons are used for gearchanging when in
Touchtronic mode.

C - Driving
1-C-11
Gear Changing - Touchtronic Transmission Control
The 'Touchtronic' transmission system can operate in Automatic, Sport and
Touchtronic modes. It is controlled using the special selector lever shown
below.
P
R
N
D

C - Driving
1-C-12
Touchtronic Gear Selector Lever
The Touchtronic gear selector lever is operated in the right portion of the
selector gate for automatic mode (P, R, N and D) and in the left portion of
the selector gate for Sport (S) and Touchtronic modes. The Sport warning
lamp on the instrument panel will illuminate when Sport mode is selected
and will extinguish on entering Touchtronic mode. Touchtronic mode is
selected and operated sequentially using the gear lever or the '-' or '+'
buttons on the steering wheel.

C - Driving
1-C-13
Gearshift Mode Indicator
The current gearshift mode is indicated on the instrument panel digital
display.
Automatic mode is indicated by the 'A' symbol.
In Sport mode, the 'A' symbol is shown on the
indicator and the Sport warning lamp on the
instrument panel is illuminated.
In Touchtronic mode, the current gear is shown by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 in the
display.
Steering Wheel Gear Shift Buttons
In Touchtronic mode, gearshifts may also be made using the '-' and '+'
buttons on the steering wheel. These buttons are inactive when in Automatic
mode.

C - Driving
1-C-14
Gearshift Modes
Automatic Mode
When the gear selector lever is operated in the right half of
the selector gate ('A' showing in the instrument panel
display), the transmission is in Automatic mode.
The gearbox functions as a standard automatic five speed transmission. The
selector lever may be placed into the P, R, N or D positions. When D is
selected, gearshifts will be made automatically at points dependant on
vehicle speed, throttle position and engine load.
Sport Mode
The Sport mode can be selected by moving the gear selector
lever to the left from the 'D' position. The Sport warning lamp
on the instrument panel will illuminate on entering Sport
mode.
Sport mode may be cancelled by moving the selector lever back to the right
half of the selector gate to return to Auto mode. Sport mode is also cancelled
by selecting a gear in Touchtronic mode.
Touchtronic Mode
From the Sport position, Touchtronic mode is selected by any forward or
rearward movement of the selector lever or by pressing one of the steering
wheel gearshift buttons.
Any forward movement of the selector lever will engage the next higher
gear. Any rearward movement of the selector lever will engage the next
lower gear. The lever will return to the centre position after each movement.
In Touchtronic mode, all gearshifts are under driver control. The number of
the current gear appears in the digital selector display.

C - Driving
1-C-16
Additional Automatic Gearbox Functions
Kickdown (Automatic and Sport Modes Only)
If maximum power is demanded from the engine by opening the throttle to
more than about 95%, the kickdown function is automatically actuated.
With kickdown in operation, the gearbox may shift to the next lower gear
and further upshifts will occur at much higher engine speeds than when
using modest throttle openings. This mode is useful to achieve maximum
acceleration when, for example, overtaking another vehicle.
Torque Converter Lock-up
When driving in 3rd, 4th or 5th gears, a further change takes place within
the transmission. The torque convertor, transmitting power from engine to
transmission, will lock to improve the transmission efficiency. This is a
completely automatic function of the transmission system and will occur at
predetermined speeds.

Index
5-A-6
Stopping the Engine 1-C-8
Storing the Car 1-F-58
T
Tachometer 1-B-10
The Vehicle Toolkit 1-F-18
Touchtronic Mode 1-C-14
Touchtronic Transmission Control
Automatic Mode 1-C-14
Gearshift Inhibit 1-C-15
Minimum Upshift Speeds 1-C-15
Selector Lever 1-C-12
Sport or Touchtronic Mode 1-C-14
Steering Wheel Shift Buttons 1-C-13
Traction Contol 1-B-20
Traction Control System 1-C-17
Traction Control Operation 1-C-18
Traction Control Warning Lamp 1-C-17
Turn Signals 1-B-12
Turning off the Alarm 1-A-4
Turning on the Alarm 1-A-4
Tyre Inflation Aerosols 1-F-19
Tyre Reinflation Procedure 1-F-20
U
Unlocking the DB AR1 1-A-4
US Uniform Tyre Quality Grades 1-F-16
V
Vehicle Cleaning 1-F-54
Aerial Care 1-F-57
Underbonnet Cleaning 1-F-57
Upholstery, Carpets, Seats and Seat Belts 1-F-56
Vehicle Recovery 1-F-26
Suspended Towing 1-F-28
Towing by Another Vehicle 1-F-29
Transporting and Towing 1-F-26
Voltmeter 1-B-10