Question 1

Flat Batteries

Accepted Answer

Over the years we have found that the customers are calling up regarding flat batteries over a short period of time. One of the main causes of this is the original tracker unit. This module over time can become faulty which in turn causes a battery drain. To solve this problem, we advise that we disconnect this tracker and then reflash the ECUs. We also recommend that a trickle charger is fitted to the vehicle which will help battery life.

Question 2

Alarm system failure

Accepted Answer

If you find that the car security alarm keeps going off or have an alarm system failure warning message, there are two common causes. Firstly and the most likely is a system siren module failure. Secondly the microswitches on the doors, boot and bonnet can also fail.

Question 3

Squeaking brakes

Accepted Answer

Brake squeal is an issue that we deal with on a regular basis. The first step to solving this is to make sure that only the correct braking materials are being used. Then followed by our bespoke system of fitment and use of anti-squeal compound. This method has been established through our hands-on experience.

Question 4

Auxiliary Belt Squeak

Accepted Answer

On initial start up the V8 Vantage may have a squeaky belt. This can be resolved by replacing the belt and idler pulley to a higher specification.  
On the DB9 and DB7 Vantage they can also suffer with squeaky belts. This is mainly due to one of the idler pulleys.

Question 5

Exhaust Valves Not Opening

Accepted Answer

DB9’s and Vantages are beginning to suffer with the exhaust bypass valves not opening. This may happen because of the following. Firstly, many customers remove the fuse which means the valves are constantly open. This unfortunately mean that the butterfly shaft seizes up. We can repair this rather than you having to purchase a new exhaust back box at great expense. Secondly, the Vacuum pump that operates the exhaust valves fail over time.

Question 6

V12 Engine smoke on initial start up

Accepted Answer

A puff of white smoke on initial startup from the exhaust on a DB7 Vantage, DB9 and Vantage V12 is mostly likely to be failure of the PCV Valves. These are located within the V and the back of the engine. They are original plastic and so with heat and age they fail. We advise that they are replaced with our upgraded component.

Question 7

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Accepted Answer

Tyre Pressure warning light/message is something that we are seeing more and more of year on year. This is mainly due to the tyre pressure sensors internal battery discharge. This is purely down to age. We advise that all the sensors are replaced at the same time and reprogramed to the vehicle, as when one sensor fails the others may fail soon after.

Question 8

Water/Moisture in the Rear Lights

Accepted Answer

DB9, Vantage and Vanquish can suffer with moisture in the Rear Lights. This should be resolved sooner rather than later as replacement lights are very expensive. We can overhaul these units at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new ones.

Question 9

Broken Springs

Accepted Answer

Broken springs on DB9 and Vantages is an area that we pay close attention to, especially when carrying a service, as we have seen that this has been overlooked in the past. This is due to them breaking close to the bottom of the base plate.

Question 10

Water/Coolant Leak

Accepted Answer

Aston Martins have a few areas that can cause a coolant leak. The first is from substandard radiators that corrode and crack. We resolve this by fitting a fully aluminium radiator upgrade, which will also make the cooling more efficient. Secondly, the plastic header tanks can leak where they are bonded together.

Question 11

Low Engine Coolant Temperature

Accepted Answer

On V8 Vantages 4.3 and 4.7 the coolant thermostat can fail and stick open. This will make it hard for the engine to reach and maintain its optimum running temperature.

Frequently asked questions