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Introduction
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Market Position
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Positioning:
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The Aston Martin DB7, launched in 1994, represented a significant turning point for the brand, offering a more accessible yet still luxurious grand tourer. This manual caters to the crucial early years of this iconic model.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Ferrari 456 GT, Porsche 911 (993 generation), Bentley Continental R
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Key Features
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Design Language:
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Penned by Ian Callum, the DB7 showcased flowing lines and classic Aston Martin proportions.
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Engine Development:
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Initial models featured a 3.2L supercharged straight-six engine derived from Jaguar's AJ6/AJ16 family, offering impressive torque.
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Manual Utility
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Target Audience:
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Owners, independent workshops, and enthusiasts seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
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Manual Value
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Benefit:
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Enables accurate servicing, troubleshooting, and repair, saving time and expense compared to dealership-only service.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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3.2L Supercharged Inline-6 (DB7 Coupe/Volante), 5.9L V12 (DB7 Vantage, DB7 GT, DB7 GTA - subsequent models covered by separate manuals but may have overlap in some areas if specified in errata)
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Transmission:
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5-Speed ZF Automatic (DB7), 6-Speed Manual (DB7 Vantage)
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Fuel System:
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Fuel Injection System, Fuel Pump, Fuel Tank, Lines, and Filters
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Ignition System:
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Ignition Coils, Spark Plugs, Engine Control Unit (ECU) Diagnostics
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Cooling System:
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Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Coolant Specifications
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Exhaust System:
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Exhaust Manifolds, Catalytic Converters, Mufflers, Pipes
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Brakes:
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Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System, Brake Fluid Specifications, Bleeding Procedures
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Suspension:
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Front and Rear Suspension Components, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Alignment Specifications
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Steering:
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Power Steering System, Steering Rack, Tie Rods, Steering Column
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Electrical System:
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Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting System
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Body And Chassis:
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Body Panel Removal/Installation, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Chassis Structure
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Interior:
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Seating, Dashboard, Trim Panels, Airbag System (where applicable within the generation)
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Climate Control:
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Air Conditioning System, Heater Core, Blower Motor, Controls
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II Information (if applicable to early models)
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs
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Repair:
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Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement
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Troubleshooting:
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Step-by-step diagnostics for common and complex issues
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Installation:
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Component installation and removal procedures
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Specifications:
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Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced engine and driveline repairs, including electrical system diagnostics.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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3.2L Supercharged Inline-6 (12-valve DOHC)
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Bore X Stroke:
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86 mm x 92 mm
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Compression Ratio:
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8.0:1
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Horsepower:
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335 bhp (250 kW) @ 5000 rpm
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Torque:
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361 lb-ft (490 Nm) @ 3000 rpm
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Eaton Supercharger
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Fuel Type:
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Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
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Lubrication
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Oil Type:
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API SG/SH or ACEA A2-96 or higher (Consult manual for specific viscosity grade, e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-40)
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Oil Capacity:
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Approx. 8.0 Litres (8.5 US Quarts) with filter change
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Cooling System
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Coolant Type:
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Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Prestone or equivalent)
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Coolant Capacity:
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Approx. 10.5 Litres (11.1 US Quarts)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific recommendation.
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Major Service:
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Key services at 20,000 miles (e.g., spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush) and 40,000 miles (e.g., transmission fluid change, differential fluid change) are critical. Detailed schedule in manual.
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Fluid Specifications
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 4 recommended.
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Power Steering Fluid:
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ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) typically specified.
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Differential Fluid:
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GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90). Consult manual for specific viscosity and type.
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Known Issues
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Common Wear Items:
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Suspension bushings, clutch (if applicable to manual variants), brake components, and catalytic converters can be wear items.
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Electrical Gremlins:
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As with many cars of this era, the electrical system can be complex; the manual provides critical diagnostic flowcharts.
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Supercharger Belt:
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Regular inspection and potential replacement of the supercharger drive belt is necessary.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Brand History:
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Aston Martin, founded in 1913, has a storied history of producing elegant and powerful sports cars, often associated with James Bond films and racing heritage.
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Model Evolution
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Db7 Introduction:
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The DB7 marked a renaissance for Aston Martin under Ford ownership, designed by Ian Callum and built in Bloxham, UK. It replaced the Virage and was initially offered as a coupé and later a Volante convertible.
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Engine Progression:
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The 3.2L supercharged inline-six was the powerplant for the initial DB7. This was later succeeded by the 5.9L V12 engine in the DB7 Vantage model (introduced in 1999, outside the primary scope of this manual but part of the lineage).
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Production
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Production Period:
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1994-2004 (DB7 line); this manual specifically covers 1994-1999.
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Production Locations
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Manufacturing Plant:
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Aston Martin Works, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, England.
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