Introduction
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Market Position
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Vehicle Class:
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Luxury Grand Tourer
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 Turbo (996)
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Key Features
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V12 Engine:
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Naturally aspirated 5.9L V12 engine delivering potent performance.
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Handcrafted Luxury:
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Renowned for Aston Martin's signature handcrafted luxury, premium materials, and bespoke craftsmanship.
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Design Elegance:
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Timeless and elegant design, a hallmark of the Aston Martin brand.
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Manual Utility:
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Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners and independent specialists to service the vehicle effectively.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Service Repair:
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Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the V12 engine.
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Transmission Service Repair:
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Service and repair of the transmission system.
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Brake System:
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Detailed information on the brake system.
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Wiring Diagram:
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Complete wiring diagrams included.
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Electrical System:
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In-depth coverage of the vehicle's electrical system.
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Suspension:
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Repair and maintenance procedures for the suspension system.
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Steering:
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Service and repair information for the steering system.
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Cooling System:
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Detailed coverage of the cooling system.
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Fuel Injection Fuel System:
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Service and repair for the fuel injection and fuel delivery systems.
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Emission System:
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Information pertaining to the emission control systems.
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Heater Air Conditional:
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Maintenance and repair of the HVAC system.
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Engine Control System:
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Diagnostics and repair of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and related systems.
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Chassis Body:
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Information related to the chassis and body structure.
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Restraint System:
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Service and safety information for airbags and seatbelts.
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Interior:
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Procedures related to interior components and trim.
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Differential Drive:
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Service and repair of the differential and drive axles.
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Axle:
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Detailed information on axle systems.
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Procedures Included
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General Maintenance:
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Routine maintenance procedures and checks.
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guidance for common issues.
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Periodic Lubrication:
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Schedule and specifications for periodic lubrication.
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Repair Procedures:
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Detailed step-by-step repair instructions.
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Diagnostic Procedures:
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Comprehensive diagnostic steps for various systems.
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Electrical Diagnostics:
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Combined troubleshooting and electrical service procedures with wiring diagrams.
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Disassembly Assembly:
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Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly and reassembly.
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Cleaning Reinstalling:
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Procedures for cleaning and reinstallation of components.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Professional Technician Level - Comprehensive diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information.
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Transmission
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Standard
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Transmission Type:
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6-Speed Manual (Tremec T56)
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Optional
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Transmission Type:
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5-Speed Automatic (Jaguar/Ford 'TorqueFlite' derived, often referred to as a ZF unit)
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Features
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Clutch:
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Hydraulically actuated clutch
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Fluid Specifications
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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Refer to manual for specific GL rating and viscosity (typically 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5, check with specific Aston Martin fluid recommendations)
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., Mercon V or equivalent)
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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 or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for specific recommendations.
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Major Service Interval:
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Refer to manual for detailed 20,000 mile, 30,000 mile, etc., service schedules.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Specification:
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Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API/ACEA ratings (typically a high-quality synthetic oil like 5W-30 or 10W-40).
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Coolant Specification:
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Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., OAT).
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Brake Fluid Specification:
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DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid.
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Known Issues
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Common Issues:
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Potential issues may include aging electrical components, specific seal degradation, or wear on unique Aston Martin parts. The manual provides diagnostic information for these.
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Ignition System:
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Spark plug replacement and coil pack checks are routine maintenance items.
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Cooling System Maintenance:
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Regular coolant flushes and inspection of hoses and radiator are important.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Brand Legacy:
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Aston Martin has a long and storied history in motorsport and luxury automotive manufacturing, dating back to 1913.
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Model Evolution
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Db7 Introduction:
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The DB7 was launched in 1994 as a successor to the V8 Vantage and Virage models, initially with a supercharged inline-six.
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V12 Introduction:
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The DB7 V12 Vantage was introduced in 1999, featuring the significantly more powerful and sophisticated V12 engine, replacing the supercharged six-cylinder. This manual covers the 2003 model year, a refinement of the V12 platform.
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Production
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Production Period:
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DB7 V12 Vantage produced from 1999 to 2004.
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Manufacturing Location:
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Aston Martin's Banbury factory, and later Gaydon, UK.
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