UPDATED 11/16/2015 by Telum01

Many parts and procedures are shared across Aston Martin's model range. Some of them are specific to a particular car or even to a range of years for a given model. While the links below generally state they are for a particular car, they might also apply to others as well. Most of the information posted is based on left-hand drive cars (ie, those found in the North American market). Some of these links direct to Piston Heads, a forum primarily comprised of European members. On that forum the cars will likely be right-hand drive.



Do you really want to buy an Aston? Thread on owner's problems with their cars:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/338007-what-has-your-aston-been-mechanically-major-issues.html

The definitive buyer's guide book for Gaydon Era Astons, loads of very helpful tips on these cars:
http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/

DB7 buyer's guide:
http://en.aston-martin-club.com/article/aston-martin-db7-buying-guide-128

DBS buyer's guides:
http://en.aston-martin-club.com/article/time-to-buy-aston-martin-dbs-2007-2012-212
http://en.aston-martin-club.com/article/aston-martin-dbs-2008-detail-210

The options available when ordering a new Aston Martin and the cost for each:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ll-models.html

The differences between the V8VGT and V8VS:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-v8v-v8vs.html

The full ordering guide for the limited-edition V8VGTS:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ing-guide.html

Link for getting a listing and graphs of prices of AMs in the US:
http://cargraph.com/

A good link on finding the right pre-owned Aston Martin:
Part 1: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/arti...ton-martin-182
Part 2: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/article/before-buying-your-first-aston-martin-second-part-187

You can get a ton of info directly from Aston Martin. Pay a subscription fee for 1-day access (or longer) and download all the service bulletins and workshop manuals for your car:
https://www.astonmartintechinfo.com/login.aspx

Here’s a great wiki with lots of useful info on AM. This is UK-focused but lots of the info will work:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...sked+Questions

Video of Aston Martin on National Geographic's Megafactories TV show:


Independent AM parts suppliers:

http://www.rsctuning.com/products/aston-martin.html

http://www.velocityap.com/

http://www.vcollection.com/

astonmartincarparts this company has an exc. AM online parts fiche you can access once you register on the website.

astonmartinbits

vorlandtechnik

dna-engineering

mansory

britishracinggroup

astonparts

Parts cross-reference:
There are many parts that come from other marques that are used by Aston Martin. Please post if you can add to this list!

Parts that come from non-Aston cars:
Pre-Garmin navigation - Volvo XC90 (Map DVDs can be purchased from Volvo for significantly less than from AM)
Pre-ECU key fobs - Volvo (under the leather it actually says Volvo)
Underside of wing mirrors - Volvo
Engine Oil - BMW M-cars

Parts that can be replaced with non-Aston parts at a reduced cost:
DBS/DB9/V8V Handbrake pads: Jaguar part# C2C13800
V8V Coolant thermostat: Jaguar part# AJ811788



Many maintenance and basic repair jobs can be done yourself. The following links will take you to Do-It-Yourself (DIY) guides that walk you through the steps for a given job. It is HIGHLY recommended that you have the workshop manual for your car as well - you can get it from the link listed in the first section of this FAQ. DIY guides are handy because they tend to simplify a job, while a workshop manual can be somewhat confusing. A best practice is to use both to ensure you can understand what you're doing (DIY guide) and have the details to do it right (workshop manual). Most jobs require basic hand tools and garage equipment (jack, jack stands). The main set of tools that might be needed is a full set of Torx bits. These are used extensively throughout Aston Martin's cars. When performing a DIY job, always remember SAFETY FIRST!

Service message reset:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ice-reset.html

Coast-down procedure for misfire factor corrections:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...rrections.html

DB9 coolant change DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...procedure.html

DB9 rear differential fluid change DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...tructions.html

DB9 air filter replacement DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/328272-db9-performance-air-filter.html

The original oil dipstick on the DB9 was too long and was changed for an updated one. The old one will make you think you have enough oil when you have too little, and you can lose your engine over it. Need to know which dipstick you have?
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/264525-db9-v12-oil-starvation-real-problem-not.html

Does your car stall when coasting off-throttle, particularly when your gas tank is more than half full? You might need to repair your fuel vapor recirculation hose.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/359095-one-main-causes-engine-stalls.html

Is your Air-Oil Separator leaking? Or is it whining loudly and needing to be replaced?
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...separator.html

Does your coolant not get to operating temperature, despite several minutes of driving (or maybe not at all)? If the coolant temperature gauge needle never gets to the halfway point, you might have a bad thermostat. A CEL might appear as well, with fault code P0128.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post3126432

Do your doors not stay open on their own? Has the rear hatch ever fallen on your head when you're getting something from the trunk? Aston uses gas struts to hold the doors, hood, and rear hatch open. These struts wear out over time and will need to be replaced.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/338754-hood-trunk-shock-replacement.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...or-struts.html

ECU (key) battery replacement DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...placement.html

DB9 oil change DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/330621-diy-oil-change-db9.html

DB9 battery replacement DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4208779

Vantage battery replacement DIY:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=965722

V8V Mass Air Flow sensor replacement DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/342213-how-diy-maf-sensor-installation.html#post4156509

V8V engine oil change DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/267925-diy-oil-change.html

V8V transmission fluid change DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...id-change.html

Vantage wiper blade installation DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/337039-wiper-magic.html

Vantage handbrake adjustment DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4171043

DB9 tail light installation DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ll-my-db9.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...atibility.html

V8V tail light installation DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4279007

V8V piano black panel DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/245564-piano-black-facia.html

DB9 door panel removal DIY:
http://documents.clubexpress.com/documents.ashx?key=TWTN2UmdGRh6EKrRThlnyZmOToNInKG ByMBgdXnbX8kAEi6zF8pJ5A%3d%3d

Very helpful thread on removal of various interior panels:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/260717-how-do-you-take-panel-out.html

DB9 seat cover removal DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/330799-diy-db9-seat-cover-removal.html

DB9 radio removal DIY video:



Modifications

A number of owners have modified their Aston Martin and shared the results on our forum. Because of their low volume and rarity, Astons don't have a huge aftermarket support like some other marques. However, options do exist for just about every area of the car.

Modification guru Karl-Franz gathered up his various project threads into one convenient location:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/331815-collection-links-all-my-aston-project-posts.html

DB9 Halo/Angel Eyes headlights mod DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lo-lights.html

Replace the amber side markers with black/clear ones DIY:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...k-markers.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...de-lights.html

Bluetooth integration for the Vantage:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...n-project.html

IPOD Tune2air WMA1000:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...r-wma1000.html

LED interior lights:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...or-lights.html

Reverse camera installation:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...tallation.html

Engine

V8V coil issues and misfires:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ion-coils.html

The exhaust system can be broken down into 4 basic parts: headers, catalytic converters (cats), mid-pipes, and muffler.
Headers: These are the most difficult to install, but can net huge gains on the V12-engined cars. AM's V12 engines have cats built into the headers. Aftermarket headers will eliminate these cats and allow the exhaust to flow much more efficiently. V8 Vantages also see gains from aftermarket headers.
Cats: The most bang for your buck in the exhaust, replacing the OEM cats with high-flow aftermarket units will increase sound as well as horsepower. These are also very easy to install.
Mid-pipes: Situated between the cats and muffler, these are straight-forward and simple. Only a couple options are available in the aftermarket, but they can be replaced with an X-pipe.
Muffler: The OEM muffler on most AM cars is very heavy, switching to an aftermarket will drop weight, and will add sound and maybe a couple horsepower. Some aftermarket exhausts retain exhaust valve functions, others eliminate it. Various sound volumes are available. If you want to keep the OEM exhaust but get more noise, all you have to do is pull fuse 22. This will keep the exhaust valves open at all times.

In depth thread on installing wireless exhaust control (fuse 22) for remote use:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-switch-5.html

Tips on exhaust removal V8 Vantage:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...st-before.html

Aftermarket exhaust options:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...in-tuning.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lds-stock.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-vanquish.html

The V8 Vantage has a lot of oil vapor that gets through the air-oil separator and into the intake manifold. Telum01 designed an oil catch can to solve this problem, which is now sold through VelocityAP.
Here's some background info: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/311828-aos-catch-can.html
Here's the updated version of the kit: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...rovements.html
And here's an installation guide: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...tallation.html

Noisy serpentine belt on Vantage V8:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/335237-noisy-serpintine-belt-fan-belt-v8-vantage.html

A discussion about the V8 Vantage's sluggish throttle response:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...onse-v8vs.html


Tuning

The factory tunes for Aston Martin cars leaves a lot of power left to be tapped. Numerous companies offer plug-and-play tunes that can increase horsepower, torque, and even improve gas mileage. Tunes are often required to prevent error codes and warning lights when performing certain other modifications. Some of those companies are Bamford Rose, OE Tuning, RSC, and VelocityAP.


Clutch

The clutch in the V8 Vantage is considered its weak point. Some people have seen as few as 15-20,000 miles on their clutch. It is an expensive replacement so the topic is worth looking into if you're in the market for an Aston. There are aftermarket heavy-duty options available that can increase the time between replacements.

AM V8 clutch information:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...servation.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...they-wear.html

Aston's ASM transmission is actually a robotized manual transmission, not an automatic. Each time the car is started, the transmission needs to "learn" where the clutch is so it can properly engage it. This thread covers the procedure:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...procedure.html


Suspension

Fewer options seem to exist for suspension compared to other areas of the car. Aston Martin offers a "standard (or "comfort") suspension as well as a "sport" suspension option. A couple companies offer aftermarket springs and coilovers.


Brakes

The OEM brake pads on the V8V are very, very dusty. Many people replace them with non-OEM pads before required just to eliminate the dust. A popular option for this is the Porterfield RS-4. If you plan to track your car, it'd be worthwhile to look into more aggressive pads.

Brake pads threads with pad info and installation tips:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ew-brakes.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d-options.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...my-rapide.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ge-brakes.html

Brakes squealing? Try this to make it stop:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...al-issues.html


Wheels and Tires

Addressing tires specifically, this comes up quite often and K-F summed it up nicely:

Aston Martin has a variety of OEM wheels available from the factory. Some of these can be swapped between cars (for example, a couple forum members have put DBS wheels on V8 Vantages). Spacers can be used to give cars a more aggressive stance while retaining the original wheels.

Stock wheel and tire weights:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/332889-official-stock-wheel-tire-weight-thread.html

Aftermarket wheel options:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...el-option.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ly-instal.html

Astons don't come with a spare tire. Rather, they have patch kits and small pumps/inflators. Tire inflator kit and options:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lator-kit.html

Superb threads on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), mostly for Vantage:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ms-resync.html
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...g+Schematic%3F

Good thread on faults with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on DB9/Vantage:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...e+System+Fault


Exterior

Vinyl wraps:
Aston Martin's paint can be very expensive to fix if damaged. A high-quality clear wrap is worth its weight in gold! Vinyl wrap is also an option if you want to change the color of your car without having to repaint it.

Powerfold mirrors:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d-mirrors.html

DB9 Rear license plate Euro mount:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ate-mount.html

Vantage hood latch adjustment:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/346214-hood-adjustment-vantage.html

Closing your hood by dropping it can damage the hood seals. Here's how to close the hood without damaging the seals:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/336174-fender-hood-seals-vantage.html

Wiper blade cross-reference:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1099694&r=22897904&hm=309879&mid=3 09879#22897904

Identifying your car’s paint code:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...nt-colors.html

US-based company with touch up paint for Aston Martins:
http://www.automotivetouchup.com/tou...n%20%2Bpaint_b

Touch up paint thread, sources and technique:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...up-w-pics.html

Wheel paint touch up info:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...nt-wheels.html

An excellent thread on different types of protection/preparation/maintenance of the paint:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4197742

A bike rack on an AM? Yes you can!
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/353138-bike-rack-am.html


Interior

Have your seat adjustments stopped working? Here's how you fix them:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d-working.html

Sunshields help keep your interior cool on hot days and can help protect your leather from sun damage:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/333217-sun-shade-fit.html
https://www.heatshieldstore.com/sun_shades_for/aston_martin/vantage_amv8/2007
http://www.carid.com/2007-aston-martin-vantage-sun-shades/

Leather care:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ash-board.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-question.html

Interior control **** upgrades, this thread discusses changing out interior control *****:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/274425-hand-made-england-bespoke-*****.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/331616-glass-buttons-door-caps-dension-gateway-500-a.html

Link for interior trim removal tools, many types on amazon and ebay:

Pesky door rattles, two easy fixes:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4180524


Electrical

OEM Bluetooth upgrade
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...7-vantage.html

Door lock issues and key fob programming:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ock-issue.html

Door Lock and Alarm module issues:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...e-problem.html

That pesky emissions warning light:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ight-came.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...just-came.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...d-message.html

A thread on this issue and coil replacement
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ion-coils.html

Scan tools and resetting SRS and other scantool info:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...eset-help.html

Autodip reset on the windows when door opened:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...o-dipping.html


Convertibles

Aston Convertibles (called Roadster or Volante, depending on the car) have a few unique things to consider. First and foremost are issues relating specifically to the roof itself. Two main issues have been encountered: First is that the roof can tear, second is that the convertible roof module (CRM) can go bad and will need to be replaced. Of minor note is that some parts are different for convertibles than they are for the coupes of that same car. Rear springs, for example, are different - likely to account for the extra weight of the convertible.

Vantage V8 CRM malfunction threads:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lfunction.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4121921

Convertible roof operation not possible:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-possible.html

Convertible roof tearing
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...ster+Roof+Wear


Convertible roof only opening several inches and no further, but CRM is okay:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ening-fix.html

Miscellaneous

Interested in doing track days in your car? Here's some info:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/347267-track-days-your-aston.html

Options for jack pads to use with AM cars:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/331695-who-wants-aston-martin-jack-pads.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/aston-martin/337439-db9-jack-pads-maxxjax-2post-lift.html

Proper starting procedure after long period in storage:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...er-winter.html

Radar options:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...rotection.html


Recalls and Known Major Issues:

In general these are good once fixed and won't reoccur, though that repair can be costly.
V8 Vantage timing cover gasket (expensive)
V8 Vantage door lock mechanisms (expensive)
Navigation screen gears (inexpensive)
Fuel vapor recirculation hose (inexpensive)
Leaking windshield wiper fluid reservoir (inexpensive)

Recalls can be found here:
http://www.motortrend.com/used_cars/...artin/recalls/


Selling your Aston:

So you've decided to sell your pride and joy. Here's a great web page Karl Franz created to sell his 07. This is the way to do it! http://karlfranz.com/vantage4sale/ and here's a thread, look about midway thru for a post by Karl with details on his sales process/strategy https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...agination.html



I'd like to see others post threads with tips/links to useful info!
Chris

----

 

Sticky'd, awesome job

 

Thanks! Now hopefully people can add on to it. I only went back the last fifteen pages of threads so I know lots more behind that!

 

Hats off to you.
Excellent job.

 

Great job, Chris.

Telum, can you change the name of the thread to something more meaningful such as simply "Frequently Asked Questions" rather than Chris' original question.

 

There is second part "Profesional View": http://en.aston-martin-club.com/arti...econd-part-187 from
(A good link on finding the right pre-owned Aston Martin "Enthusiast View" : http://en.aston-martin-club.com/arti...ton-martin-182) in first post.

Aston Martin DB7 buying guide: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/arti...ying-guide-128

Time to buy Aston Martin DBS (2007 - 2012): http://en.aston-martin-club.com/arti...-2007-2012-212
Aston Martin DBS 2008 (detail description): http://en.aston-martin-club.com/arti...008-detail-210

(maybe registation will by necessary: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/register.php)
Also here is colection many usable Manuals & Brochure & Books: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/manuals

For example:
Workshop manual: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/manu...nload.php?id=2
DIY section: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/manu...5&cb_ok=Filter
Repair manuals: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/manu...1&cb_ok=Filter
Book Aston Martin Complete Story: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/manu...oad.php?id=234
Win decoder for Gaydon era: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/manu...oad.php?id=252
List of service buletin's & service action's for Gaydon Era: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/foru.../gaydon-era-37
List of service buletin's & service action's for Newport Pagnell era: http://en.aston-martin-club.com/foru...pagnell-era-38

etc.

 

Thanks Matrix, I've added the second part article and also the db7 guide!

The manual and information links will keep here.

Chris

 

I think worth adding this one. Pretty scary for volante users when CRM malfuncitons
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...play-dead.html

Also if anyone can find it I could not
but volante have issue with water accumulation in convertible roof motor/cylinder area and leads to malfunction. The way to prevent is to drill couple of holes in floor of this area. could nay of you find exact guide or write it up?

Thanks.

 

Telum, can you change the name of the thread to something more meaningful such as simply "Frequently Asked Questions" rather than Chris' original question.[/QUOTE]

Done

 

Can you add a link for VelocityAP in your section for independent AM parts dealers? Stuart supplies OEM parts and he's one of our board sponsors!

Thanks again for putting this together. So much awesome info!

 

absolutely!

 

How about the ASM clutch learn guide?

 

Is there a thread on it? I may have missed but will certainly add it.

Chris

 

Yep.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...procedure.html

sorry I'm too lazy for tinyurl

 

Thanks Ibis, I'll add it.