Apologies I am new to Astons and I'm unsure what this green bulb on the dash is (Arrows pointing in the pic). Occasionally while driving it will flash blue/red and the car will say something I can't quite make out. I want to troubleshoot what it is but it would help to know what it is called and what the purpose of it is. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Duke.

 

Hidden radar detector?

 

Hello, are you unsure and asking if that light is a hidden radar detector, or are you certain and just saying it in a bit of a rhetorical way? I got this car only about 2 months ago, and it has been modified somewhat prior to me getting it (cats cut, wrap, wheels). So I'd believe if he put a radar detector in there. But the bulb looks so clean as though the car came with it so I'm hesitant to believe its a mod. Appreciate the input!

 

Not rhetorical at all. Just a guess based on the information provided. My DB9 had two LEDs in the instrument cluster surround that were perfectly drilled and pressed in from the back-side. They looked perfect and professional, but not in keeping with the rest of the switchgear of the car. Turns out it was a hidden K40 radar detector. I've since removed it and all of the spliced in wiring.

Also, that LED doesn't look centered and I can't find a picture of the DB11 instrument cluster surround with an LED or hole in that position. I'm pretty sure that's not factory.

 

Yes I also don't see it in videos of normal DB11's. I'm just a tad confused as when the light goes off it relays it via sounds in the car and the same voice that comes when you select certain settings in the car. Also it seems the beeping seems to continue as I keep on the gas, and when I brake it cools off. I definitely think it could be a radar detector, but it is incredible professional if so to hook up to the sensors/sounds of the car and be so seamless.

 

Just drive by a trooper 70 miles over the speed limit and listen to what it says, lol

 

Whatever it is, it is an add on, likely a K40 radar. Here is a pic of my DB11 dash and no such light:






If it is a K40, look for two things, a control unit somewhere under the dash and it should be feeding that light. Then look for any sensor(s) somewhere likely right behind the front grille. Some K40s also have rear sensors. I had one of these in my Bentley, but the K40 is really old tech, and I had a dash light similar to your green light mounted in the cluster. Here is a pic for the K40 install manual with the control unit and what to look for.

 

If you're still unsure, go by a local K40 installer and ask them

 

Speaking of radar detectors, which models do you guys use?

 

K40 if it's talking to you. The voice says what bandwidth is being detected. The integrated system uses a remote to operate. On/off volume level etc.
BTW they shut down last year. So parts and repairs could be difficult.

 

K40 used a remote like this. The voice can be turned on or off and tone as well. In fact, the entire unit can be off and if memory serves me, w/o the remote the unit can't be turned on manually or in any specific mode.

These Calibres got very pricey on Ebay as owners would sell cars w/o remotes. This one is left over from the K40 I had in my Bentley.