Well, looks like I'm going to shift from 'Curious' to 'Committed' pretty soon. I've got a deposit down on a black 08 V8V. I'm planning to keep the car for a long time and learn the ins and outs mechanically so that I can do as much service myself as possible (and more frequent service). I'm not crazy, there are obviously situations where the car is going to go to the dealership for maintenance but I would like to really get to know it and do as much as possible myself.

My question is what tools/facilities should I try to get access to? My brother-in-law is a mechanic and I can probably get access to his hoist and tools periodically. But are there any special tools that I should have in advance? Lacking a hoist, what's the best way to get underneath it in my garage/driveway. How much can be carried out simply by being under the hood? MTIA, great community here, looks like I'm going to be part of it for a long time to come ...

 

I would say maybe just a jack and some jackstands to hold car up. If your planning to do services, brakes and things of that sort. A basic tools kit (sockets, wrenchs, etc.) should be fine. Has you come to speciality bolts, just get the sockets you need to remove them.

 

I'm very much into DIY myself. Anyone know if you can clear engine codes AND transmission codes with an OBDII scanner?

I've searched on a few readers that will clear engine codes but what if a transmission code faults? Any known way to clear those?

 

I have yet to see a scan tool that can clear Aston transmission or abs codes, expect for the factory tool.

 

RSC is starting to do their ECU remap through the ODBII port. I may be mistaken but I believe Stuart at RSC said I would be able to clear codes, etc. as well when I got it. You may want to check with him. Worth a try I guess.