Hey guys! I am new to Aston Martin and new to the forum. I recently purchased a 2012 AM V8 Vantage with 12k miles! Once and a while I do seem to have an issue with the R button. It takes several clicks or for me to select D then back to R for the car to reverse...is this a known issue or common occurrence?

Please assist!

Thanks,

 

I’ve had a similar issue with my 2009 DB9 but found it resolved by pressing more firmly on the button. It was as if the contracts were dirty and a firmer press of the button resolved it.

 

Congratulations on you new Aston. Welcome to the forum. You will find a lot of help and support on this forum. These really are great cars and great people on the forum.

 

Hey!

so this morning I tried hitting the button a little firmer and it actually worked! Great news but it does worry me long term if I eventually break the button all together from pressing too hard.

 

Good to hear. In my case I wasn’t trying to assault the button, just pressing with more intention than a lighter tap.

 

Don't use the "D" button in an ASM, just use the paddles and let it downshift on its own, best way to prolong the clutch.

 

Thanks for the tip! I was wondering what ways/tricks I can use to prolong clutch life!

 

Are you familiar with the proper way to start the ASM and let the clutch learn? Start it, let it idle 5-10 secs, you will hear a faint click from the undercarriage (clutch) and after that you can engage gears. If yo do this 10-15 when the car is cold it will help with the clutch learn parameters and somewhat prolong clutch life.

 

Thank you! I will try and listen for the click next time!

 

Sounds good, your "N" button will also blink.

 

On the older vantages the 'N' button does not blink - not sure if it does on the 2012??? is your 'R' button plastic or a glass button? If it's plastic I have a spare.

 

Yes my “N” button does blink when I start the car. And yes, the buttons are plastic.

 

If you need a new R button, I changed mine in my 2017 V12S from plastic to glass when it had 160 total miles on it. Assuming the part is the same I can send it to you if you want - PM me.

 

Curious to know if the sport shift is anything like Lamborghini's early model E-Gear?

Unfortunately, there are not too many videos on YouTube specifically for clutch life on AM Sport Shift models (most of the videos are 6 Speed MT). I did however watch a video on the Lamborghini Gallardo's E-Gear...I was wondering if anyone:

1. Pulls both paddles to go to neutral when coming to a complete stop from higher gears.
2. Drives only in Sport mode to get a harder/cleaner grab.
3. Lets off the gas while shifting.

If anyone has some insight please let me know! I am not looking forward to a clutch repair bill so soon after getting my new car!

Thanks!

 

Just like the Lambo - yes