Month: August 2016

Fender Covers while Performing Engine Service Work on an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To3 Comments
Aston Martin DB9 Right Front Fender and hood open
Please Protect Me!

Before you begin any work under the hood (bonnet) on your DB9 you should consider if there is a chance you might scratch or damage one of those gorgeous fenders (wings).  One momentary mistake could lead to much anguish should a spanner go awry, not to mention the buttons or zipper from your jeans or jacket.

Personally I don’t cover them up if I am just checking the oil or just having a peek under the hood, but if I am performing any real service I definitely cover them up. Continue reading “Fender Covers while Performing Engine Service Work on an Aston Martin DB9” →

Disconnecting the Battery in an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To11 Comments
Battery Compartment Opened on an Aston Martin DB9
Battery Negative Terminal Disconnected

There are MANY service events for your DB9 that say to disconnect the battery as one of the steps.   I am as realistic as anyone in this regard – meaning I usually skip this step if I think I can get away with it.  The safety Nazi’s probably tell you disconnect the battery to vacuum the carpets.   But, there are certainly some circumstances where this should be followed.  Working on your fuel system, working on the electrical system, etc.  Any situation where an accidental spark or short could destroy parts of the car. Continue reading “Disconnecting the Battery in an Aston Martin DB9” →

Depressurizing the Fuel System on an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To12 Comments

Aston Martin DB9 Fuel Charging SystemYou may need to depressurize the fuel system on your DB9 if you are going to do any work with the fuel rails or fuel injectors under the hood.  I am doing this as part of changing my coil packs and spark plugs, but you might be wanting to change a fuel injector or various other engine service tasks.  Normally the fuel system has ~40psi of fuel pressure (even when turned off as residual pressure), and if you are going to disconnect something with the fuel system under the hood (bonnet), you don’t want the risk of it spraying you, your car, or worst of all causing a fire.

Depressurizing it is fairly simple.  We are going to run the engine out of gas by removing a relay that operates the fuel pumps.  No fuel = no pressure.  Easy. Continue reading “Depressurizing the Fuel System on an Aston Martin DB9” →

Accessing the Cabin Fuse Box on an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To25 Comments
Aston Martin DB9 LHD Car Fusebox Location
Fuse Box Locations

An Aston Martin DB9 has 3 separate fuse boxes, one in the engine compartment, one in the passenger compartment and the last in the boot.   You may need to access the Cabin Fuse Box for a variety of service reasons as it contains fuses for a myriad of the vehicles systems.  In addition to the fuses, this is also the location of the Fuel Pump Relay, something you may need to remove to depressurize the fuel system if you are working on your fuel injectors.

Accessing the Cabin Fusebox is pretty easy once you know where it is.  From the owners manual diagram above you’d think it was under the dash on the right.   Actually, its under the floor mat on the Passenger side, so it’s different than in the diagram shown if you have a Right Hand Drive (RDH) car.   That’s right, under the floor mat, not hidden under the dash.  Check out my video below for a clear view of where it is. Continue reading “Accessing the Cabin Fuse Box on an Aston Martin DB9” →

How to Change the Coil Packs and Spark Plugs in an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To62 Comments
Revealing the Coil Packs on an Aston Martin DB9
Ahh, there are the Coil Packs….

If your DB9 has developed a Lumpy Idle (see my in depth post on this) you’ll be faced with either taking it to the Dealership (and a $1,800+ labor bill plus parts) or undertaking the task yourself over a weekend.  There is a considerable level of skill and determination required to accomplish this feat.  Easily the most complicated service event I’ve done yet on my 9.   If you have the gumption, tools and the time it can be a rewarding and cost saving experience.  I think anyone can do it if you properly prepare. Continue reading “How to Change the Coil Packs and Spark Plugs in an Aston Martin DB9” →

Tools Required to Change the Coil Packs and Spark Plugs on an Aston Martin DB9

On By Steve McEvoyIn Advice, How To3 Comments
Tools Required to Change the Coil Packs and Spark Plugs on an Aston Martin DB9
All the Tools You’ll Need

If you are about to embark on changing the coil packs, spark plugs and perhaps the PCV valves on your DB9, it’s always comforting to know you have all the tools to do the job BEFORE you start.   It’s really frustrating to be halfway into a task and find out you are stuck since you don’t have the right do-dad.   The DB9 isn’t quite as simple as changing the plugs and coil on an old Chevy small block V8, and you’ll be twisting the spanners for hours just to get near the plugs and coils. Continue reading “Tools Required to Change the Coil Packs and Spark Plugs on an Aston Martin DB9” →