I’ve been doing some research to learn as much as possible about my car.  I’m the third owner, and it did not come with nearly any documented history.

I’ve been reaching out to various sources to gather background on the vehicle:

• I purchased a CarFax report on my VIN prior to buying the car, and it gave me some history to ownership and service history.   Check out my blog post on this.
• The specialist dealer I bought it from contacted the previous owner and they provided copies of the last AM Dealership service prior to my purchase.  I learned they did a 2yr service and changed a single coil pack just before putting the car up for sale (which was great to know).
• I then contacted the AM Dealership they had it serviced at and asked if they had any more service history on this VIN, and they said it was confidential, but checked anyways and they hadn’t worked on it other than the one time I had the paperwork for.
• I checked my Owners Manual in the glove box and reviewed the ‘stamps’ for each of the previous 8 years of service.  Most had in fact been done by a specialist and not a main dealer.
• I posted a question on the Aston Martin Owners Club about what engine number my car should have, and the ‘Registrar of Cars’ at the Aston Martin Heritage Trust provided my engine number based on my VIN (thanks Tim).
• I’ve contacted the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and asked them to research the car.  Check out my blog post on this.  In short – the information they have (which isn’t much at all for the Gaydon series cars) matches what I got from the main dealer below.
• I then finally got some significant information from asking my mechanic at my main dealer if he could generate a report of its original ‘as shipped’ spec, and he was able to supply a some information from the Aston Martin Dealer Communication System (DCS).
• In 2019 Aston Martin revamped their technical info website, and if you know your VIN number you can put it into their VIN lookup tool and get a bunch of data back for free without even signing up.  Head over to the TechnicalHub.AstonMartin.com website (click here) and enter your VIN.  What you’ll see is something like this document.  It includes your official paint code, interior color names, and some other bits.  Give it a try – it’s free!

As I learn about each element or option I will expand more on it.  Here is what I know about my car so far:

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Vehicle Details

Model: DB9 Coupe
Exterior Color:  Merlot Red  AST1342 (from the available ‘Fast Track’ color options)
Drive: Left Hand Drive
Gearbox: Touchtronic II
Chassis Number: A01906
Engine Number: AM04/10305
Gearbox Number: 0096919
VIN: SCFAD01A35GA01906

Sales Order No. DB912053
Build Number: 249136
Vehicle Number: 240 1936
Model Year: 2005
Country of Sale:  USA
Original Dealer: Cush Aston Martin of San Diego
Wholesale Date: February 14, 2005  (Valentines Day!)
Warranty Start Date (date of sale to first owner): April 19, 2005
Warranty End Date:  April 18, 2008

Interior Trim

Trim Upper Color: LX72 (Iron Ore Red)
Trim Upper Stitching: Color Match to Leather
Trim Lower Color: LX61 (Sandstorm)
Trim Lower Stitching: Color Match to Leather
Seat Outer Stitching: Color Match to Leather
Seat Inner Stitching: Color Match to Leather
Headlining Inner: Ivory (Fast Track)
Carpet Color: Black Cherry (Fast Track)
Carpet Binding: Color Match to Carpet

Options

Brake Calipers Color: Grey
Cruise Control: Included
Door Cappings: Mahogany Veneer
Facia Trim: Mahogany Veneer
Guidebook Language: USA
In Car Entertainment: Linn 260W Audio System Limbik 5.1
IP Language: USA English
Primer Color: Light Grey

Satellite Navigation: Included
Satellite Navigation Disc: USA
Seat Heating: Heated Front Seats
Seatbelt: Warm Charcoal
Stitching: N4330
Trim Split Line: Standard

 

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Service History

Pre-Delivery Inspection

Performed on: March 18, 2005
Mileage: 65
Performed by: Cush Aston Martin of San Diego, CA
Notes: Dealership was sold in October 2005.  Works was performed by Aston Martin Technician Jesse Valesquez.

 

1,000 Mile Service

Performed on: June 28, 2005
Mileage: 1,036
Performed by: Cush Aston Martin of San Diego, CA
Notes: Dealership was sold in October 2005, and I think became Aston Martin Kearny Mesa under the new ownership.  Works was performed by Aston Martin Technician Jesse Valesquez.

 

First Annual Service

Performed on:
Performed by:
Notes:

Second Annual Service

Performed on: January 31, 2007
Performed by: Aston Martin Kearny Mesa
Notes: 2 year service performed.

The work was performed by Aston Martin Technician Scott Garvin (funny story – check it out in this post)

 

 

Third Annual Service

Performed on: June 4, 2008
Performed by: Automotive Excellence in San Diego, CA
Mileage: 7,907
Notes: 1 year service performed including:

 

• Oil and Filter changed

Fourth Annual Service

Performed on: September 14, 2009
Mileage: 10,212
Performed by: Automotive Excellence in San Diego, CA
Notes: 2 year service performed including:

 

• Brake fluid flushed/changed
• Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
• Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
• Air filter replaced
• Oil and filter changed

California DMV Emissions Test

Performed on: March 12, 2011
Mileage: 12,730
Performed by: California Inspection Station in San Diego, CA
Notes: Passed

California DMV Emissions Test

Performed on: April 15, 2013
Mileage: 14,829
Performed by: California Inspection Station in La Mesa, CA
Notes: Passed

Fifth Annual Service

Performed on:
Performed by:
Notes:

Sixth Annual Service

Performed on:
Performed by:
Notes:

Seventh Annual Service

Performed on:
Performed by:
Notes:

Eight Annual Service

Performed on: July 18, 2013
Mileage: 15,111
Performed by: San Diego European Motor Cars Ltd.
Notes: 2 year service performed including:

 

• Brake fluid flushed/changed
• Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
• Cabin air filter replaced/cleaned
• Air filter replaced
• Oil and filter changed
• Differential Oil changed
• Wiper Blades changed
• Installed shorter engine oil dipstick per FSA-165
• Changed Spark Plug and Coil Pack on Cylinder 4 (misfires on other cylinders were noted)
• Programmed Misfire Corrections
• Reflash firmware in door modules per FSA-137

California DMV Emissions Test

Performed on: November 12, 2013
Mileage:
Performed by:
Notes: Passed

Brake Service

Performed on: February 15, 2014
Mileage: 17,340
Performed by: Me
Notes: Front and Rear Rotors and Brake Pads were replaced. New AM factory rotors and caliper bolts. Porterfield R4-S performance street compound pads were fitted.

Tire and Wheel Service

Performed on: February 17, 2014
Mileage: 17,347
Performed by: Neillo Maserati of Sacramento
Notes: All four tires replaced with new Bridgestone OEM spec tires purchased online from TireRack. Wheels alignment was checked and adjusted.  Wheels were balanced. All four wheel rims where resurfaced to remove road rash from previous owners curb scuffing.

Unscheduled Vehicle Service

Performed on: March 4, 2014
Mileage: 17,467
Performed by: Neillo Maserati of Sacramento
Notes: Transmission Oil Cooler Leak Repaired (common issue). Transmission oil cooler, lines and fluid changed with updated design parts.

Ninth Annual Service

Performed on: December 8, 2014
Mileage: 20,606
Performed by: Neillo Maserati of Sacramento
Notes: 1 year service
Four Wheels Balanced

California DMV Emissions Test

Performed on: February 20, 2015
Mileage: 21,841
Performed by: Smog ‘n’ Go California Start Test Inspection Station in West Sacramento, CA
Notes: Passed

Tenth Annual Service

Performed on: November 27, 2015
Mileage: 23,721
Performed by: Me
Notes: 2 year Annual Service – well documented on this blog and on video, this was the service event I decided to use to start this blog.

Wheels Balanced

Performed on: November 27, 2015
Mileage:
Performed by: Les Schwab Tires, Sacramento, CA
Notes: Old tape weight residue completely removed.

Unscheduled Vehicle Service

Performed on: January 17, 2016
Performed by: Aston Martin of Walnut Creek, CA
Mileage: 24,362

Notes: I scheduled with dealer to update all the ECU firmwares to latest for Engine, Transmission and other various modules. Engine ECU software was updated to version D8B2915FACR and Transmission software to version 001906AF.  An oil leak was found coming from the front timing cover (common issue apparently) and the front timing cover gasket, seals, thermostat and coolant were changed.

Unscheduled Vehicle Service

Performed on: July 2-4, 2016
Performed by: Me
Mileage: 25,961

Notes:  The car’s lumpy idle had been getting progressively worse for the past several months, and it was clear via the OBDII data that the Coil Pack for Cylinder 5 was going bad, and the others had some minor signs of beginning to fail as well.   Replaced all 12 spark plugs, coil packs, fuel injector o-rings and new intake manifold gaskets with new Dealer supplied parts.  Also took the time to replace the PCV valves (changed the entire octopus of hoses including the valves) since there was some oil build up in the intakes.  Afterwards recalibrated seat positions, window auto-drop, reset clock, stereo presets, and relearned Misfire Correction Factors.  This service is well documented on this blog.

Unscheduled Vehicle Service

Performed: July 2016
Mileage: 26,000 ‘ish
Performed by: Me and Award Interiors of Sacramento
Notes: On a hot 110°F Sacramento day I got into my car and discovered the beautiful Alcantara headliner fabric had sagged, the glue failed and released it from the shell.   I did the labor to remove the sagging headliner, and three other dash panels that I discovered the glue holding the leather was also starting to release.  I then took all the bits to a highly regarded upholstery shop here in Sacramento where they stripped off the old glue and reglued it as new.   I then reinstalled good as new.  Read about the repairs in this article.

Eleventh Annual Service

Performed on: November 26, 2016
Mileage: 27,372
Performed by: Me
Notes: 1 year Annual Service – Changed the engine oil (Mobil 1 0W-40), filter, drain plug, LH throttle body o-ring.  Changed the brake fluid.  Changed the left and right side marker lamp housing that were yellowing.  Checked tire pressures, lights, etc. according to service schedule.

Super Exterior Detailing

Performed on: November 27/28 2016
Mileage: 27,372
Performed by: Me
Notes: Snow foamed the car and washed.  Claybared all external surfaces including Window Glass.  Used Meguairs DA polisher with separate passes and buffing of Meguairs Compound, Polish and Wax.  Used Black plastic restorer on side mirror surrounds and tires.

Unscheduled Service

Performed on: December 27, 2016
Mileage: 27,800
Performed by: Les Schwab Tire Center, Sacramento, CA
Notes: Managed to collect a screw in the right rear tire.  Removed the wheel and took to my local tire shop for repair.  They had previously balanced them a year ago, and took pity on me and removed the screw and applied a proper patch to the inside of the tire for Free [Thanks Guys!].  Good as new!

California DMV Emissions Test

Performed on: February 25, 2017
Mileage: 28,732
Performed by: Smog ‘n’ Go California Start Test Inspection Station in West Sacramento, CA
Notes: Passed

Unscheduled Service

Performed on: June 6, 2017
Mileage: 29,918
Performed by: Safelite AutoGlass, Sacramento, CA
Notes:  My windshield took a rock hit while driving on the Freeway a few months back, and proceeded to crack across the passenger side.  My insurance covered the replacement.  Good as new!  Read my article on this.

New Tires and Wheel Alignment

Performed on: November 20, 2017
Mileage: 31,202
Performed by: Neillo Maserati of Sacramento
Notes: All four tires replaced with new Michelin Pilot Sport tires purchased online from TireRack. Wheel alignment was checked and adjusted.  Wheels were balanced.

Unscheduled Service

Performed on: December 6, 2017
Mileage: 31,500 ‘ish
Performed by: Les Schwab Tire Center, Sacramento, CA
Notes: Managed to collect a piece of metal debris in the almost brand new right rear tire. Almost exactly a year after the last flat in the same tire. Removed the wheel and took to my local tire shop for repair.  They did me a favor and fixed it again for free [Thanks Guys!]. Good as new!

Twelfth Annual Service

Performed on: December 23, 2017
Mileage: 31,305
Performed by: Me
Notes: 2 year Annual Service – Changed the engine oil (Mobil 1 0W-40), filter, drain plug, removed and cleaned both throttle bodies and installed new throttle body o-rings.  Checked tire pressures, lights, etc. according to service schedule.  Replaced failed front LH Position Lamp bulb.  Replaced front and rear Sway Bar bushings.  Replaced the rattling wheel center caps with new.  Deferred the brake fluid flush until the brake service planned in June.

Battery Cable Recall

Performed on: May 17, 2018
Mileage: 32,954
Performed by: Los Gatos Luxury Motor Cars
Notes: My DB9 was recalled as part of Recall Action RA-18-0026 (see my whole blog article about it here).  Battery cable was found to be undamaged and the new protection cover was fitted.

Unscheduled Vehicle Service

Performed on: May 17, 2018
Mileage: 32,954
Performed by: Los Gatos Luxury Motor Cars
Notes: On the way to the dealership (literally) for the battery recall repair noted above, my Tire System Fault light came on during the 3 hour drive.   I stopped and checked tire pressures (all OK), but still the unit in the trunk was flipping out.  At the dealership, it was diagnosed that my TPMS sensors in the wheels had died (they are battery powered and were original, so now 13 years old).  This is not an uncommon issue with older DB9s.  Batteries get old and die.  Solution was to replace them to the tune of $2,374 ($1,517 in parts and then $857 in labor to dismount each wheel, tire, swap the sensors, remount, rebalance, and teach the TPMS receiver about the new sensors).

As if that wasn’t enough, I asked them to update the firmware in my cars electronic modules.  This included updates to the PCM and CEM.  As this was done, the drivers side door control module began to flip out (mirror adjusting like crazy non-stop).  Apparently the Door Modules were incompatible with the new CEM firmware and had to be replaced as a set to the tune of another $2,637.   This included the parts and the labor to replace the modules, contact Aston Martin for a new ‘config file’ to enable the modules on the car and test.  Shouldn’t they have known that the door modules wouldn’t work with the newer firmware and warned me of this?  I have to admit I felt like chum to the Aston Service Department sharks.

Brake Service and Upper Control Arms

Performed on: June 16, 2018
Mileage: 33,167
Performed by: Me
Notes:  During the last annual service it was clear that the front brake pads were getting close to worn out.  In this service I did a complete brake overhaul (all 4 wheels) including new factory rotors, brake wear sensors, EBC Red Stuff brake pads, and new caliper bolts (see the new video series on this). [BTW the EBC pads suck since they squeal, go with the Porterfield R4-S]  Did a complete brake fluid flush with Motul RBF 600 fluid (see the new video on this).  In addition, the front suspension upper control arms had been squeaking when cold for the past two years and getting worse, so I replaced them with new factory ones (see the article on this).  One final item was that I replaced my Cabin Air Filters.

Thirteenth Annual Service

Performed on: November 24, 2018
Mileage: 34,356
Performed by: Me
Notes: 1 year Annual Service – Changed the engine oil (Mobil 1 0W-40) and drain plug.  Checked tire pressures, lights, etc. according to service schedule.  Deferred the brake fluid flush until next 2 year service in 2019 since the brakes were fully serviced in June 2018.  Wiper blades still working fine, deferring again.  Gave her a thorough cleanup including Snow foam, interior clean, vacuum, leather condition, windows, etc.  De-odorized using the Ozone machine [article coming soon].

Replaced Wiper Blades

Performed on: January 19, 2019
Mileage: 35,026
Performed by: Me
Notes: I’ve been deferring the mandated 2 year annual service wiper blade change until they actually deteriorated to a noticeable degree and it was time now.  They lasted about 6 years in California sun!   Replaced both blades with Aston Martin originals.  Check out the article and video on how to do this here.

California DMV Emissions Test

Performed on: February 21, 2019
Mileage: 35,448
Performed by: Smog ‘n’ Go California Start Test Inspection Station in West Sacramento, CA
Notes: Passed

Applied ClearBra to Headlights

Performed on: February 23, 2019
Mileage: 35,501
Performed by: Me
Notes:  In order to protect the pristine headlight covers from rock chips and UV deterioration I installed 10 mil thick 3M Scotchbright Paint Protective Film (laser cut kit from http://www.invisiblemask.com).  You can’t even tell its there.  I have created a video on how to tackle the process.

Upgraded to Sport Pack Rims

Performed on: February 26, 2019
Mileage: 35,515
Performed by: Me
Notes: Strictly an appearance upgrade, I had an opportunity to purchase a set of period correct used original Aston Martin Sport Pack Rims from reader Austin Fritts.   These could have been optionally fitted by the dealer, so the purist in me is at peace with the modification.  While in near pristine condition already, I had them professional refurbished at RimPro’s in Sacramento, CA.  I had my existing Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and the Tire Pressure Sensors moved to the refurbished rims and balanced by my local Les Schwab Tire Center (thanks Wayne).  The upgrade included the weight saving Titanium Lug Nuts as well.   I have stored the original rims and lug nuts.  You can read my full article about the sport pack and actual weight savings here.

Full Respray and new Windshield

Performed on: Sept/Oct/Nov 2019
Mileage: 42,545
Performed by: Brooks Motor Cars
Notes: My car got dinged up by small rocks falling off a dump struck on the freeway in April 2019.  Cracked the windshield and chipped the paint all over the front end, roof and even one rear quarter.  Thankfully my insurance covered it and shipped it to an Aston Certified paint shop for a full respray and new windshield.   After seven weeks she’s back and perfect again.

Installed Front Bumper Skid Plate

Performed on: November 13, 2019
Mileage: 42,700
Performed by: Me!
Notes: With the new full respray completed I wanted to protect the front bumper from getting all scraped up like before.  I fitted a Sliplo front bumper skid plate system to the car.  Check out the article on this.

Installed Paint Protection Film

Performed on: November 23, 2019
Mileage: 42,750
Performed by: Rocky Mountain Auto Works
Notes: With the new full respray completed I wanted to protect all the areas that had been so chipped up over the first 14 years (you can see how bad it was in this video).  I had the full front of the car covered in Llumar Platinum Extra PPF, and they wrapped all the edges.  The lower rockers, rear lower rockers, mirror caps and gas filler area were also done.  Check out the time lapse video of the work here.

Dyno Performance Tested – Baseline Pull

Performed on: December 9, 2019
Mileage: 42,810
Performed by: Snail Performance in Auburn, CA
Notes: I am planning on installing a few performance upgrades on the car in the months ahead, and wanted to specifically measure the gains of each change.  I had my completely stock DB9 Dyno tested by Travis of Snail Performance.  Produced 368 BHP and 376 ft-lbs of Torque (measured at the rear wheels).  Check out the cool video of the test here.

Fourteenth Annual Service

Performed on: December 26, 2019
Mileage: 42,994
Performed by: Me
Notes: 2 year Annual Service – Changed the engine oil (Mobil 1 0W-40) and new Aston Martin Oil Filter.  Cleaned both Throttle Bodies and installed new O-rings.  Changed the differential fluid with Castrol Syntec 75W90 and flushed the brake fluid with new Motul RBF600.  Deferred the air filter change since I am about to do the air box delete upgrade that will include new high flow air filters.  Checked and adjusted tire pressures, lights, and all other inspection items according to service schedule. Gave her a thorough cleanup including snow foam bath, interior clean, etc.  Good for another year of fun.

7-bar Grill Refinished

Performed on: January 1, 2020
Mileage: 43,000
Performed by: Me
Notes: The finish on my original 7 bar grill was failing horribly due and looked tatty.  Over a couple of months I worked out how to remove the grill, dissemble it, strip the old paint, refinish it with Vehicle Wrap, reassemble it, and finally mount it back in the car.   The result was terrific.  I made a complete series of articles and videos on how to do it, check them out here.

Velocity AP Airbox Delete Kit Installed

Performed on: January 19, 2020
Mileage: 43,300
Performed by: Me
Notes: As the first step in some ‘bolt on’ performance upgrades I removed the stock airbox and fitted a Velocity AP GT4 Airbox Delete Kit.   This should allow the engine to breath in easier, and lead to some additional power.  Check out the article I wrote up about it here.

Dyno Performance Tested – After Airbox Delete

Performed on: January 21, 2020
Mileage: 43,424
Performed by: Snail Performance in Auburn, CA
Notes: With the Velocity AP GT4 Airbox Delete kit now installed, I wanted to see if there were any actual performance improvements.  I took it back to be Dyno tested again by Travis of Snail Performance.  Peak power remained unchanged, but there were notable gains or power and torque in the useful RPM range.  Check out the cool video of the test and results here.

Velocity AP Secondary Cat Delete Kit Installed

Performed on: March 1, 2020
Mileage: 43,500
Performed by: Me
Notes: The next step in my plan for some bolt on performance gains was to remove the original Secondary Catalytic Converters and fit a Velocity AP Secondary Cat Delete Kit.  This should allow the engine to breath out easier and allow for some additional power gains.   Check out the article I wrote up about the process here.  If you are interested in how the exhaust sound changed listen to it here in this article.

Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating Applied

Performed on: March 18, 2020
Mileage: 43,575
Performed by: Rocky Mountain Auto Works
Notes: Now that I’ve had the car fully resprayed and half of it wrapped in paint protection film I wanted to just add the cherry on top by getting the finish ceramic coated so I won’t have to wax it each year.   I took the car back to Amy and Dave at Rocky Mountain Auto Works where I had the PPF installed.   They did a full paint correction to the car to make the new paint 100% perfect before applying the ceramic coating (the labor on this is where most of the expense comes in).  Opti Coat Pro + was used, and comes with a 7 year warranty when professionally applied like this.   The car looks even more amazing now.

Dyno Performance Tested – After Secondary Cat Delete

Performed on: March 19, 2020
Mileage: 43,622
Performed by: Snail Performance in Auburn, CA
Notes: Now that I had fitted the Velocity AP Secondary Cat Delete Kit to my car, I wanted to see if it actually made any measurable performance improvements. I took it back to be Dyno tested again by Travis of Snail Performance.  Peak power and torque went up notably, with some minor gains of power and torque in the useful RPM range.  Check out the cool video of the test and results here.

Dyno Performance Tested – After Velocity AP ECU Upgrade

Performed on: May 6, 2020
Mileage: 44,440
Performed by: Snail Performance in Auburn, CA
Notes: Now that I had fitted the Velocity AP ECU Software Upgrade  to my car, I wanted to see if it actually made any measurable performance improvements. I took it back to be Dyno tested again by Travis of Snail Performance.  The results weren’t what was expected, and we’re reviewing the data with Velocity AP.  Stay tuned….

Installed Bosch Icon Wiper Blades

Performed on: May 24, 2020
Mileage: 44,711
Performed by: Me
Notes: I had been looking for a better than OEM wiper blade options since I installed a new set of OEM blades last year.  I discovered the Bosch Icon blades would fit the DB9 and improve the look and performance.  At 2/3rds the cost of OEM, these are the way to go.   Installed a pair and wrote it up in this article – check it out.

Transmission Service

Performed on: September 19, 2020
Mileage: 45,703
Performed by: Me
Notes: After 15 years and 45K miles, the ZF 6HP26 was due for a fluid change.  This included changing the tranmission sump/pan (with integral filter), Mechatronix Bridge Seal, Mechatronic Valve Seals, and the Electronics Sleeve with all original ZF parts.  I was able to drain out 9.5 liters of fluid and replaced with ZF Lifeguard 6.   I made a comprehensive video series on how to tackle this (check it out here).

Fifteenth Annual Service

Performed on: December 26, 2020
Mileage: 46,426
Performed by: Me
Notes: 1 year Annual Service – Changed the engine oil (Mobil 1 0W-40).  Changed filter with Ford Racing CM6731FL82 High Performance Oil Filter.  Cleaned LH throttle body.  Checked and topped fluids.  Checked tire pressures, lights, etc. according to service schedule.

Adjusted clock for PST.  Lubricated brake pedal clevis pin (squeaking).  Epoxied cracked plastic on grill surround.    Hood gas struts getting weak – need replacing.   Driver and passenger door struts getting weak, need replacing.  I see a gas strut series coming soon.

Flushed the brake fluid using the new AMDS tool for the process (first time trying this).  The three stages consumed 2 bottles of Motul RBF600 fluid (about 32 fl. oz.).   Using this process seems to purge fluid from the ABS pump system that doesn’t appear to get flushed by manual brake bleeding procedure.  Noted that the brake fluid reservoir looks a bit ‘baked’ and has some spider like cracks potentially forming on the top.  Need to monitor, and see if the reservoir is a service part.

Slow leak in right rear tire, found screw in center of tread.  Almost worn to wear markers so going to replace rather than repair (since that would be third repair on that tire).

Only managed to drive her 3,432 miles in 2020 with the damn Covids wrecking the world.

Unscheduled Maintenance

Performed on: January 3, 2021
Mileage: 46,481
Performed by: Me
Notes: There were a handful of small issues that had been around a while that I finally took the time to deal with and shoot some video for new articles.  Niggles that come with age.  Tackled:

• Replaced the Trunk/Boot Lid Gas Struts with new OEM (check out the full article/video here)
• Replaced the Hood/Bonnet Gas Struts with new OEM (check out the full article/video here).
• Replace RH passenger door gas strut with new OEM.  Only did the RH door today as it was a learning experience to get ready to shoot video on the LH drivers door in a few days. (check out the full article/video here)
• Replaced the Washer Fluid Reservoir (was leaking from a crack since I got the car).  Check out the full article/video here.  With it were new windscreen washer pump, headlight washer pump and level switch.  Discovered leak with RF washer fluid connection to headlight assembly, perished O-ring in Quick connect fitting.  Salvaged identical O-ring from just replaced washer pump – solved.
• Discovered one of the RH Front inner fender liner mounting tabs that is epoxied to RH lower sill was broken off (likely during respray).  Cleaned mounting surfaces and re-epoxied.  Good as new.
• Replaced the right hand side repeater light since it was turning yellow out in the California sunlight (again, this is 2nd time).  Check out the article on how here.  Left hand will be replaced in a few days when I do the LH door strut (same area).

Unscheduled Maintenance

Performed on: January 10, 2021
Mileage: 46,500 ‘ish
Performed by: Me
Notes: Replaced the left hand driver door gas strut with new OEM.  Also replaced the left hand side repeater light since it was turning yellow out in the California sunlight (again, this is 2nd time).

Unscheduled Service

Performed on: August 7 , 2021
Mileage: 48,947 miles
Performed by: Me
Notes: Did some preventative maintenance on the door key locks.  16 years no lube in hot dry California.  I never use the key, so the barrels never get turned.  Worried they’d be seizing up.   They worked but felt a little ‘graunchy’.   Lubricated the lock barrels and latch mechanisms with 3-in-One Dry Lock Lubricant.  Did both drivers and passenger sides.  Check out the article and video here.

Sixteenth Annual Service

Performed on: December 2021
Mileage: 49,171
Performed by: Me
Notes: Performed the major 2 year Annual Service and some additional work I’ve been queuing up which included:

• Changed the engine oil (Mobil 1 0W-40).
• Changed filter with OEM Oil Filter.
• Cleaned both throttle bodies and changed O-rings.
• Cleaned the Air Filters.   These are the Velocity AP high performance air filters.
  • Created a video and article on how to do this, check it out here.
• Topped off washer fluid
• Adjusted clock for PST.
• Checked lights.
• Changed the cabin air filters with ATP Activated Charcoal Filters
• Lubricated the trunk/boot latch mechanism with 3-in-One Dry Lube.
• Lubricated the hood/bonnet latch mechanism with white lithium grease spray
• Inspected Tires
  • LF 6/32″, RF 6/32″, LR 4/32″ RR 3.5/32″.   Due for replacement.  New Michelin Pilot Sport 4S already on hand in Sport Pack size.
  • Still have the slow leak in right rear tire, found screw in center of tread.  New tires on hand, just waiting to complete my series on Autel TPMS sensors before I fit them.
  • Set tire pressures to 36psi front, 38 psi rear
  • Installed and torqued wheels to spec.
• Inspected suspension including bushings, springs, shocks and tie rods ends.  All good visually.
  • Noted that rear suspension is creaking over driveway entrances and speed bumps.  Seems like same issue the front upper control arms had.   Ordered new rear upper control arms from HWM.  Will replace them soon (creating new video) or may purchase a new set of bushings from PowerFlex.
  • Noted that car is still fitted with original Multimatic Dampers.  Would like to upgrade to Bilsteins at some point.
• Inspected brakes.
  • Brake pads remaining material – LF Outer 5.3mm, Inner 5.0mm, RF 5.1/4.8mm, LR 5.3/5.0mm, RR 5.1/5.1mm.
  • Noted slightest grove on right front rotor exterior face
  • Anticipate the brakes are good for about one more year (unless a track day happens then that will be the end of them).
  • Found that the Left Front wear sensor was out of place and worn accidentally.  Plastic had cracked.  Ordered replacement sensor from Scuderia Parts and installed.
  • Inspection discovered that the brake fluid reservoir has some spider like cracks forming on the top.  Tiny drop of weepage found on outside of reservoir.   Not good.  Sourced a good condition used replacement brake fluid reservoir and replaced it.
    • Created a new video on this, check it out here.
  • Flushed the brake fluid using the AMDS tool for the process.  The process consumed 2 bottles of Motul RBF600 fluid (about 1 liter).
• Inspected cooling system including radiator and hoses.
  • Noted that the water pump has small sign of leakage.  See photo.  No drips, just potentially weeping at this point.  Wasn’t even wet when inspected.  Will continue to monitor.
  • Flushed the Engine Coolant – creating a new video and article.  Unsure of age of coolant, but its at least 5 years old.   Replaced with new Havoline XLC OAT Coolant at 50/50 concentration.
    • Created a new video series on Coolant flush – check it out here.
  • Replaced the engine coolant reservoir sensor.   About 2 years ago got a false positive from it that cleared up after a week, but ordered the sensor and opted to replace it while I was doing the coolant flush since the reservoir needs to be empty.
    • Created a video on how to do this – check it out here.
  • Cleaned the exterior fins of the engine coolant radiator and the A/C radiator.   Vacuumed off the accumulated bugs and debris, picked out stuck bits, and then used HVAC evap/condenser coil cleaner to clean the fin surfaces.
    • Created a new video on how to do this – check it out here.
• Fixed the boot fuse box feed power stud protective cover.  Thought it was missing.  Ordered a replacement, and when I went to fit it found that the factory hadn’t properly installed the original and it was there, just trapped a bit under the cable.  Refitted perfectly.
• Flushed the Power Steering Fluid.  Fluid was 16 years old and was the old Texaco Cold Climate that Aston recommended replacing.  Purged and replaced with new Pentosin CHF 11S following factory FSB procedure.
  • Created a new video on how to do this – check it out here.
• Inspected all four Primary Catalytic converters inlet surfaces for degradation.  No signs of breaking up, but there are some areas that have minor erosion.  Spoke with Mike at Bamford Rose for his opinion on the condition.
  • Created a new video on how to do this – check it out here.
• Upgraded the sound insulation on the back side of the front inner fender liners.  The factory OEM plastic bag insulation was falling apart.  Replaced with more modern foil backed foam sound deadening insulation.
  • Created a new video on how to do this – check it out here.
• Connected AMDS computer and reviewed data.  All good.  Reset service due indicator.

Unscheduled Service (the return of the lumpy idle)

Performed on: February-April 2022
Mileage: 49,461
Performed by: Me
Notes: Even after the recent 2 year service (less than 300 miles ago), I could still feel the return of the ‘Lumpy Idle‘ that I originally dealt with some 6 years and 30k miles ago.  Add to this the car set a P2270 code (stuck lean on Secondary Bank 1 downstream sensor), and it was clear something was up for cylinders 7, 8 or 9.   Obvious causes like vacuum leaks were checked, AMDS data, etc.   After some discussion with some Aston service experts, I opted to go full monty and dive deeper into the spark plug/coil pack/fuel injector/O2 sensor realm to bring Princess Piddles back to full health and augment my repertoire of articles and videos (which took me a few months to complete):

• While I had the plugs and coil packs removed, I tackled a couple of inspections:
  • I inspected each cylinder through the spark plug hole using a borescope and looked for any signs of scoring or wear.  All 12 cylinders looked good and still showed factory honing marks.
  • I inspected each cylinders intake valves using a borescope to look for carbon build up.  All 24 valves looks brand new.
  • I created a video of the borescope inspections here.
  • I did a compression test of all 12 cylinders.  Found them all to be 225 psi +/- 5 psi (2%).  Excellent.  Created a video of how to perform the compression test here.
• While I had the fuel injectors removed, I shipped them to InjectorRepair.com to have them flow tested and serviced.  Upon receipt one injector was nearly 8% low on flow (Cyl #7) and this may be my explanation for the stuck lean P code.  The injectors were cleaned and serviced, and all were within 2% at the end. I created a video of the service here.
• Fitted the injectors with new Aston Martin OEM top and bottom O-rings.
• Replaced the spark plugs with alternative newer improved NGK Iridium ITR6F-13 plugs.  Created a video on the alternative selection here.   Also a video on how to prepare the plugs for installation here.
• Replaced all the Coil packs with OEM Aston Martin 2-pin Coil Packs.
• Pressure washed and cleaned the Intake Manifolds
• Replaced the Intake Manifold Gaskets with Aston Marin OEM ones.
• Replaced all eight (8) O2 sensors with new Motorcraft DY1401 sensors.  Check out the alternate parts selection video here, plus the videos on removing and reinstalling.
• Replaced the Engine Wiring Harness Top Covers (and ultimately the matching back covers) that houses the O2 sensor connections.  Ordered Aston Martin OEM parts for this.  Created a video on removing and installing a new cover.
• Cleaned both Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors.  Found they were very, very dirty.  Created a video on how to do this here.
• Reinstalled the original OEM air boxes (removing the Velocity AP GT4 airbox delete kit), and then fitted them with new OEM alternative air filters from Blue-Print.com.  Created a video discussing the alternative air filters here.
• Checked all fluids again – all good.
• Torqued wheel nuts to spec.  Set tire pressures to spec.
• Fired up the car and inspected for codes using the AMDS.  Cleared residual codes from before the service.
• Set the clock to PDT.
• Replaced the battery in both key fobs.  Created a video on this here.

While this was a serious round of service work and the expenses were $2+k she is running smoothly again and feels a bit more powerful.  After 3 months of not driving her everyday, I had begun to miss the experience.  It was amazing to transition back to driving a super car again.

Unscheduled Maintenance

Performed on: Sept 2022 thru Mar 2023 (over winter project)
Mileage: 50,513
Performed by: Me
Notes: Undertook a massive number of projects to update the wood veneers, infotainment system, etc.   Made a boatload of videos for the YouTube channel.

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Ownership History

First Owner

Name:  Unknown (Please contact me if it was you to just say hi and fill in some details)
Type of Owner:  Corporate
Purchased:  April 19, 2005
Length of Ownership: 3 years exactly – April 18, 2008  (the day the warranty expired)
Mileage Driven: 7,502 miles

Second Owner

Name: Unknown (Please contact me if it was you to just say hi and fill in some details)
Type of Owner: Lease
Purchased: June 5, 2008
Length of Ownership: 5 years and 7 months
Mileage Driven: 7,943 miles

Third Owner

Name: Me!
Type of Owner: Private
Purchased: November 15, 2013
Length of Ownership: Ongoing….
Mileage when purchased: 15,445
Mileage Driven: 30+k miles so far and counting….