Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Brand Image:
High-performance, exclusive, handcrafted British automotive luxury.
Competitors 2001:
Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 911 (996 generation Turbo/GT2), Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129/R230 generation).
Engine Configuration:
Naturally aspirated V12 engine, a signature Aston Martin feature.
Body Style:
Elegant and timeless coupe (also available as Volante convertible).
Design Philosophy:
Blend of sophisticated styling, exhilarating performance, and luxurious comfort.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and specifications for the 5.9L V12 engine (AE31/AE31E).
Engine Management:
ECU diagnosis, sensor operation, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the ZF 6-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 6HP26) including hydraulic controls and electronic management.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, half-shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), disc brake components, service procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, components, troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electricals, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, structural components, doors, windows, trim.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair.
Interior:
Seat removal and installation, dashboard, interior trim.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.
Component Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing virtually every component of the vehicle.
Rebuilding:
Procedures for the complete disassembly and rebuilding of major components like the engine and transmission.
Diagnosis:
Guidance on identifying the root cause of problems using diagnostic tools and symptom analysis.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring schematics.
Transmission Type:
ZF 6HP26 6-speed Automatic
Transmission Type:
While primarily automatic, earlier DB7 models had manual options. The 2001 V12 Vantage was predominantly automatic, but a manual transmission might have been available in very limited markets or specific configurations.
Gear Ratios Auto:
Specific ratios for ZF 6HP26 not detailed here but available in the manual. Typically includes overdrive gears.
Transmission Fluid:
Specific ZF lifeguard fluid (e.g., LifeguardFluid6) is critical. Consult the manual for exact part numbers and capacity.
Crash Test Ratings:
Specific official crash test ratings from major agencies (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) for the 2001 DB7 V12 Vantage are not readily available in standard automotive databases. Such vehicles often prioritized occupant safety through robust design rather than public testing at the time.
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
Standard (often referred to as ASC - Automatic Stability Control or similar)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Designed for high torsional rigidity and occupant protection.
Audio System:
Premium audio system (e.g., Alpine or Linn) with CD player. Navigation system may have been an option.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by 2001 standards; primarily focused on in-car entertainment and climate control. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for specific driving conditions.
Major Service Interval:
Significant services, including coolant, brake fluid, and potentially spark plug replacement, are usually recommended at intervals like 20,000 or 30,000 miles, detailed within the manual.
Engine Oil:
High-quality synthetic engine oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, meeting specific API and ACEA specifications. Exact viscosity and API/ACEA rating should be confirmed from the manual. Aston Martin recommends specific branded oils like Castrol.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Aston Martin might specify a particular formulation or color. Manual is essential for this.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid. Periodic replacement is crucial for performance and safety. Manual specifies exact type and replacement interval.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to transmission fluid specification (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid6). Critical for ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission.
Common Issues General:
While the DB7 V12 Vantage is generally robust, common areas for attention can include: aged electrical connectors, potential for suspension wear due to performance driving, aging rubber hoses and seals, and the intricate nature of the V12 powertrain requiring meticulous maintenance.
Specific Concerns:
Early V12 Vantage models could experience some minor issues related to early adoption of certain technologies, which this manual would address. Fuel pump reliability and occasional ignition coil issues can be points of attention.
Heritage Summary:
Aston Martin has a storied history dating back to 1913, renowned for producing elegant, high-performance sports cars and grand tourers with a distinctive British character and racing pedigree.
Db7 Lineage:
The DB7, launched in 1994 as a 6-cylinder model, was a significant step for Aston Martin under new ownership. The V12 Vantage, introduced in 1999, represented a substantial performance upgrade, utilizing the new 6.0L V12 engine.
Db7 V12 Vantage Era:
The 2001 model year falls within the early production period of the DB7 V12 Vantage, which continued production until 2003 before being succeeded by the DB9.
Manufacturing Location:
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England
