🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Aston Martin

Model:

DB9

Year:

2005

Engine Variant:

V12

Generation Code:

DB9 (VH Platform)

Chassis Code:

VH

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2005 Aston Martin DB9 positioned itself as a luxury grand tourer (GT) offering a blend of exotic performance, sophisticated styling, and handcrafted luxury, competing with models like the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Bentley Continental GT.

Competitive Analysis:

Its V12 engine, rear-wheel-drive platform, and aluminum construction offered a distinctive driving experience. The manual provides insight into the unique engineering and assembly processes characteristic of Aston Martin's bespoke manufacturing.

Key Features:

The manual covers the intricate VH platform architecture, a key innovation for Aston Martin at the time, which utilized bonded and riveted aluminum. This contributes to its light weight and torsional rigidity, impacting maintenance and repair procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Introduction, Body System, Frame and Mounting, Engine System, Suspension, Driveline, Brake System, Transmission, Clutch, Exhaust, Fuel System, Steering System, Climate Control, Information Gauge and Warning Systems, Power Supply, Vehicle Entertainment System, Vacuum Distribution, Lighting System, Electric Distribution/Electronic Control, Electronic Features, Appendix & Glossary

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and complexity)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems including Engine (V12), Automatic Transmission, Driveline, Suspension (Adaptive Dampers), Brakes (Carbon Ceramic option), Steering, Fuel, Exhaust, Climate Control, Electrical Distribution, Lighting, Information Gauges, Warning Systems, Entertainment, Bodywork, Frame, and Electronic Control Units (ECUs).

Body And Frame:

Detailed information on the VH platform's bonded and riveted aluminum construction, body panel removal/installation, corrosion protection, and frame alignment.

Drivetrain:

Covers the rear-wheel-drive transaxle system, driveshafts, differential, and hub assemblies. Includes service and repair procedures for these components.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of the hydraulic brake system, including component identification, diagnosis, repair, and bleeding procedures. Specifics for standard and optional carbon-ceramic brakes will be detailed.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, diagnostics, troubleshooting, component removal and installation, repair procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing, torque specifications, fluid specifications and capacities, and technical data.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed steps for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, bearings, valves), and reassembly, including critical torque specifications and clearances.

Transmission Rebuild:

Procedures for removing, disassembling, repairing, and reinstalling the Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission, including hydraulic circuit diagnostics.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Extensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, component testing procedures, fuse and relay identification, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation for various ECUs.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Covers removal and installation of suspension components (control arms, shock absorbers, anti-roll bars), steering rack repair, and wheel alignment procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance tasks (oil changes, filter replacements) to advanced diagnostic procedures, complex component overhauls, and electrical system troubleshooting. Designed for professional technicians but accessible to skilled enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Tools:

While not listing specific tool part numbers, it details the types of specialized diagnostic tools and equipment required for advanced troubleshooting, especially concerning the ECU and electronic systems.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Includes detailed symptom-to-cause troubleshooting flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Specifications Data:

Comprehensive table of all essential technical specifications, including torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance data.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically, assuming original source was digitized correctly)

Print Quality:

High (dependent on original source quality, typically clear for text and diagrams)

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Aston Martin AMV12

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V12

Displacement:

5.9 liters (5935 cc)

Horsepower:

450 bhp (456 PS; 331 kW) at 6000 rpm

Torque:

420 lb-ft (569 Nm) at 5000 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with electronic throttle control.

Engine Construction:

All-aluminum block and heads

Valve Train:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling with electric fan

Ignition System:

Coil-on-plug electronic ignition

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

Touchtronic 2 (6-speed automatic transaxle)

Transmission Optional:

Manual (rare, typically not offered on initial 2005 models)

Transmission Features:

Rear transaxle layout for optimal weight distribution, paddle shifters for manual gear selection.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4700 mm (185.0 in)

Width:

1863 mm (73.3 in)

Height:

1280 mm (50.4 in)

Wheelbase:

2740 mm (107.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1775 kg (3913 lbs)

Weight Distribution:

Near 50:50 front/rear due to transaxle layout

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Specific official crash test ratings for the 2005 model year are not as readily available as for mass-market vehicles. However, the design incorporates modern safety structures.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

Passive Features:

Front airbags, side airbags, active head restraints, aluminum chassis structure designed for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Early generation Aston Martin infotainment system, typically including a navigation system, CD player, and premium audio (e.g., Bang & Olufsen or Linn). Manual will cover operation and basic troubleshooting.

Driver Assistance:

Features include ABS, ESC, TCS, and parking sensors (rear). The manual will detail the operation and diagnostic procedures for these systems.

Connectivity:

Limited by 2005 standards, likely featuring external audio input (e.g., Aux) but no Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Manual will cover audio system wiring.

Electronic Features:

Includes electronically controlled adaptive dampers (ADS), electronic seat adjustments, heated seats, power windows, power mirrors, and central locking. The manual provides comprehensive wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for these.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Major service typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, specific intervals for fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections will be detailed in the manual.

Engine Oil:

Likely a high-performance synthetic oil, e.g., Mobil 1 5W-50 or similar API SN/CF rated oil. Manual will specify exact grade and capacity.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific ATF, e.g., Mobil ATF LT 71141 or equivalent. Manual will list exact type and capacity for the Touchtronic transaxle.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, depending on specific caliper requirements. Manual will specify.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify Aston Martin approved type.

Known Issues:

Potential issues can include coolant leaks (especially from thermostat housing and hoses), active suspension system faults, infotainment system glitches, and some electrical gremlins typical of complex luxury vehicles of this era. The manual will provide diagnostic procedures for these.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Will be detailed in the manual, but typically a specific Aston Martin part or equivalent from reputable brands like Mann-Filter or Mahle.

Air Filter Part Number:

Will be detailed in the manual, likely a set of two filters.

Cabin Filter Part Number:

Will be detailed in the manual, typically a set of two or more filters.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Aston Martin has a storied history dating back to 1913, renowned for producing elegant, high-performance sports cars and grand tourers with a focus on craftsmanship and luxury.

Model Evolution:

The DB9 marked a significant evolution for Aston Martin, introducing the new VH (Vertical-Horizontal) modular platform, replacing the aging V8 Vantage and DB7 models. It was designed by Ian Callum and represented a modern interpretation of Aston Martin's classic GT design language.

Production Location:

Gaydon, Warwickshire, England

Production Years:

2004-2016 (for the DB9 model line)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The DB9 was widely praised by automotive journalists for its styling, performance, and luxury, often featuring in 'Best GT' or 'Most Beautiful Car' lists during its production run.

Ratings:

Contemporary reviews often awarded it high marks for its driving dynamics and overall appeal as a luxury GT.