AMDS Laptop, VCI module and Cable I admit it – I have a problem.  I am an OBDII addict.  I love to learn more about the ‘electronic technology’ that is inside my 2005 Aston Martin DB9 (or really any Gaydon era Vantage, DBS, Rapide, Virage or Vanquish).   I started my OBDII habit with my Autel MD802, then moved on to the Foxwell NT510, and then a ThinkDiag.  All those were gateway drugs until after a 2+ year search I was able to source an actual Aston Martin Dealer System (AMDS) computer, VCI module and cable.  Nirvana achieved. One unique part to that system is th ..read more

The infotainment system (stereo, GPS, etc.) in my 2005 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe is showing its age. No Bluetooth, no music streaming, no hands free calling, no Android Auto or Apple Car play. I use it as an FM Radio – that’s it.  The original Volvo derived Sat Nav system was horrible even back in 2005. As my car is now 18 years old (and nearly graduated high school :>) I figured it was time to invest in some new technology upgrades. Unlike my Sweeties VW GTI where I can simply go to a website like Crutchfield.com and look at the plethora of upgrade options available (speakers, head units ..read more

Gaydon era Aston Martins like the Vantage, DBS, Rapide, Virage, Vanquish and my 2005 DB9 have a Drivers Information Module (DIM) located on the dash within the Tachometer face.   This provides all sorts of information from your “Driver Door Open” to  the more cryptic and ominous ‘Emission System Service Required’.   The issue is they have a very small space to provide you a message, so they are abbreviated and not as clear as you might hope.   Recently I found a great Facebook post from Dean Bufton where he documented many of the known DIM messages, and a mor ..read more

A common issue with the V12 Aston Martin engine is that the coil packs begin to fail causing a misfire. When ordering replacements you need to know if they are the early 2-pin or later 3-pin versions. The problem is that you can’t know for sure before you start. Aston Martin made the design change on the DB9 probably sometime in 2006. Even the dealer can’t tell you if you supply your VIN number. To know for sure you need to get a look at them. Problem is, they are deep in the middle of the cylinder head. Let me show you a trick to get a peek before you start the project. Tools Procedure You c ..read more

A maintenance task most owners won’t think about is to periodically lubricate the lock mechanism in their Aston Martin. With electronic central locking and the remote key fobs almost no-one uses the key any more. Until of course you have a dead battery and need to open the car the old fashioned way. Let me show you how to do it. Procedure [Apologies – this is a place holder article to go along with the already released YouTube video which is linked below.  The video shows all the details of the process.  I just haven’t had time to circle back to complete the article but here are a fe ..read more

When I purchased my ‘new to me’ model year 2009 DB9 recently, the dealer PPI reported that the driver’s side mirror glass was loose and needed a fix.  In the Facebook forums I’ve read about mirror glass falling out on other owners cars.   I suspect this isn’t a unique event going on with just my car.  Let me show you how I tackled this simple repair on a ‘Saturday Morning’. Darren’s DB9 [Editors Note – this article was graciously submitted by Darren Crompton.  Darren (who lives in Australia) is the proud owner of a beautiful 2009 DB9 Coupe (Aston10734).  He’s been ..read more

If you have a later model Gaydon era Aston Martin DB9, Vantage, DBS, Rapide, Virage or Vanquish you likely have a pair of Crystal Key fobs, and one less fancy plastic Valet key.   Aston’s marketing team called the sapphire crystal key fobs Emotional Control Units (ECUs) – uhh, sure.  Like any modern automotive key fob they have a battery inside them that powers the transmitter for the buttons that lock and unlock the car.   Aston Martin’s service schedule recommends that the batteries be replaced each year during the annual dealer service.   While that’s the ..read more

One belt does it all In a recent article Darren Crompton showed you how to change the accessory drive serpentine belt and idler pulley’s in his 2009 DB9.   Check out his article here.  Darren sourced his parts from his local Aston dealer in Australia, and tackled the task from above and below the car. Manuel’s DBS Volante Another reader of this site – Manuel Tollini – tackled the same task on his DBS – but with a twist.  Manuel worked out how to keep the original idler pulleys and just replace (and upgrade) the worn bearings.  This saves a considerable amount of money ..read more

Though my ‘new to me’ model year 2009 DB9 had only travelled 46,000km (~30k miles) from new, it was noted on the dealer PPI that there was “minor bearing noise” from one of the engines serpentine belt idler pulleys.  While most cars have just one idler pulley, the DB9 has three (3) plus the tensioner pulley.  I figured it was a good opportunity to replace all four as well as the serpentine belt.   Let me show you how I tackled this task. Darren’s DB9 [Editors Note – this article was graciously submitted by Darren Crompton.  Darren (who lives in Australia) is the proud ..read more

If you are an Aston owner and your Sweetie is looking for gift ideas – let me help.  I know, this is a bit of a departure from ‘how to change your oil filter‘, but I’ve been thinking about the plight of your spouses and friends trying to figure out what gift to get someone that probably already has their ultimate toy. What I’ve come up with is a list of  easy to purchase and hopefully well received gift idea that many Aston owners would appreciate.  The prices range from under $10 USD to a little more, so even a young son or daughter can get a gift idea on an allowance. This lis ..read more