DB9 Volante (2006) - Loss of Power.
Discussion
Morning All,
P.H. virgin post.
Following much research on here, I purchased a 2006 M.Y DB9 Volante which is simply the best thing I have ever bought (forget houses, watches, holidays, women, wives) ! But inevitably, problems have occurred.
I had the Environmental Service warning light appear - scared the bejeebers the first time but reading P.H experiences, a couple of quick thrashes and "re-cycles" cleared it. - Phew!
Enjoyed Goodwood Revival last week and "Mr Martin" covered about 300 miles faultlessly. Apart from a severe jerk when I kicked down to demonstrate to our travelling companions what 12 cylinders sounded like. Luckily, this was just short of Lady Rowley's home . A bit embarrassing but potentially more worrying. I popped out for a takeaway later, tried the kick down and it did the same but this time a RED warning triangle flashed up and orange engine symbol saying: "Engine system service urgent" ! Scarey stuff for a new DB9 owner on a budget !
I turned the old boy round and left it on her drive - taking the "utility vehicle" for the vittels.
Next day, I drove The Beast round the block - no probs, no warning lights. I stayed at The Good Lady's all week (I guess putting off driving Mr M. the 20 miles home).
Driving home very gently on Mon., no lights, no probs. but I didn't tempt fate by accelerating. The usual 20 min drive was disrupted however by a tanker oil spill so Mr Martin and I sat at a standstill/crawl for nearly 2 hrs. :-o. Still apparently no probs - no overheating,non scary warning lights. I even (finally) got the Bluetooth to talk to my iPhone !
Pulling away from lights 2 miles from home, there was a loss of power and the "Engine system service urgent" light was back !
I gently feathered the loud pedal but power continued to drain until the gearbox appeared to disengage (all the buttons went out!) and a new message came up along the lines of Engine Failsafe Mode (or some such).
We coasted to the dble yellow , trying not to block someone's drive and I sat there wondering what next.
As the engine hadn't seemed to have stalled (it's pretty quiet when treated softly), I had the brilliant idea of pressing the "D" button and sure enough, Mr Martin engaged his gears and we limped home to my drive.
There he has sat sulking under his cover since Monday.
The car has covered just 32k and had a full inspection and full service by Nicholas Mee & Co. when I bought it in May. I have covered approx 1800 miles in that time - mostly 20-50 miles trips. Goodwood F.o.S and Revival weekends being the longest.
The plugs were not changed at service as we felt "if it ain't broke" etc.
I am aware that some members have had coil-packs go around this mileage.
Following advice on here, I bought a battery conditioner and I have seen reference to a diagnostic Code Reader but not worked out which would be best for the Aston. This is all a far cry from using a fag paper to check the points adjustment of my cars when I was a nipper BUT I really don't want to be the victim of some of dealers/specialists we read about on here by just pitching helpless, with not a scooby what the problem might be and because I have an Aston, I must be rich and deserve to be ripped off!
The car came from Sth London so Nik Mee was the obvious choice for inspection and Tom there was great but they are a long way away and their hrly rate is a West End one so I need to resolve my current issue as efficiently as possible AND find myself someone who will instil confidence (and not break the bank) when the next thing goes wrong.....Which it inevitably will.
I live in Essex and we have Grange Motors and Rikki Cann in these parts.
Can Members please make suggestions on:
1) Best strategy for our current problem
&
2) "Whom I gonna call ?" (Other than the obvious Ghostbusters) ? ;-)
One way might be to price parts for a new coil-pack, plugs etc (assuming that's what it is) for me to supply and they the labour ?
I knew owning an Aston would be like having a crazy-bird for a mistress but sometimes areas of the body other than the brain make those decisions for you. ;-)
Many, many thanks for your consideration and I must say to Dan & a The Team, what a great "resource" this site is.
Looking fwd to your informed advices.
The Lord Rowley.
P.H. virgin post.
Following much research on here, I purchased a 2006 M.Y DB9 Volante which is simply the best thing I have ever bought (forget houses, watches, holidays, women, wives) ! But inevitably, problems have occurred.
I had the Environmental Service warning light appear - scared the bejeebers the first time but reading P.H experiences, a couple of quick thrashes and "re-cycles" cleared it. - Phew!
Enjoyed Goodwood Revival last week and "Mr Martin" covered about 300 miles faultlessly. Apart from a severe jerk when I kicked down to demonstrate to our travelling companions what 12 cylinders sounded like. Luckily, this was just short of Lady Rowley's home . A bit embarrassing but potentially more worrying. I popped out for a takeaway later, tried the kick down and it did the same but this time a RED warning triangle flashed up and orange engine symbol saying: "Engine system service urgent" ! Scarey stuff for a new DB9 owner on a budget !
I turned the old boy round and left it on her drive - taking the "utility vehicle" for the vittels.
Next day, I drove The Beast round the block - no probs, no warning lights. I stayed at The Good Lady's all week (I guess putting off driving Mr M. the 20 miles home).
Driving home very gently on Mon., no lights, no probs. but I didn't tempt fate by accelerating. The usual 20 min drive was disrupted however by a tanker oil spill so Mr Martin and I sat at a standstill/crawl for nearly 2 hrs. :-o. Still apparently no probs - no overheating,non scary warning lights. I even (finally) got the Bluetooth to talk to my iPhone !
Pulling away from lights 2 miles from home, there was a loss of power and the "Engine system service urgent" light was back !
I gently feathered the loud pedal but power continued to drain until the gearbox appeared to disengage (all the buttons went out!) and a new message came up along the lines of Engine Failsafe Mode (or some such).
We coasted to the dble yellow , trying not to block someone's drive and I sat there wondering what next.
As the engine hadn't seemed to have stalled (it's pretty quiet when treated softly), I had the brilliant idea of pressing the "D" button and sure enough, Mr Martin engaged his gears and we limped home to my drive.
There he has sat sulking under his cover since Monday.
The car has covered just 32k and had a full inspection and full service by Nicholas Mee & Co. when I bought it in May. I have covered approx 1800 miles in that time - mostly 20-50 miles trips. Goodwood F.o.S and Revival weekends being the longest.
The plugs were not changed at service as we felt "if it ain't broke" etc.
I am aware that some members have had coil-packs go around this mileage.
Following advice on here, I bought a battery conditioner and I have seen reference to a diagnostic Code Reader but not worked out which would be best for the Aston. This is all a far cry from using a fag paper to check the points adjustment of my cars when I was a nipper BUT I really don't want to be the victim of some of dealers/specialists we read about on here by just pitching helpless, with not a scooby what the problem might be and because I have an Aston, I must be rich and deserve to be ripped off!
The car came from Sth London so Nik Mee was the obvious choice for inspection and Tom there was great but they are a long way away and their hrly rate is a West End one so I need to resolve my current issue as efficiently as possible AND find myself someone who will instil confidence (and not break the bank) when the next thing goes wrong.....Which it inevitably will.
I live in Essex and we have Grange Motors and Rikki Cann in these parts.
Can Members please make suggestions on:
1) Best strategy for our current problem
&
2) "Whom I gonna call ?" (Other than the obvious Ghostbusters) ? ;-)
One way might be to price parts for a new coil-pack, plugs etc (assuming that's what it is) for me to supply and they the labour ?
I knew owning an Aston would be like having a crazy-bird for a mistress but sometimes areas of the body other than the brain make those decisions for you. ;-)
Many, many thanks for your consideration and I must say to Dan & a The Team, what a great "resource" this site is.
Looking fwd to your informed advices.
The Lord Rowley.
Firstly, welcome. Secondly, you've broken the law around here, fist post and not pictures of the Car!
Anyway, sensible choice would be either to get an OBD reader, or probably just take it to an AM dealership / specialist to get them to plug in the computer to tell you whats wrong. Once thats been done you can then assess any works that need doing, who is best to do it etc. Not sure if Rikki Cann has the AM diagnostics computer for the Gaydon Astons, someone on here will know.
Anyway, sensible choice would be either to get an OBD reader, or probably just take it to an AM dealership / specialist to get them to plug in the computer to tell you whats wrong. Once thats been done you can then assess any works that need doing, who is best to do it etc. Not sure if Rikki Cann has the AM diagnostics computer for the Gaydon Astons, someone on here will know.
There is a good chance it may be a dodgy O2 sensor, rather than a coilpack.
However, first step is to get any codes checked out.
Any garage should have a code reader that should read basic engine sensor codes.
If that doesn't show anything, then you may have to take to to your nearest AM facility for diagnosis.
Many main dealers do a free 'healthcheck', which will include a lookover and diagnostics check
Looking at their site, Rikki Cann say they do AM servicing, so should be able to check the codes the engine/exhaust is putting out to case the environment alarm.
Give them a call!
Let us know what they find.
However, first step is to get any codes checked out.
Any garage should have a code reader that should read basic engine sensor codes.
If that doesn't show anything, then you may have to take to to your nearest AM facility for diagnosis.
Many main dealers do a free 'healthcheck', which will include a lookover and diagnostics check
Looking at their site, Rikki Cann say they do AM servicing, so should be able to check the codes the engine/exhaust is putting out to case the environment alarm.
Give them a call!
Let us know what they find.
its a fairly early car and from the symptoms explained i would say problem is trans related to P, R, N, D buttons - a common fault solved by either re-flash with up to date engine management system calibration or new buttons. The good thing is that it has triggered a forced shut-down which means in the memory of the ECU will be a snap-shot of data captured at time of shutdown to help explain why. Along with PCodes a hand held meter will reveal, both will show cause of issue. but cheapest way to diagnose yourself is plug hand held fault code reader in and tell us the codes, i will tell you the fix!
WOW - what responses !
Thank you gentlemen
Bamford Mike - you were incredibly helpful and supportive - and at some crazy time of night - when I was going to look at a DB9 in Stratford on Avon. I had planned to get you to inspect it but as transpired, it was sold and I bought this one from London which is obviously miles away from you.
Interesting point that you think it might be the Trans...
I forgot the RULES BREACH (there was actually a cunning plan behind that but I changed the theme from Members views on said A.M specialists to simply asking for general help). So apologies and I hope Mr M will now be attached somehow and those of you who say "that is NOT an Aston colour sir!" may leave the room now. No logic in buying these cars - it's all heart and soul.
To my NEW BEST FRIEND in Benfleet, I drive through there twice a day to & from my office so your offer is fantastic and would be a great start - especially as you presumably know how to use the code reader. I assume there is some way of Private Messaging you ? I'll have to look into how I do that. We're away this weekend so don't worry, I won't suddenly pitch up on your doorstep tomorrow morning. ;-)
Everyone else, thanks. It's daft but knowing there is so much experience and knowledge out there and so accessible, gives peace of mind. :-)
One other thing. When I Googled Rikki Cann, there was some rather unsavoury H.M.Court reporting from 2011 about a "parts scam". On the back of this, I'm impressed to see he is still trading in such an exclusive market. Has anyone else used his services for their DB9 ? Obviously, in light of this, I have my concerns but he is certainly the closest "specialist" to me.
(I fully appreciate that comments might need to be made privately in view of the litigious society in which we live).
Anyway, time to try to post the photo and find out how to p.m My Man in Benfleet.
Looks like the photo is below. Taken in Dedham village - where a nice German chap asked if he could stroke "your beautiful Aston Martin".
TTFN.
Thank you gentlemen
Bamford Mike - you were incredibly helpful and supportive - and at some crazy time of night - when I was going to look at a DB9 in Stratford on Avon. I had planned to get you to inspect it but as transpired, it was sold and I bought this one from London which is obviously miles away from you.
Interesting point that you think it might be the Trans...
I forgot the RULES BREACH (there was actually a cunning plan behind that but I changed the theme from Members views on said A.M specialists to simply asking for general help). So apologies and I hope Mr M will now be attached somehow and those of you who say "that is NOT an Aston colour sir!" may leave the room now. No logic in buying these cars - it's all heart and soul.
To my NEW BEST FRIEND in Benfleet, I drive through there twice a day to & from my office so your offer is fantastic and would be a great start - especially as you presumably know how to use the code reader. I assume there is some way of Private Messaging you ? I'll have to look into how I do that. We're away this weekend so don't worry, I won't suddenly pitch up on your doorstep tomorrow morning. ;-)
Everyone else, thanks. It's daft but knowing there is so much experience and knowledge out there and so accessible, gives peace of mind. :-)
One other thing. When I Googled Rikki Cann, there was some rather unsavoury H.M.Court reporting from 2011 about a "parts scam". On the back of this, I'm impressed to see he is still trading in such an exclusive market. Has anyone else used his services for their DB9 ? Obviously, in light of this, I have my concerns but he is certainly the closest "specialist" to me.
(I fully appreciate that comments might need to be made privately in view of the litigious society in which we live).
Anyway, time to try to post the photo and find out how to p.m My Man in Benfleet.
Looks like the photo is below. Taken in Dedham village - where a nice German chap asked if he could stroke "your beautiful Aston Martin".
TTFN.
UPDATE !
All respond as appropriate pls.
My new Aston-buddy Baldyash came up trumps with his OBD reader this morning and he found the following 3 codes:
P2106 - P1033 - P2106.
P1033 appears to be the all-to-familiar "Environmental Service needed" warning. Have had this before and been advised to "boot it and blow the soot out of the pipes". Which I duly did and this did the trick. Albeit, it came back.
P2106 has the DTC definition of:
ETC FMEM – forced limited power; sensor fault: MAF, one TP, CKP, TSS, OSS, stuck throttle, throttle actuator circuit fault (MIL, wrench light) [Gen2 only]
This seems to suggest Electronic Throttle Monitor Operation.
As I've had TWO incidents of warning lights, I wonder if that is why I have those TWO fault readings ?
Baldyash then did some fantastic research as I drove home and sent me 8 pages on Torque Based Electronic Throttle Control. Here:
http://juchems.com/ServiceManuals/viewfile82d8.pdf...
and a124 page Aston manual on 2011M.Y OBD System Operation. Here:
http://www.scchosting.com/e30/hd/Aston_Martin/1660...
Page 64 of which refers to fault code P2106.
All looks highly technical and clearly not written in layman's terms but I thought it might help you Engineer-types some time in looking things up, if it is here at hand ? Reading the subsequent codes on p.64, I see there are "forced limited": RPM, idle and engine shutdown. Mine was "forced limited power". Which was certainly the symptoms.
Now we have to identify the cause & rectify - without breaking the bank.
Since the original incident returning from Goodwood, I have driven the car very daintily only 3 times. Once to get me the 20 miles home - when the big shut down/"forced limited power" occurred. If you recall, this was after being stuck in traffic jam for over an hour and kicked in when I kicked-down ! (Thankfully close to home).
The second time -yesterday to confirm car would start and might make the 10 miles to Baldyash's and this morning, when the sun shone, I dropped the hood and smoothly "cruised" to Benfleet. I avoided kicking down and the Enviro Warning was still on - preventing me reading the digi-speedo but otherwise, there was not a hint of any trouble!
When I drove back, I took it along the sea front and around for an hour or so. Driving very carefully but detecting no problems. But I was not brave enough to try to provoke it by kicking down.
I love this car and dearly want to have faith in it's reliability. Touring au-continent next year was the plan........but !
SO DOES KNOWING THESE CODES NOW HELP ?
Mike having found them, is it less likely to be the gear selectors and more the coil packs and/or plugs ?
Any more for any more ?
We are due to join the AMOC people for the commemorative dinner at Brighton Royal Pavilion on 26th of the month so I would obviously prefer to go in the Aston but equally don't want to face the ignominy of breaking down on the M25/23/Brighton Esplanade ! HELP.
I'll be speaking to Rikki Cann tomorrow but I would like some informed input first please.
Thanking you all again in anticipation.
L.R.
All respond as appropriate pls.
My new Aston-buddy Baldyash came up trumps with his OBD reader this morning and he found the following 3 codes:
P2106 - P1033 - P2106.
P1033 appears to be the all-to-familiar "Environmental Service needed" warning. Have had this before and been advised to "boot it and blow the soot out of the pipes". Which I duly did and this did the trick. Albeit, it came back.
P2106 has the DTC definition of:
ETC FMEM – forced limited power; sensor fault: MAF, one TP, CKP, TSS, OSS, stuck throttle, throttle actuator circuit fault (MIL, wrench light) [Gen2 only]
This seems to suggest Electronic Throttle Monitor Operation.
As I've had TWO incidents of warning lights, I wonder if that is why I have those TWO fault readings ?
Baldyash then did some fantastic research as I drove home and sent me 8 pages on Torque Based Electronic Throttle Control. Here:
http://juchems.com/ServiceManuals/viewfile82d8.pdf...
and a124 page Aston manual on 2011M.Y OBD System Operation. Here:
http://www.scchosting.com/e30/hd/Aston_Martin/1660...
Page 64 of which refers to fault code P2106.
All looks highly technical and clearly not written in layman's terms but I thought it might help you Engineer-types some time in looking things up, if it is here at hand ? Reading the subsequent codes on p.64, I see there are "forced limited": RPM, idle and engine shutdown. Mine was "forced limited power". Which was certainly the symptoms.
Now we have to identify the cause & rectify - without breaking the bank.
Since the original incident returning from Goodwood, I have driven the car very daintily only 3 times. Once to get me the 20 miles home - when the big shut down/"forced limited power" occurred. If you recall, this was after being stuck in traffic jam for over an hour and kicked in when I kicked-down ! (Thankfully close to home).
The second time -yesterday to confirm car would start and might make the 10 miles to Baldyash's and this morning, when the sun shone, I dropped the hood and smoothly "cruised" to Benfleet. I avoided kicking down and the Enviro Warning was still on - preventing me reading the digi-speedo but otherwise, there was not a hint of any trouble!
When I drove back, I took it along the sea front and around for an hour or so. Driving very carefully but detecting no problems. But I was not brave enough to try to provoke it by kicking down.
I love this car and dearly want to have faith in it's reliability. Touring au-continent next year was the plan........but !
SO DOES KNOWING THESE CODES NOW HELP ?
Mike having found them, is it less likely to be the gear selectors and more the coil packs and/or plugs ?
Any more for any more ?
We are due to join the AMOC people for the commemorative dinner at Brighton Royal Pavilion on 26th of the month so I would obviously prefer to go in the Aston but equally don't want to face the ignominy of breaking down on the M25/23/Brighton Esplanade ! HELP.
I'll be speaking to Rikki Cann tomorrow but I would like some informed input first please.
Thanking you all again in anticipation.
L.R.
LordRowley said:
"Pipe & slippers" ?
450 bhp ?
WOW!
Who are you - Stirling Hamilton ?
Glad you liked the colour anyway.
;-)
450 bhp ?
WOW!
Who are you - Stirling Hamilton ?
Glad you liked the colour anyway.
;-)
just a little joke from a 550 BHP training bra owner 
That P2106 code is the cuplrit I think
Nothing to do with gearbox, more than likely an issue some where in the fueling system
It probably needs to go on the AMDS computer as that will show a WHOLE lot more than a generic code reader
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