HELP!!! Can't access DB7 battery, about to go on deployment

[Britcar driver]

Hi all,

So, in preparation for deployment I was going to connect my 2003 DB7 Vantage to the Aston Martin trickle charger that came with it. This was the first time I had set it up on the trickle charger, so I used the owner's manual step by step. First it said to disconnect the battery by pressing the battery disconnect button, which I did, then went to get the trickle charger to plug in. As I turned around, I instinctively closed the trunk!!!!

I went through the manual and it does not look like there is a manual opening point for the trunk. Tried using the key, but I do believe it is electric, because it is not working, I just hear a faint click. Tried the center console trunk button, guess what, also electric. Also, to access the car to try the trunk button and look around for a manual release, I had to open the door, which the owner's manual expressly says not to do. I didn't think I had a choice. Anyways, I have not shut my door for fear of damaging the window seal mechanism. (Have I already damaged it by opening the door?)

Well, I guess I am now the village idiot, but I would appreciate any help you all can provide to get back into my trunk. Thanks!

Brandon

[Jon39]

If you have not already done so Brandon, try also putting your question on the AMOC forum.

I think there may be more DB7 owners who use the AMOC website, so more likely to obtain an answer.

Hope that you solve the problem.

[Britcar driver]

Jon,

I will, I've never posted there before so my registration needs to be approved by the site's admin folks. I know there aren't a ton of DB7 owners on here anymore, but maybe some owners have had experience with this as previous DB7 owners. I figure there might be some on here with some knowledge on it.

[Trabi601]

Isn't there a jump start point under the bonnet?

Usually, applying power to these will get power boot releases etc. to unlock.

(Porsche 996 / 986s have a point in the fuse box for you to connect a battery and release the boot and bonnet to gain access to the battery)

[abanks]

My Jaguar XKR, which is a close relative of the DB7, had a +ve terminal under a rubber cover near the main engine fuse box. If the DB7 has the same, connect a positive lead from a charger to that and find a good earth for the -ve that will provide enough power to operate the lock as the previous poster suggests. Good luck.

[Britcar driver]

No, unfortunately the only jump points, I believe, are in the trunk at the battery. I didn't see any under the hood, and there are no alternate jump points listed in the owner's manual.

[Trabi601]

Britcar driver said:

No, unfortunately the only jump points, I believe, are in the trunk at the battery. I didn't see any under the hood, and there are no alternate jump points listed in the owner's manual.

There has to be an alternative power connection point - any plastic covers in the engine bay with a '+' sign on them?

Surely no manufacturer would put the battery in a boot with electric only release, without alternative power connections?

(My BMW has a terminal in the engine bay, as did my Prius)

[williamp]

from the amoc website (not written by me). The owners manual should show where these points are:

"...The two contacts for the jump-start clamps are under the bonnet/hood, which is a non-electrical release from the cockpit.

This exact clamp-point information is probably all the more important in the USA, wherein emergency service truck drivers aren't all that familiar with Aston Martins.

I noted with interest that if the car is jump-started, one should allow it to run 15-20 minutes/long enough so that it can restart itself, then turn it off, then restart it, before driving it anywhere......"

[MrB.]

You should be able to open the boot with the key. Flip up the wings badge and just insert the key and turn. The boot lock is mechanical, not electric. The boot lid doesn't move when you turn the key (unlike when you use the button on the fob or inside the cabin), so it's probably giving you the illusion it hasn't unlocked. Just lift the boot lid.

I terms of damaging the window seal, no you haven't, but might be an idea to drop the window slightly before closing the door if you are keeping it in a garage.