V8V noises before you press the start button...

[nsjb]

Hi guys,

I think there has been kind of similar threads to this question but not quite what I'm wondering. I just wanted to check if my '08 V8 Vantage sports shift is making the same noises as everyone else's!

Firstly, and I think this is normal, as soon as you pull the driver door handle you hear a fairly high pitched whine, presumably the fuel pump right?

Secondly, and this is my main question, when you turn the key to the second ignition notch but before you press the start button, is it normal to hear quite a loud rattle type sound from the back of the car? Actually, it's more of a compressor type sound. I tried to upload sound but it didn't work for some reason.

I do know that someone on here once described the same sound but that was after he'd been driving for a while but this is before I've even started the engine.

If it's not normal, do you know what it could be?

Thanks

[Moonpie]

The experts will chime in soon and give you definitive answers, but my V8V does the same.

My understanding is that the door handle activates the hydraulic motor to pressurize the brake and steering systems.

[AM4884]

I believe Moonpie is correct. On a Ford, opening the door handle pressurizes the ABS system.

The noise from the junk in the trunk is the fuel pumps pressurizing the lines. At least on the DB9, there are two of them in the tank and they are high pressure (4 - 5 BAR or so) and returnless. To keep them happy always have at least 1/4 tank of gas. The fuel is the coolant for the electric motors, which fail when they get hot.

[NickXX]

I have the loud rattle from the back too - I thought that it might be the exhaust valve solenoid, but not sure if it runs before the engine has started.

[nsjb]

Thanks for all of those rapid answers guys. I'm glad that it all seems normal!

[Gazza450]

I think you might find that the rattle from the back is the exhaust valves. Mine did this until I removed the magic fuse (22 I think) and that leaves the valve open but has the benefit of giving you more of the exhaust note. Much better than the horrible rattle on start up and free!!

[EVR]

The first one: I had the same question in my first days of ownership and an AM tech told me is some kind of pump, just don't remember which one.

The second one... uhm, I don't think I have it. What I have at this stage is the THUMP of the clutch when I press N (SportShift) to initiate the clutch calibration and a loud TICK when said procedure is done, but this second part is when the engine is already on, 10ish seconds in.

[nsjb]

Hi EVR, I didn’t think we had to press N before starting the car as it automatically jumps into N as you press the start button?

[Mr.Tremlini]

I loved all the noises, whines, click, clunks etc, somewhat belies the appearance of the car, but lets you know there`s mechanical stuff happening, rather than just a fan keeping the ECM cool!

[EVR]

nsjb said:

Hi EVR, I didn’t think we had to press N before starting the car as it automatically jumps into N as you press the start button?

Yes, I suppose so, but I noticed the car display shows 1 if I don't press N before so I am not sure if the procedure is effectively carried out that way. I prefer just be sure and press N myself, so N shows before the engine cranks.

Mr.Tremlini said:

I loved all the noises, whines, click, clunks etc, somewhat belies the appearance of the car, but lets you know there`s mechanical stuff happening, rather than just a fan keeping the ECM cool!

This! I had various people commenting along those lines.

[dwell]

Firstly, and I think this is normal, as soon as you pull the driver door handle you hear a fairly high pitched whine, presumably the fuel pump right?
I believe this is the ASM pump for the sportshift transmission pressurising in preparation for the start up.

[LTP]

The other thing to remember about the Sportshift is that it engages a gear when you shut down, so it will select neutral before it’ll allow the engine to crank.

Always allow the clutch learn every time you start from cold; on SSII wait until the LED in the “N” button stops flashing

[AM4884]

I am humbled by Gazza450... Ze is correct. Just because it sounds like a gyrator pump going bad, doesn't mean it is. Never thought about the flapper valves on the exhaust. Now I'm not going to do a pump refurb this winter!

[Damianos]

dwell said:

I believe this is the ASM pump for the sportshift transmission pressurising in preparation for the start up.

That's what i also remember reading somewhere...

[V8LM]

As said, probably the same as it was in the Vanquish. Noise on opening the door is the ASM pump pressurising fluid. If parked normally the box is in 1st so selected neutral when the start button is pressed.

ETA: you could test by parking the car in neutral (I always do - Vanquish is pulling both paddles back for a second and waiting for the long beep) and then seeing if the ‘rattle’ still happens. If it doesn’t - it’s the box selecting neutral - if it does then possible exhaust valves.

Edited by V8LM on Saturday 9th January 09:00

[nsjb]

With the old Fuse 22 thing, can you remove it and replace as much as you like or once you’ve taken it out does it have to stay out? Thanks

[Moonpie]

nsjb said:

With the old Fuse 22 thing, can you remove it and replace as much as you like or once you’ve taken it out does it have to stay out? Thanks

You can in fact take it out as much as you like or you can purchase an inexpensive remote that will do it for you. One push of a button and its loud and another push and its quieter. Took minutes to install and works as advertised. Link below.

https://www.cccharger.co.uk/

[Simon.b]

nsjb, I'm guessing your new to Aston's as am I, your doing the right thing to ask if your not sure about stuff. I love that mine makes all sorts of clicks and buzzing sounds as soon as you touch the door handle and also for quite some time after its locked as all the systems shut down. Get to know them because when a new one arrives or doesn't that's the time to really start asking questions.

Enjoy,

Simon.

[nsjb]

Moonpie - thanks for the link, I’ll take a look.

Simon b - yes, you’re right. It’s when the noises aren’t there that it becomes more worrying!

[LTP]

Moonpie said:

You can in fact take it out as much as you like or you can purchase an inexpensive remote that will do it for you. One push of a button and its loud and another push and its quieter. Took minutes to install and works as advertised. Link below.

https://www.cccharger.co.uk/

Do remember that if you remove the fuse the exhaust valves (flaps) will never move, which can lead to them seizing up. While a more expensive fix, one of the flap controllers like the CCCharger will allow you to start the car and allow the flaps to move, then select the mode you want. As far as I'm aware during the start-up procedure the valves are normally open until the engine fires and the initial throttle "flare" is complete, then the valves close and stay closed until the rpm threshold for them to open is reached.