Fault Code reader

[BIG DUNC]

Can anyone recommend a fault code reader that can clear codes on an Aston?
Shortly after buying it, I left it for two weeks and when I got in, it turned over slowly (but started first time) but it triggered the air bag warning light. Dr. Google suggested that may be due to low battery voltage. Local specialist reset and all good. Since then I have always left a charger on it if not using it for more than a couple days.
Last night I was stopped by the level crossing in the village. There is a big sign saying "cut engine cut pollution" so I turned off, as I have done in all my cars for the twenty years I have lived here. As it was dark I left the side lights on. I was stopped for three or four minutes. It started fine but the airbag light was on. If it is that sensitive I need to be able to reset it myself.

[LTP]

BIG DUNC said:

Can anyone recommend a fault code reader that can clear codes on an Aston?
Shortly after buying it, I left it for two weeks and when I got in, it turned over slowly (but started first time) but it triggered the air bag warning light. Dr. Google suggested that may be due to low battery voltage. Local specialist reset and all good. Since then I have always left a charger on it if not using it for more than a couple days.
Last night I was stopped by the level crossing in the village. There is a big sign saying "cut engine cut pollution" so I turned off, as I have done in all my cars for the twenty years I have lived here. As it was dark I left the side lights on. I was stopped for three or four minutes. It started fine but the airbag light was on. If it is that sensitive I need to be able to reset it myself.

Can't answer your actual question, but I would ask how old your battery is, and what you are using as a "charger".

[stevenichols]

Any cheap OBD2 reader will tell you what codes are being set. You should be able to delete them. You don't need to spend a fortune.
Something like this will do it:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/327344909413?_skw=OBD2+...

Sorry for the long URL!

And if it doesn't work for you, it hasn't cost you too much. You'll just need a list of the AM codes and what they mean, such as the one below.

https://astondiy.com/pages/fault-codes

Regards, Steve

[BIG DUNC]

Thank you, that is useful.

[bogie]

I would test the battery and if required change it, will only become worse in winter months.

Ive been using a Foxwell NT530 for many years, comes with AM software and can read/reset everything you need. Also has space for other brand software, i added Land Rover/Range Rover to mine.

The Foxwell can test your battery, if you dont already have a multimeter to test it

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_FXNT530AM.html

[BIG DUNC]

I bought the car 3 months ago and in the history file is a receipt from about 6 months earlier for a new battery.
But, in the mean time I need to lift the rear seat and check the battery is suitable capacity and also the terminal connections are all good.

[stevenichols]

I think you also need to invest in a charger, such as a CTEK. V8 Vantages don't like being left for more than a couple of weeks. If the voltage drops below 11.5V when starting all sorts of weird things can happen.

[BIG DUNC]

The charger left on it is a C Tek (although I have other chargers as well, some smart and some dumb).
I put it on charge whenever it isn't in use unless I am definitely using it the following day.
It is normally used a couple of times a week.
It is a V12 Rapide, not a V8 Vantage.

[bogie]

If its had a new battery then it does sound a bit strange, going to need to log the codes, clear them and see if they re-occur, if there is any pattern.

Some of the errors have had on previous Astons have been related to relatively inexpensive sensors, but one error sets of a chain of errors that can often seem unrelated. Things like ABS brake pressure transducer or a wheel speed sensor.

its worth paying for a years membership of the AM tech hub and downloading all the workshop manuals, OBD codes etc that you can find for your model.

I dont know how much different a Rapide is to a DB9 as the latter more common and you may find the manuals online or a member on here will have them.

https://technicalhub.astonmartin.com/login

[BIG DUNC]

Yes, I am about to order the fault code reader that someone linked above.
As far as I am aware, the Rapide is a four day DB9. Note, I have never owned a DB9 and have not owned the Rapide for long, so feel free to correct me if there are other differences.

[bogie]

Yeah a Rapide is pretty much a 4 door DB9

lots of useful manuals here https://db9s.com/db9-manuals-and-brochures/

alternative parts list here

https://astondiy.com/