DB11 Problems After Spark Plug Replacement
Discussion
I have a 2020 DB11 V8 with 4200 miles. I took it into my dealer (California) several weeks ago for its annual service (4 years). The dealer said that Aston recommends changing the spark plugs at 4 years. So I authorized that. When I picked the car up it seemed fine. After about 10 days though I tried to start it one morning, and although it started it idled very roughly then shut down. I tried to start it again and same issue. It wasn’t drivable and the yellow CEL was on (not flashing). I hooked up an OBD2 scanner to it and it was throwing off fuel pressure and hydraulic pressure codes. It has now been with the dealer for almost three weeks and they still haven’t determined what the issue is. They think it’s a fuel pump problem, but are awaiting input from Aston Martin. The car was running great prior to the service, and what you would expect with such low mileage. I have to think that these problems are somehow related to the spark plug replacement and service, but of course the dealer is saying that they don’t think there’s a correlation. Anyone have any thoughts on this matter and what questions I should be asking the dealer. I’m concerned that if there is a correlation between the service and the problems, the dealer has created further (if not permanent damage) to the engine or other components that I will literally be paying for later (and when the car is out of warranty). Appreciate the assistance. Thank you in advance.
Thank you. Yes, fortunately all under warranty right now. But that will end soon unless I purchase an extension. I’m just concerned about long term damage, and the fact that the dealer hasn’t been able to identify and fix the problem after several weeks has severely shaken my confidence in the car in general and again its long term reliability.
Thank you. There may be some truth to your observation regarding modern cars. All I know is that the dealer definitely needs support from Aston to undertake the diagnosis and repair, which is somewhat disconcerting and frustrating. Neither appears to be in any hurry to fix the car and get it back to me.
V12Vin, let me get this sorted out first. Here’s an update:
The dealer and Aston have advised that the following need to be replaced: the low pressure fuel pump, the fuel control module, the fuel filter, and the pressure regulating valve unit. So, the problem does not appear to be related to the spark plug replacement, but I’m still surprised that a car with only 4200 miles would need these parts replaced. But in any event, that’s the current game plan. Hoping that nothing else has been damaged in the process (catalytic converters?) and that this work will indeed fix the problem. But only time will tell, I guess. Appreciate all of the helpful input here.
The dealer and Aston have advised that the following need to be replaced: the low pressure fuel pump, the fuel control module, the fuel filter, and the pressure regulating valve unit. So, the problem does not appear to be related to the spark plug replacement, but I’m still surprised that a car with only 4200 miles would need these parts replaced. But in any event, that’s the current game plan. Hoping that nothing else has been damaged in the process (catalytic converters?) and that this work will indeed fix the problem. But only time will tell, I guess. Appreciate all of the helpful input here.
Good suggestion re the cats inspection and photos. I’m hoping that this isn’t the first of a series of successive problems. I’m requesting a complete inspection, and obviously they need to clear the CEL and all codes. I’ll also have them check all electronics, proper operation of the infotainment system, and switches. Wish me luck, please! My confidence in the product has definitely been shaken and even worse, the wife has started to ask questions!
Here’s the epilogue: picked the car up last Thursday following replacement of the parts listed above, and so far so good. Car is driving great and sounds like her old self. Everything seems to work and they did a great job detailing the car for me gratis prior to pick up. I’m cautiously optimistic and keeping fingers crossed. Given this episode, I’m inclined to purchase an extended warranty (assuming I decide to keep the car; my lease ends soon and my warranty is in place during the lease term). Anyone have any thoughts on the extended warranty program and the value associated with it. It seems sensible but is not inexpensive. Many thanks again for all of the valuable information and suggestions. Super helpful.
Here’s the epilogue: picked the car up last Thursday following replacement of the parts listed above, and so far so good. Car is driving great and sounds like her old self. Everything seems to work and they did a great job detailing the car for me gratis prior to pick up. I’m cautiously optimistic and keeping fingers crossed. Given this episode, I’m inclined to purchase an extended warranty (assuming I decide to keep the car; my lease ends soon and my warranty is in place during the lease term). Anyone have any thoughts on the extended warranty program and the value associated with it. It seems sensible but is not inexpensive. Many thanks again for all of the valuable information and suggestions. Super helpful.
It’s a fair point, and I wonder if these issues would have arisen if I hadn’t had the plugs changed. But they do appear to be unrelated and purely coincidental. The car does seem to drive well now, though, and theoretically at least, it should drive markedly better with the new plugs (which the dealer rechecked). I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and resume the enjoyable driving.
I agree regarding the spark plugs, but the dealer is simply following AM service guidelines (which I understand; that’s the best risk management approach). As to the fuel issue, AM sent the dealer some kind of diagnostic tool to assist in assessing the problem. So, this was AM’s recommendation in consultation with the dealer and based on the information they were able to glean from using the tool. This is way above my knowledge level, but to an earlier point, these cars are extremely complex (and becoming even more so) rolling computers that will continue to require extensive consultation between dealer and manufacturer for repairs.
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