ASTON MARTIN CLIENT SERVICES

SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference number:

SB-03-1481

Subject:

Process to Update the V8 ECM Software

Model(s):

DB11 V8, Vantage and DBX

Applicable to:

All Dealers

Distribute to:

After Sales Manager
Executive Manager
Service Manager
Sales Manager

Issued: 12 January, 2021

Warranty Staff
Technician(s)
Parts Staff

Reason for this Service Bulletin
This bulletin gives the process for when you update the Engine Control Module (ECM) software for V8 engines.
Do the workshop procedure that follows:

Workshop Procedure
CAUTIONS:

CONNECT THE AMDS 2.0 EQUIPMENT TO AN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY WHEN YOU DO THE
PROCEDURE THAT FOLLOWS. IF THE LAPTOP BATTERY VOLTAGE DECREASES DURING THE
SOFTWARE UPDATE, THE UPDATE CAN FAIL AND CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE MODULE.
YOU MUST CONNECT A BATTERY CHARGER TO THE VEHICLE BEFORE YOU DO DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES. IF THE VEHICLE BATTERY VOLTAGE DECREASES DURING THE PROCEDURE, THE
SOFTWARE UPDATE CAN FAIL AND CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE MODULE.

Notes:

Make sure that the vehicle has a minimum of half a tank of fuel before you do this procedure.
Make sure that the AMDS 2.0 software has updated to the latest version. The AMDS 2.0 software will
need a good Internet connection (minimum broadband speed of 2 Mbit/second) to make sure that
the software is updated correctly.
A high output battery charger (minimum of 80 A) is necessary to meet the demand of the radiator
cooling fan. The battery charger must also be compatible with Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) type
batteries.

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SERVICE BULLETIN
1.

SB-03-1481

Insert the vehicle key in the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS).
Note: This step is only applicable to DB11 & Vantage.

2.

Set the ignition to on, but do not start the engine.

3.

Connect the Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) to the vehicle by using the Diagnostic Link Cable (DLC).

4.

Start the AMDS 2.0 software and, if necessary, update to the latest version.

5.

Before you update the ECM in AMDS 2.0 you must do a read and save of the injector coding.

6.

In AMDS 2.0 click “Special Apps” (refer to Figure 1).

Figure 1

7.

Select “ECM_V8” then “OK” (refer to Figure 2).

Figure 2
8.

Select “Read from EMS” (refer to Figure 3).

Figure 3

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SERVICE BULLETIN
9.

SB-03-1481

Select “Save to Disk” to store the injector coding
(refer to Figure 4).

Figure 4
10.

Select “Flash” (refer to Figure 5).

Figure 5

11.

Select “ECM_V8” and click “OK” (refer to Figure 6).

Figure 6

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SERVICE BULLETIN
12.

SB-03-1481

Select “Flash Download” (refer to Figure 7).

Figure 7

13.

When the software update is complete, close the “Flash” window.
Note: The update is complete when “Post-programming sequence completed OK. VCI Disconnected. DRVU
reset OK” is shown.

14.

After you have flashed the ECM do a check to make
sure the injector codes are shown.
Select “Special Apps” (refer to Figure 8).

Figure 8

15.

Select “ECM_V8” then “OK” (refer to Figure 9).

Figure 9

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SERVICE BULLETIN
16.

SB-03-1481

If the injector codes from step 8 are shown select
“Write to EMS” (refer to Figure 10).
Note: If the injector codes are not shown or show:
0000 select “Load from Disk” to load the injector
codes from step 9 and then select “Write to EMS”.

Figure 10

17.

Select “DTC/OBD” (refer to Figure 11).

Figure 11

18.

Select “Read DTC” (refer to Figure 12).

Figure 12

19.

Use AMDS 2.0 to do a check and erase DTCs.

20.

Set the ignition to OFF.

21.

Wait a minimum of 20 minutes to let the ECM_V8 fully shut down.

22.

Start and let the engine run for 20 seconds.

23.

Do the applicable procedure to learn engine misfire corrections.
•

For DBX refer to: SA-03-1447 (Part B: Procedure to Learn Engine Misfire Correction).

•

For DB11 V8 and Vantage refer to: SB-03-1141.

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SERVICE BULLETIN

SB-03-1481

Warranty Data
Procedure and Labour Time
Description

Labour Time

Update the ECM_V8 Software.

0.3 hours

If you have any questions related to this document, please refer to the 'Contact Us' link on this webpage,
or contact your local Dealer or After Sales Manager.
The English version of this document is written in
Simplified Technical English to ASD-STE100™.

12 January, 2021

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