2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante Complete Service & Maintenance Schedule

Key Takeaways

• Primary service interval: Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, after the initial 1,000-mile service
• Initial free service: Required at 1,000 miles / 3 months, performed at no cost by the selling dealer
• Brake fluid: Renewed every 12 months to maintain hydraulic brake system performance
• Engine: 5.9L V12 producing 450 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: ZF 6-speed automatic (standard) with limited-slip differential; rare 6-speed manual option available
• Fuel economy: EPA rated 13 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
• Warranty: 24 months / unlimited km from new
• Service documentation: Original Aston Martin Service Book should be kept with the vehicle

Factory Service Schedule

The 2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante follows a structured maintenance schedule based on both time and distance. According to the official owner's manual, the service intervals are as follows:

Important: "Apart from the initial 1,500 km (1,000 mile) / 3 month service, whichever occurs first, vehicle servicing is every 16,000 km (10,000 mile) / 12 months, whichever occurs first".

Each item in the Service Schedules must be performed on time, as failure to do so may void the New Car Warranty or other warranties.

Initial Service (Free of Charge)

The initial service is provided free of charge by the selling dealer. It consists of an inspection and oil change after completion of the first 1,000 miles / 3 months and includes fine adjustments to compensate for initial "bedding-in" (e.g., handbrake adjustment). The engine oil and filter will be changed to clear any contaminants picked up during the initial running period.

Real-World Service History Example

A documented 2006 DB9 Volante shows consistent dealer servicing at the recommended intervals:

Engine Oil Service

Specifications

The 2006 DB9 Volante is powered by a 5.9L V12 engine factory-rated at 450 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine oil capacity for this model year is approximately 10.4–11.0 liters—this is not the 13.1-liter capacity used in later AM11 engines.

Oil Change Interval

The factory-recommended oil and filter change is performed at the initial 1,000-mile service and subsequently every 12 months or 10,000 miles.

Owner Oil Level Check

Check the engine oil level every fourth fuel tank fill or weekly, whichever is the soonest. Running the engine with oil below the lower mark or above the upper mark can cause serious engine damage.

Oil Quality Warning

The owner's manual contains a critical warning: the vehicle's warranty may be invalidated if damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil. Low-quality or obsolete oils do not provide the protection required by modern, high-performance engines. Failure to use engine oil that meets the required specification could cause excessive engine wear, sludge buildup, and engine failure.

Brake Fluid Service

Replacement Interval

The 2006 DB9 owner's manual specifies that brake fluid is renewed every 12 months to maintain hydraulic brake system performance and clear the system of absorbed water vapor. This safety-critical service should not be deferred. A documented 2006 DB9 Volante with 26k miles had its brake fluid flushed in May 2025.

Transmission Service

Automatic Transmission

The 2006 DB9 Volante is equipped with a six-speed ZF Touchtronic automatic transaxle with a limited-slip differential. The gearbox is controlled via buttons located on the dashboard below the central air vents and can also be shifted manually through steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Transmission fluid condition should be inspected at each regular service interval. For vehicles used in demanding conditions or with high mileage, a full fluid service may be recommended.

Manual Transmission (Rare Option)

A 6-speed manual transmission (Getrag) was available as a rare option on the DB9 Volante. Only 37 examples of the DB9 Volante were produced with the manual gearbox. Manual transmission cars are highly desirable for enthusiasts but require additional maintenance considerations:

• Clutch life: Approximately 15,000–25,000 miles between replacements, depending on driving style
• Clutch replacement is a costly job
• Inspection points: Check for crunching or resistance when changing into second gear (may indicate hard use)

Cooling System Service

The cooling system should be inspected at each regular service interval. For the DB9 generation, coolant replacement is generally recommended at approximately 48 months / 4 years. A documented 2006 DB9 had a new radiator fitted in 2019 at 34,633 miles.

Owner Maintenance Checks

The owner's manual specifies regular owner checks to maintain safety and reliability:

Before Use Checks:

• Operation of lamps, horn, indicators, wipers, washers, and warning lamps
• Sufficient fuel for the intended journey
• Seat belt operation
• Brake operation
• Check for fluid deposits underneath the vehicle

Weekly Checks (more frequently for high-mileage or touring):

• Tires (pressure and condition)
• Coolant level
• Brake fluid level
• Power steering fluid level
• Air conditioning operation
• Windshield washer fluid level and operation

Extended Maintenance Guidance

For long-term ownership planning, the following additional maintenance items should be considered:

Note: Always verify exact intervals for your specific model in the official owner's manual or service book.

The DB9 features a timing chain rather than a timing belt and does not require scheduled replacement.

Common Issues to Monitor

Ignition Coil Packs

Some owners have reported issues with faulty ignition coil packs. A misfire or hesitation when accelerating are the warning signs to watch for.

Battery-Supply Cable Recall

A recall regarding a battery-supply cable that could short circuit on the passenger seat affected cars built in the early part of 2007. Confirm this has been completed on your vehicle.

Running Costs

The DB9 is a costly car to run. Rear tyres tend to wear out more quickly than fronts, and brake pads require regular replacement. Fuel consumption is approximately 13 mpg city / 18 mpg highway.

Volante-Specific Considerations

Convertible Roof Mechanism

The DB9 Volante's electric soft top is a complex mechanism requiring regular attention:

• Inspect roof operation during each service
• Check hydraulic fluid levels
• Examine seals for wear or deterioration
• Ensure drains are clear to prevent water ingress

Body and Chassis

The DB9 features a mix of aluminum and composite body panels installed over an extruded aluminum spaceframe. While corrosion is less of a concern than with steel-bodied cars, regular inspection of suspension components and subframe bolts is important.

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Service Documentation

For a 2006 DB9 Volante, comprehensive service records from Aston Martin dealers or approved specialists are essential. The original Aston Martin Service Book should be kept with the vehicle. Service history significantly adds to the car's provenance and value.

Warranty Coverage

The 2006 DB9 came with a 24-month / unlimited km warranty from new.

Parts and Lubricants

When undertaking a servicing task, only parts, materials, and lubricants specifically recommended by Aston Martin should be used. Failure to do so can result in damage to your vehicle and may invalidate any remaining warranty.