Grille

Removal and installation of the front grille assembly on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring hood support and front bumper cover access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front grille assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Grille retaining clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Place fender covers or soft cloth over front fenders to protect paint
4. Open and securely prop the hood in fully open position

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect grille attachment points
   From the front of the vehicle, visually inspect the grille perimeter to identify visible fastener locations. The DB9 grille typically attaches via a combination of Torx screws along the top edge and spring clips around the perimeter. Note the locations before proceeding. Note: Verify correct part number against Aston Martin parts documentation for the specific 2009 DB9 VIN/build
2. 2

   Access upper grille fasteners
   With the hood open, locate the upper grille mounting screws along the top edge behind the leading edge of the hood opening. The upper grille is secured by Torx fasteners to the upper support structure; verify the exact count and Torx size against OEM documentation before proceeding, as this is not confirmed for the 2009 DB9. These may be partially obscured by the hood seal or trim. Note: The number and type of upper grille fasteners must be verified against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before proceeding; do not assume a specific count or Torx size. Note: Locate the upper grille mounting fasteners securing the grille to the upper support structure. Verify the exact count and Torx size against Aston Martin service documentation before proceeding, as this is not confirmed for the 2009 DB9. Note: Count and Torx size not confirmed — verify against Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before proceeding
3. 3

   Remove upper mounting screws
   Using the appropriate Torx driver, remove all upper grille mounting screws. Keep these fasteners organized for reinstallation. The grille will still be held by lower clips at this point.
   Torque spec

   Grille Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access lower grille clips
   From underneath the front bumper or through the lower grille opening, locate the lower retention clips. The DB9 grille typically uses spring clips or push-pin style fasteners along the bottom edge and sides that engage with the bumper cover structure. Identify the lower and side clip locations around the perimeter; confirm the exact count and clip type against OEM documentation for the 2009 DB9 before prying. Note: Identify the clip locations around the perimeter, verifying the exact count and clip type against the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before proceeding. Note: Identify the clip locations around the perimeter, verifying the exact count and clip type against Aston Martin service documentation before proceeding. Note: Clip count and type not confirmed — verify against Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual before prying
5. 5

   Release lower and side clips
   Using flat trim removal tools, carefully release each lower and side clip by gently prying the grille away from the bumper cover at each clip location. Work methodically around the perimeter, applying even pressure to avoid breaking clips. You should feel or hear each clip release as the grille separates from the mounting points.
6. 6

   Check for additional fasteners
   Before fully removing the grille, check behind the mesh or emblem areas for any additional hidden fasteners or tabs. Some DB9 variants have center-mounted clips or fasteners that secure the grille badge area. Ensure all attachment points are released.
7. 7

   Remove grille assembly
   With all fasteners and clips released, carefully pull the grille forward and away from the vehicle. Tilt slightly if needed to clear any tabs or alignment pins. Set the grille on a soft surface to prevent scratching the finish or mesh.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and clips
   Examine all clip receivers on the bumper cover and the clips on the grille itself for damage. Check the upper mounting screw bosses for cracks or stripped threads. Replace any damaged clips or fasteners before installing the new or serviced grille.
9. 9

   Position new grille
   Align the new or serviced grille with the bumper cover opening, ensuring any alignment pins or tabs engage their corresponding slots. The grille should sit flush with the surrounding bumper contours before fastening.
10. 10

    Engage lower and side clips
    Press firmly around the perimeter of the grille to engage all lower and side retention clips. Work systematically around the grille, pushing at each clip location until you hear or feel it snap into place. Verify each clip is fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install upper mounting screws
    Insert and hand-tighten all upper grille mounting screws through the grille into the upper support structure. Once all screws are started, tighten each to the OEM-specified torque in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure distribution; confirm the torque value against Aston Martin documentation. Note: Once all screws are started, torque each to the manufacturer-specified value from the Aston Martin DB9 workshop manual in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Note: Once all screws are started, torque each to the Aston Martin specified value (verify against OEM documentation) in a cross-pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
    Torque spec

    Grille Mounting Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify grille alignment and fitment
    Close the hood and inspect the grille alignment with the surrounding bumper cover, headlights, and hood shut lines. The gaps should be even on both sides and the grille should sit flush with no high or low spots. Open the hood and adjust if necessary by loosening the upper screws and repositioning slightly.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in reverse order of removal
2. Ensure all clips are fully engaged before torquing upper mounting screws
3. Torque all fasteners to specification using a cross-pattern where applicable
4. Verify grille alignment with hood closed before final inspection

Verification

• Check that all upper mounting screws are torqued to 3.0 Nm and fully seated
• Confirm all perimeter clips are engaged by gently pulling on the grille at multiple points—there should be no movement
• Verify even gaps around the entire grille perimeter with hood closed
• Inspect for any damage to paint or mesh that may have occurred during installation
• Ensure the grille emblem or badge is properly aligned and secure

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