State Inspection

Perform a state safety inspection on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, verifying all lights, wipers, horn, brakes, tires, emissions systems, and other safety-critical components meet regulatory requirements.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground in well-lit inspection area
2. Ensure engine is cold for accurate fluid level checks
3. Have vehicle registration and previous inspection records available for reference
4. Verify OBD-II scanner is compatible with 2009 Aston Martin protocols

Procedure

1. 1

   Check OBD-II system and emissions readiness
   Connect OBD-II scanner to diagnostic port located under driver's side dash. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Scan for stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and pending codes. Verify all emission monitors show 'Ready' status. Note any DTCs related to emissions systems, ABS, airbags, or other safety systems. Check that Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL/Check Engine Light) illuminates during key-on and extinguishes after engine start. Any stored emissions-related DTCs or incomplete readiness monitors will typically result in inspection failure.
2. 2

   Inspect exterior lighting and signals
   With assistant or using reflective surface, verify operation of all exterior lights: low beam headlights, high beam headlights, front parking lights, front turn signals, side marker lights, rear tail lights, rear turn signals, brake lights (center high-mount and both rear), reverse lights, and license plate lights. Check for proper color (amber for front turn signals, red for rear), no cracks in lenses, and proper mounting. Verify headlight aim is within specification using aiming tool or wall check method. Replace any failed bulbs or damaged lenses before proceeding.
3. 3

   Test horn and windshield wipers
   Test horn operation by pressing center of steering wheel. Verify audible sound at appropriate volume. Test windshield wiper system in all speeds (intermittent, low, high) and verify washer spray function. Check wiper blades for proper contact across entire sweep, no torn rubber, and secure mounting to wiper arms. Verify windshield has no cracks or damage in driver's field of view. Top off windshield washer fluid reservoir if low. Note: Top off windshield washer fluid reservoir if low (verify capacity against factory service documentation).
4. 4

   Inspect tires and wheels
   Check all four tires for proper inflation using tire pressure gauge. Recommended pressure is typically found on driver's door jamb placard. Measure tread depth at multiple points across each tire using tread depth gauge; minimum legal tread depth is typically 2/32 inch, but verify local requirement. Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns, bulges, cuts, or sidewall damage. Check that all wheel lug nuts are present and tight. Verify tire sizes match vehicle specifications and that all four tires are appropriate for vehicle (no mixing of radial and bias-ply, proper load rating).
5. 5

   Check brake system operation
   Start engine and depress brake pedal firmly. Pedal should feel firm with no excessive travel or sponginess. Check brake pedal reserve distance from floor. With engine running and foot on brake, pedal should not slowly sink. Turn off engine and pump brake pedal several times, then hold pressure; pedal should remain firm. Engage parking brake and verify it holds vehicle on slight incline if possible. Check brake fluid level in reservoir (located in engine bay); fluid should be between MIN and MAX marks and appear clean clear to light straw color, not dark or contaminated. Low fluid level indicates potential brake wear or leak requiring immediate attention.
6. 6

   Raise vehicle and inspect undercarriage
   Raise vehicle on lift or using jack and jack stands at proper lift points. Visually inspect exhaust system from engine to rear for leaks, excessive rust, or damage. Check for loose or missing exhaust hangers and heat shields. Verify catalytic converters are present and appear original/OEM specification (no aftermarket straight pipes or test pipes). Inspect brake lines, fuel lines, and coolant hoses for leaks, damage, or excessive corrosion. Check for fluid leaks from engine, transmission, differential, and shock absorbers. Inspect suspension components for worn bushings, torn boots, or damaged components.
7. 7

   Inspect steering and suspension
   With vehicle raised, grasp each front wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempt to rock vertically to check for wheel bearing play. Grasp at 3 and 9 o'clock and rock horizontally to check for tie rod end or ball joint play. Excessive movement indicates worn components. Visually inspect all suspension ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings for torn boots or separation. Check power steering fluid level in reservoir (use the power steering fluid type specified in the Aston Martin factory service documentation for this vehicle — verify exact specification before topping off); fluid should be clear to light amber. With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and listen for unusual noises or binding. Note: Check power steering fluid level in reservoir (use the manufacturer-specified power steering fluid confirmed in Aston Martin factory service documentation for this vehicle); fluid should be clear to light amber. Note: Check power steering fluid level in reservoir (use the factory-specified power steering fluid confirmed against Aston Martin service documentation); fluid should be clear to light amber.
8. 8

   Inspect seatbelts and safety restraints
   Check all seatbelts (driver, passenger, and rear seats if equipped) for proper operation. Pull each belt out fully and verify it retracts smoothly without binding. Check webbing for fraying, cuts, or damage. Verify all buckles latch and release properly. Confirm airbag warning light illuminates during key-on self-test and extinguishes after approximately 6 seconds. If airbag light remains illuminated or flashes, retrieve codes with scanner as this will typically cause inspection failure.
9. 9

   Check mirrors, glass, and body condition
   Verify driver's side mirror, passenger side mirror, and interior rearview mirror are present, securely mounted, and provide adequate view. Check all windows for operation (if power windows, test all switches). Inspect windshield and all glass for cracks, chips, or damage that obstructs driver vision. Verify VIN plate is visible through windshield and matches registration. Check that hood, doors, and trunk/hatch open, close, and latch securely. Verify no sharp edges or protruding body damage that could constitute hazard.
10. 10

    Test instrument cluster and warning lights
    Turn ignition to ON position and verify all warning lights illuminate during bulb check (typically 3-6 seconds): ABS, airbag, brake system, check engine, oil pressure, battery/charging system. Start engine and confirm all warning lights extinguish except any that indicate normal operating conditions. Verify speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge function properly. Check that odometer displays mileage clearly and matches registration records. Any warning lights remaining illuminated (especially ABS, airbag, brake, or check engine) typically result in inspection failure.
11. 11

    Road test and final verification
    Perform brief road test to verify brake operation under normal driving conditions. Test brakes at low speed and verify vehicle stops straight without pulling to either side. Accelerate gently and verify the transmission shifts smoothly through all gears (automatic Touchtronic or manual as equipped). Listen for unusual noises from engine, transmission, differential, or suspension. Test steering for excessive play or wandering. Verify cruise control operates if equipped. Return to inspection area and lower vehicle if raised. Note: Accelerate gently and verify the transmission (6-speed Touchtronic automatic or 6-speed manual as equipped) shifts smoothly through all gears.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly is required for this procedure

Verification

• Review all inspection items and confirm no deficiencies were found
• Verify OBD-II scanner showed no stored DTCs and all monitors ready
• Confirm all lights, signals, and safety systems operate properly
• Verify tire condition and pressure meet requirements
• Confirm brake system operates correctly with no leaks or warning lights
• Document any deficiencies found and advise owner of required repairs before passing inspection
• Complete state inspection form according to local jurisdiction requirements

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