repair manuals

[highdesertranger]

there has been a lot of talk recently about vehicle repair.  I feel that everyone that lives in their vehicle needs to know how to fix it.  even if you don't do the work yourself being able to understand what's going on will save you from getting ripped off.  going to a shop and just hoping they to do the right thing is a crap shoot at best.  imo if you have an idea of what's wrong,  how to fix it, and being able to talk to the mechanic in terms they understand goes a long way to not being taken advantage of.

when I had my shop we used an auto information site called All Data.  it was like having a factory shop manuals for every vehicle made.  they have a consumer version that gives you access to the info on 1 vehicle for 30 bucks a year or 44 bucks for 5 years.  well worth it in my opinion.  there service goes above and beyond shop manuals they break everything down in fine detail.  I have not used it in 16 years but will get it soon.  so ithought I would pass the info along.  I have no skin in the game and there are other similar sites I think Chilton has this too.  but here's All Data's site,  http://alldatadiy.com/  .   highdesertranger

 

[wagoneer]

When I buy a machine I intend to keep or otherwise known as a KEEPER first thing I do is want to know all about it. Thanks HDR

 

[BobBski]

I've always bought the Chilton Manual for any vehicle or outboard motor I've ever owned.  They're vehicle specific, been in the business since 1910, lots of pictures too lol.  They are now available online, can even print them out.  http://chilton.cengage.com/

 

[highdesertranger]

hey Bob you got a link to those free manuals? I just went on that link you posted and they wanted 30 bucks for one year same as All Data. I am not saying Chilton's is bad, I believe I mentioned them in my post as an alternative. highdesertranger

 

[BobBski]

Sorry HDR, thought I edited out the fee quick enough, guess not. My apologies.

 

[MrNoodly]

One of the first thing I did was buy a manual for my Express. Luckily, I haven't needed it yet.

 

[Gary68]

when i was a kid i would read manuals for fun

 

[Vanada]

I would love a factory service manual for my Express. The ones on eBay are astronomically priced and despite paper being my preference, with space at a premium it might be nice to have a digital version. Will definitely consider that site. Thanks HDR!

 

[Txjaybird]

Luckily my Mom still had both the GMC Safari owners manual and the Glaval High Top conversion manual.  I bought my 1st car in 1968 and this van is the 1st vehicle I've had where I have to study the manual.  The Glaval manual is semi generic due to various options available at that time.  I've spoken with the dealership where it was ordered and the man there tried to find the build order for the conversion and could not.  He said their records did not go that far back.

Jewellann

 

[steamjam1]

I always buy the FSM for any vehicle I own. I remember all-data... I havent used it in decades.

 

[Vanada]

I always buy the FSM for any vehicle I own. I remember all-data... I havent used it in decades.

Where do you usually buy the service manuals from?

 

[bullfrog]

I would hope the general public would realize to be a general mechanic requires them to read and study thousands of pages of tech manuals every year a new model of vehicle is made if they want to continue to have the knowledge to work on those vehicles, no wonder most have specialized in one manufacturer or model of vehicle. For a long time we paid most other professionals a lot more. Finding a good mechanic is getting harder because it takes a smart person and most smart persons find a cleaner, higher paying, and easier career. Some if not all manufactures are withholding specs and charging outrageous prices for repair manuals to keep their dealership shops profitable. Get the manuals if you plan on keeping the vehicle, all of them.

 

[djkeev]

Since the 1960's I tend to get the OEM factory service manuals for everything I buy.
I did source the manual for my Dodge used from e.bay for a reasonable cost.

Many of the manuals I have kept, don't know why.........

Sadly, many newer cars only offer electronic manuals ..... something I'm NOT a fan of!

I overall find the factory manuals to be far Far FAR superior to Haynes or Chilton's offerings.

Dave

 

[masterplumber]

I wish I could find a paper FSM for my Ram. As someone above mentioned, some manufactures are withholding that information so their service departments can be more profitable, and Dodge is one of them. I refuse to use my local service department after a couple of bad experiences with them, so no choice but to look up what I need on the inter net. I'd sure prefer paper though as it's so much easier to flip back and forth between pages to fully understand an issue before diving in.

 

[highdesertranger]

don't get me wrong I love the paper manuals and I have tons of them that I need to find a home for. I am only going to keep the ones I need. the All Data is an enhanced factory manual they will have all the specs. they also have the TSB's, wire schematics, and trouble shooting flow charts. highdesertranger

 

[ArtW]

Factory Service manuals are the shizz.....if you know how to read them, and understand them
I've seen a lot of folks who can't because of the assumption a pro wrench will be using them, and will understand the terminology
That's why I usually recomend Haynes for folks without a clue, it doesn't have as much info, but it's arranged for folks who haven't a clue
Alldata is a great resource, too

 

[user 37446]

I'm one of those klutzes that can't just read about it, I have to see it done once (or twice).  I use YouTube whenever possible. The repair manuals, even when they have schematics or exploded diagrams (as useful as they are), just don't cover some of the basic bonehead things that I do...
When it says "remove screws holding assembly into place and insert new ..." I usually cannot find all of the screws, break off plastic tabs, or can't get it back in to where it came out of without seeing someone actually do the job. Not always but often enough! :-/