Best Manual?

[MHanrahan]

Which it the better manual, Haynes, Chiltons, one of those CD's the have one ebay, or something else?

 

[IgotTwo]

Don't forget Mitchell's too
See if your library has em.. try county ones
Chilton - usually yes
Helm - rarely
Mitchells - I've seen often

Check if you have a community college library around with vo tech courses.

Look them over and choose the level of explaination you are comfortable with.

CD verison? If you use a laptop, it will have grease all over it in no time - OR - you'll be printing pages like a mad man with greasy footprints from your car to a desktop .

Toilet reading works a lot better with a book.

 

[MDCSoft]

Been wondering the same thing

I can't find the Chiltons around here (NH) anywhere. The autoparts stores all carry just the Haynes. I've never seen any other options. I was considering going out and buying the Chilton CD, but I do appreciate the toilet-reading option. Granted, my laptop is small enough for that, too

So is there a general consensus on which manual provides the most useful info? I want to be able to changes brakes, replace the remote mirror switch, and stuff like that.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[BUCHVILLEMAN]

between haynes and chiltons and this website there has YET to be a problem that cant be solved. this is my brain fried logic:
who wrote chiltons/haynes or any instruction manual?
just some dude who poked around and tore things apart
who am i?
just some dude who pokes around and tears things apart

so figure if i cant figure it out there are about 1000 guys/gals on this site who can.

 

[MDCSoft]

So it really don't matter....

is what it seems like you're saying. Just pick one and go with it, and if I can't figure it out, ask. Is that it? Thanks!

 

[TwoToneX]

I bought the Haynes and it's a great manual. If you decide going with it, you won't be dissappointed. If you want Chilton, than you'd probably like that one too. Why not just get both : )

 

[Jokeman]

Try a Barnes and Nobles

Try one of the Barnes and Nobles at one of the malls in NH. If they dont have it instock I know they can get them. Or order online

 

[CADDYBILL]

I've used both Haynes and Chilton, and most of the time I get pissed off that the info is just not specific enough. The factory shop manual is the way to go, do it like the factory did, RIGHT. With that said the Explorer manual can’t be had for less than $90. Too much money for me. Last month I bought a C.D. from that guy on Ebay. I love it! More info than the other books have. Only problem as IgotTwo said was that you have to print it out. That and the thing about toilet reading.

 

[IgotTwo]

Recommending "the best" manual is tuff. It depends on your experience and what comfort level you need. All some need is a picture.

I have mentioned before I got the HELM Factory manuals for a wooping $167 ($90 sounds like a steal ) .....Its alot of money but they have paid for themselves many times all ready.

It dosen't take too long to realize the new cars are not like fixing a late 60s -70s low tech or no tech machines. You touch one system and you are into a at least six others. Start poking in the wrong spot and who knows.......bam! the air bag goes off in your face
An expensive lesson .
Thats why I opted for the $167 manual.

I woould really like to try one of the PC based ODBII diag programs. With three OBDII cars, that could also pay for itself on short order.. and have fun learning more about it. I think they run about $175 and up.

I know it may not be much help, but it worked for me. And you may not be the type to fix it even if it ain't broken. A bad habit of mine.

PS Remember, you have some brilliant minds on this site. Don't ever think your problem is unque... some one here has "been there...done that"

 

[ChuckyD]

In case you want the Haynes...
Dead Link Removed