Question about repair manuals

[mfitz725]

I've always had good results using my Haynes Manual on my 1st Gen Exp. It does not seem to be nearly as thorough with my 2nd Gen vehicle. In fact I find it sorely lacking in 2nd Gen info and for sure pictures and illustrations especially when a 4x4 is involved. I've heard that the Chilton manuals aren't much better. So I purchased through Ebay a downloadable repair manual but was wondering if it was the same information as the physical 2 book sets that sell for $50-$300. If the actual books contain more information I would not hesitate to try an obtain the 2 volume set but if it's the same info as is being offered on the CD/download version I don't want to waste my money. Does anyone know the answer to this? I know the books, if they are the same would be a little easier to use than flipping thru pages on a computer screen but just having the most information possible is what's really important here.

 

[XLTrunner]

I agree with your assessment of the Haynes and Chilton manuals. Early on, they were pretty informative. Then, they tried to cut costs by covering too many models and years...and, ended up becoming vague to the point of being virtually worthless. I don't even bother with them, anymore. Can learn so much more just by taking my tools down to the local U Pull and doing some hands-on research.

But, back to your question...I'd be surprised if it wasn't the same info that you would have found in printed manuals. It's been the industry norm for some time now to put the info on disks rather than print manuals.

 

[J_C]

I found some online somewhere but can't recall actually using them, for the reasons XLTrunner mentioned, and that this forum and others on the web are a great resource.

Sometimes you can even find a youtube video of repairs, though you might have to search for more than one model year or see if there's one for other popular vehicles like a Ranger or F150 which usually show the general process far better than Chilton's or Haynes even if there are some specifics you need to get info on, in a forum.

 

[mfitz725]

Thanks for the info.

 

[mfitz725]

I agree with your assessment of the Haynes and Chilton manuals. Early on, they were pretty informative. Then, they tried to cut costs by covering too many models and years...and, ended up becoming vague to the point of being virtually worthless. I don't even bother with them, anymore. Can learn so much more just by taking my tools down to the local U Pull and doing some hands-on research.

But, back to your question...I'd be surprised if it wasn't the same info that you would have found in printed manuals. It's been the industry norm for some time now to put the info on disks rather than print manuals.

Thanks for the info. I just wasn't sure based on the asking prices for the printed official manuals, that is starting at $49 and as much as $309. I thought they might contain additional information but I guess not as you say. I'll stick with what I've got plus the forum here to get by with. Thanks again.

 

[J_C]

mfitz725, I sent you a PM or started a conversation message, whatever that odd forum messaging feature is.