"Auto Manuals"

8u6hfd

What's your question?

beaver5

I have always bought a factory maintenance manual when I bought a new car and have been satisfied with the manual giving them a 8 out of 10 for accuracy and ease of use. I have used Chilton and Hayes manuals in the past and found they are to vague and not specific enough trying to cover to many makes within one manual.
I did not buy any manuals for my latest car (2000 GrandPrix GTP).
I am now in a position that I have to repair something but cannot locate the part that I have to repair (a drain hose that is clogged).
I understand that there is a firm called "ALLDATA" that provides online diagrams etc. on specific cars.
Has anyone out there had experience with the quality and accuracy of this firms data?

quon

Hi,

I've used the ALLDATA CR-ROM(s), but to be honest wasn't all the impressed with it. It had specs and part #'s, but very little in the way of specific diagrams for my car. My FSM, although expensive at ~$250 for the set, is much better.

I haven't used the website, so I can't comment, however, other people have recommended it.

-Ken

swschrad

if it's like a drain for a moonroof, the body shop manual if there is a separate one might cover locations and access.

mdwheary

Try this link to Helminc.com.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp

They have service manuals for quite a few models. They are as good as the actual shop manuals.

mdwheary

Try this link to Helminc.com.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp

They have service manuals for quite a few models. They are as good as the actual shop manuals.

alcan

Check out Alldata DIY here. Click on the Ford or Toyota and see what they have to offer. The 25 bucks yearly is well worth it:

http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~G~OD~C8000~N/0

dunkmydonut

Hello,
There is a very good diy site called batauto.com. You can go there and click on forums pull down then click on domestics. You will usually be answered within a few days by a pro. The service is free, but of course the site has many items for sale. I've only used it a few times, I've found the tecks pleasant and helpful. Forgot to mention you have to post on the forum your question. It's a little slow so be patient.

swschrad

they are the distributor chosen by ford and other car makers. they don't write their own Helm specials. for recent cars, either CD or dead tree editions. IMHO, if you figure on doing shade tree work, paper is better, and you can throw it in the trunk to impress your friends at parties... you can also make notes in the margins.

alcan

We're not always that slow! LOL. Click on my profile and check my email address. We use Alldata Pro for info. And we require the make, model, year, and engine size. Makes it much easier to look up info.

0patience

dunkmydonut,
Thank you for the kind words about batauto.
As Alcan said, the guys try and get to things as they can. But remember, the mechanics volunteer their time, so sometimes they may not get to things until evening.

As Alcan said, we use Alldata Pro. Alldata uses information directly from the factory. The AlldataDIY subscription has the TSB and recall information updated every quarter and if you can;t find the info, there should be a support link in the subscription for them to provide the info via fax or e-mail. In my opinion, for $25/year, it is probably the best buy.
Unfortunately, Honda and Acura are being jerks and will not allow companies like Alldata to supply information to the do it yourselfer.

opera_house_wk

with an intermitant cutout problem using a Haynes manual.
1. Wanted to check fuel pump current - Wouldn't tell me what relay it was and had to find it by pulling one at a time till engine shut off.

2. No engine electric schematics - had to find power to ignition pack and other test points by tracing wires and testing for voltage.

3. Crank sensor test - told me I should measure an open circuit between the two pins when in fact this is not electronic but a coil that should measure between 210 and 260 ohms. To replace crank sensor, remove two bolts. That's easy. Yea, right!

4. And just what is that big power resistor on the drivers side fender? I'd always thought it was the dropping resistor for the ignition. Engine continues to run when you pull the wire off.

Well, what do you want for $12.