Just as the title asks, are the Haynes repair books any good? For $20-$30 I would expect a good bit of info, but reviews on them seem to be mixed. So, from experience, are these worth it? Thanks!
Are Haynes repair books worth it?
- Thread starter renegade_987
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For basic stuff like brakes, AC compressor, etc. they're fine. If you have to get into any sort of advanced troubleshooting/diagnosis, they fall short.
If you can swing the extra cash for the factory service manual (what the dealer techs use), it will pay for itself after just a few uses.
If you can swing the extra cash for the factory service manual (what the dealer techs use), it will pay for itself after just a few uses.
Hello, They're an OK place to start. I recommend going on Amazon.com and finding one used.
See how much an all data.com subscription costs and how many limitations are on it (time, number of different vehicles). We had 2 Cherokees in our family over 15 years and lots of people recommended against the Grand Cherokee you;'re thinking of. Kira
See how much an all data.com subscription costs and how many limitations are on it (time, number of different vehicles). We had 2 Cherokees in our family over 15 years and lots of people recommended against the Grand Cherokee you;'re thinking of. Kira
for amateurs/beginners, Haynes or Chalmers are ok.
For advanced diagnosis and repair, you'll be better off subscribing to alldata or buy factory service manual.
Q.
For advanced diagnosis and repair, you'll be better off subscribing to alldata or buy factory service manual.
Q.
They're fine for things like basic torque specs and other procedures, but as noted, the factory service manual will be more detailed.
Although, I do have a Chilton's manual for our Beetle and it has been pretty useful.
My factory service manuals have all been digital copies purchased on ebay. I also got the Chilton's manual on ebay.
Although, I do have a Chilton's manual for our Beetle and it has been pretty useful.
My factory service manuals have all been digital copies purchased on ebay. I also got the Chilton's manual on ebay.
My experience with Haynes manuals is that they are fair to poor. The ones I've bought for working on friends or extended family vehicles frequently had missing and/or inaccurate info and the photographs and diagrams are less than helpful. I'd pass on a Haynes and get a factory service manual, especially if it's for a car you intend to keep for a while or may work on regularly. They can frequently be had online for short money.
Originally Posted By: dparm
factory service manual...will pay for itself after just a few uses.
Word, brother.
Originally Posted By: dparm
factory service manual...will pay for itself after just a few uses.
Word, brother.
Originally Posted By: dparm
For basic stuff like brakes, AC compressor, etc. they're fine. If you have to get into any sort of advanced troubleshooting/diagnosis, they fall short.
If you can swing the extra cash for the factory service manual (what the dealer techs use), it will pay for itself after just a few uses.
Exactly!
For basic stuff like brakes, AC compressor, etc. they're fine. If you have to get into any sort of advanced troubleshooting/diagnosis, they fall short.
If you can swing the extra cash for the factory service manual (what the dealer techs use), it will pay for itself after just a few uses.
Exactly!
Back in the day, Haynes manuals were really good.
I still have them from our '76 Civic and our '76 MGB.
The MGB manual even covers a rebuild of the briefly available automatic that nobody ever bought in great detail, while the Honda manual spends a lot of pages on the then available Hondamatic that almost nobody ever bought.
Haynes manuals today seem pretty basic and therefore not all that useful.
A FSM is a thing of joy.
I had one for our '81 Vanagon and one for our '86 Civic Wagons.
Nothing is more complete and nothing else gives detailed instructions on rebuilding components nobody bother with anymore like starters and alternators.
The complete and accurate wiring diagrams can also be a godsend should you run into arcane electrical system issues.
OTOH, we now have a marvelous source of advice in the various marque enthusiast sites online.
Somebody has likely had exactly the same problem you're having with your car and you can use their expense and trouble in diagnosing and repairing it to your advantage.
A wise man learns from the experience (and mistakes) of others.
I still have them from our '76 Civic and our '76 MGB.
The MGB manual even covers a rebuild of the briefly available automatic that nobody ever bought in great detail, while the Honda manual spends a lot of pages on the then available Hondamatic that almost nobody ever bought.
Haynes manuals today seem pretty basic and therefore not all that useful.
A FSM is a thing of joy.
I had one for our '81 Vanagon and one for our '86 Civic Wagons.
Nothing is more complete and nothing else gives detailed instructions on rebuilding components nobody bother with anymore like starters and alternators.
The complete and accurate wiring diagrams can also be a godsend should you run into arcane electrical system issues.
OTOH, we now have a marvelous source of advice in the various marque enthusiast sites online.
Somebody has likely had exactly the same problem you're having with your car and you can use their expense and trouble in diagnosing and repairing it to your advantage.
A wise man learns from the experience (and mistakes) of others.
No, I'd either look up info on autozone for free or go buy a factory manual.
If you want my opinion get every book you can, none of them ever seem to have everything. Get Haynes, Chilton, Chalmers, Youtube, Boxwrench.com, HP books, SA design and anything else you can find. The other posters saying that a book alone is not good enough for beginners are probably right.
Believe it or not I've driven several hundred miles just to get a books on Rochester Quadrajets !
Believe it or not I've driven several hundred miles just to get a books on Rochester Quadrajets !
Originally Posted By: eljefino
I've found important typos like "Increase RPM to 250 RPM" for setting timing. I'd hate for them to get a torque value off by a factor of ten.
My Hyundai Sonata FSM also has typos and errors, so it's not like FSMs are exempt from that.
I've found important typos like "Increase RPM to 250 RPM" for setting timing. I'd hate for them to get a torque value off by a factor of ten.
My Hyundai Sonata FSM also has typos and errors, so it's not like FSMs are exempt from that.
I remember when they were $12.00 from Pep Boys. I sure wouldn't pay $20.00 for one
now. For that kind of money, you can get a whole lot more information from Alldata.
now. For that kind of money, you can get a whole lot more information from Alldata.
Haynes book as a supplement is good provided it is based upon the exact model of your vehicle. They do take it apart. Unfortunately, the number of photos are minimum and the description leaves lot of things unsaid.
Frankly, the best resource is the internet. Find your factory service manual, register with the model specific forum(s) and look up on youtube for comprehensive information.
Frankly, the best resource is the internet. Find your factory service manual, register with the model specific forum(s) and look up on youtube for comprehensive information.
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