Shop manuals, Code readers

cliffyk · 07-18-2008, 07:58 PM

OK, first keep in mind that I'm a cranky old man and bear with my rant...[/align][/align]I got my '03 GT in December of 2006, and since that time have been pretty active on this forum, in that time therehave beena couple of consistent "things" that I don't understand:[/align][/align]1. It seems that not many of youDO NOTown the factory shop manual(s) for your cars. IMHO, that should be the very first "mod" (as in something to support your addiction you spend money on). I have bought, borrowed,or stolen the factory manual(s) for every automobile I've ever owned; they are the best source of technical information you will ever find. [/align][/align]Haynes and Chilton are bad jokes compared to the factory manuals! [/align][/align]They are not cheap, typically $100 to $150, however that's about the same as the cheapest bolt-on of any significance you could buy and they are worth 20 times as much;[/align][/align]2. Code readers? WTF, you can buy a pretty decent one at your FLAPS for $80; and a reasonably competent one for $40 at Harbour Freight. Trying to troubleshoot a modern car without one is like trying to undo a bra when you're 60, arthritic,and can't get a good look at the fastener (don't ask me how I know).[/align][/align]Stick a crowbar in your wallets and buy a code reader;[/align][/align][/align]

steve0914 · 07-18-2008, 08:03 PM

lol..... i agree 100% except i don't own the shop manual, too much reading involved... i need to tinker with stuff to figure it out... plus even iff you don't want to buy a reader any auto parts store will do it for free...

defconfire · 07-18-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: cliffyk

Haynes and Chilton are bad jokes compared to the factory manuals!

I found my haynes very useful....

I really is the best firewood I have ever had.

DIY · 07-18-2008, 08:41 PM

Very good advice. I thought I was the only one that bought repair manuals for every car. Even if you do pay some one else to fix/modify your ride, it helps to know whats going on before you take it to them. Chilton and Haynes could have done abetter job with theirmanuals.

cliffyk · 07-18-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: defconfire

Quote:

ORIGINAL: cliffyk

Haynes and Chilton are bad jokes compared to the factory manuals!

I found my haynes very useful....

I really is the best firewood I have ever had.

[/align][/align]It's a slow burn, but it stinks; hickory has a much nicer smell...[/align]

defconfire · 07-18-2008, 09:32 PM

Also, What pontiac ad? I looked all over the place and couldnt find anything.

72MachOne99GT · 07-18-2008, 10:09 PM

I replaced a cylinder head with a Haynes manual, and the most advanced thing that I had ever done before was take off the throttle body/plenum, and changed my spark plugs.

I don't have a code reader two. Is that the OBD II stuff? My gf's dad actually bought a nice one (300-400 dollars I believe) not too long ago for the cars that they own that are always ****ting out, so now if I throw a code, I know where to go besides auto zone.

Cliffy must be either upset with something in his life, or just realized that he has spent WAY too much time reading worthless threads.

2000AZ5.0GT · 07-18-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: cliffyk

OK, first keep in mind that I'm a cranky old man and bear with my rant...[/align][/align]I got my '03 GT in December of 2006, and since that time have been pretty active on this forum, in that time therehave beena couple of consistent "things" that I don't understand:[/align][/align]1. It seems that not many of youDO NOTown the factory shop manual(s) for your cars. IMHO, that should be the very first "mod" (as in something to support your addiction you spend money on). I have bought, borrowed,or stolen the factory manual(s) for every automobile I've ever owned; they are the best source of technical information you will ever find. [/align][/align]Haynes and Chilton are bad jokes compared to the factory manuals! [/align][/align]They are not cheap, typically $100 to $150, however that's about the same as the cheapest bolt-on of any significance you could buy and they are worth 20 times as much;[/align][/align]2. Code readers? WTF, you can buy a pretty decent one at your FLAPS for $80; and a reasonably competent one for $40 at Harbour Freight. Trying to troubleshoot a modern car without one is like trying to undo a bra when you're 60, arthritic,and can't get a good look at the fastener (don't ask me how I know).[/align][/align]Stick a crowbar in your wallets and buy a code reader;[/align][/align][/align]In the last part of this rant, what is the deal with the Pontiac ad. This is a FORDMustang Forum...[/align][/align][/align]

I agree with the factory manual thing. I have the original manual and all of the paperwork that came with the car, and it definately has invaluable information.

cliffyk · 07-19-2008, 04:57 AM

There was a ad for a Pontiac G8 forum or something at the top of one of the forum message lists for a day or two; it seems to have gone away...[/align][/align]If you have ever seen a factory shop manual (not the owner's manual) you would know what I mean regarding the Haynes and Chilton manuals.I have a Haynes manual too, but rarely use it; and also several EEC-V and modular perfdomance bookstoo; there no such thing as too much information if you really want to know how something works.[/align]

ImpOnFire · 07-19-2008, 10:50 AM

thats one reason i havent really been in this part of the forum too much.. when i first joined i would see crap like 'how do i take off my headlight' and i was just like wow... really? go buy a fkin manual! thats how i learned how to take apart/put back together anything ive worked on. unfortunately ive lost mine and am freakin out bec ive never changed a fuel filter and i need to do so this afternoon.. the couple of questions ive asked in here revolve around trying to troubleshoot something bec im sure others here have had similiar issues and might help me get to the problem quicker..

as forthe code reader.. most auto parts do that for free.. so idk why people would buy one unless they just want one for the fk of it like my boyfriend.. it saves a trip to the store and saves me from listening to the idiot try and sell me shyt to fix it.. but other than that.. bleh..

its ok guy.. we feel you