Home: FAQ: Which Type of Manual is Right for me?

This article describes the different brands of manuals we offer for cars & trucks.

(DIY) – these manuals are appropriate for the do-it-yourself mechanic, easy to understand with step-by-step instructions

(PM)- these manuals are written for professional mechanics, knowledge and familiarity with the servicing the brand is assumed Sometimes a professional manual is the only publication available since not all makes and models are covered by aftermarket repair manuals.

Chilton Total Car Care (DIY) New manuals published by Chilton. They include wiring & vacuum diagrams. All repair procedures are supported by detailed specifications, exploded views and photographs. Engine torque specification page allows user to rebuild the engine.

Typical Contents of a Chilton Total Car Care:

• Expanded index to quickly locate information
• Vacuum diagrams
• Wiring diagram
• Diagnostic charts
• Troubleshooting charts
• A glossary to identify those unfamiliar words
• General information & maintenance
• Engine Performance & Tune-up
• Engine & Engine overhaul
• Emission controls
• Fuel system
• Chassis Electrical
• Drive Train
• Suspension & Steering
• Brakes
• Body
• Glossary

Chilton Total Car Care CDs or DVDs (DIY) These CDs or DVDs contain the same information you would find in a Total Car Care book.  Most discs only allow you to access information for one model or model group.  The disc may contain information on many models, but when you put the disc in your computer it will ask you which model's information you want to access. 

Find a Chilton, Haynes or Clymer Manual

Haynes Repair Manual (DIY) Very similar to a Chilton Total Car Care. Omits the engine torque specification page. Every Haynes manual includes vacuum & wiring diagrams.

Typical Contents of a Haynes Repair Manual:

• Tune-up & routine maintenance
• Engine component disassembly & assembly
• General engine overhaul procedures
• Cooling heating & air conditioning systems
• Engine electrical systems
• Emissions control systems
• Manual transmission
• Automatic transmission
• Transfer case
• Clutch & Drivetrain
• Brakes
• Suspension & steering systems
• Body
• Chassis electrical system
• Wiring Diagrams

Find a Chilton, Haynes or Clymer Manual

Chilton Repair & Tune-up (DIY) These are the older manuals published by Chilton. They typically leave out the wiring and vacuum diagrams. All repair procedures are supported by detailed specifications, exploded views and photographs.

Typical Contents of a Chilton Repair & Tune-up:

• Diagnostic charts
• Troubleshooting charts
• A glossary to identify those unfamiliar words
• General information & maintenance
• Engine Performance & Tune-up
• Engine & Engine overhaul
• Emission controls
• Fuel system
• Chassis Electrical
• Drive Train
• Suspension & Steering
• Brakes
• Body
• Glossary

Find a Chilton, Haynes or Clymer Manual

Clymer Repair Manual (DIY) These manuals are similar to a Chilton or Haynes manual. They typically leave out wiring & vacuum diagrams. Clymer no longer publishes manuals for cars & trucks, this is why Clymer car/truck manuals can be found on our website with deep discounts.

Typical Contents of a Clymer Repair Manual:

• Quick Reference Data
• General Information
• Troubleshooting
• Lubrication and Preventive Maintenance
• Engine Tune-up
• Fuel and Emission Control Systems
• Electrical System
• Cooling System
• Brake System and Wheel Bearings
• Clutch
• Shock Absorbers
• Index

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Chilton Hardcover Repair & Service Manuals Cover multiple makes & models.
1. Hardcover Repair Manuals (DIY) Intended for Do-it-yourself Mechanics who service personal vehicles. Covers the most popular vehicles found in the Hardcover Service Manual for Auto, Truck, Van, SUV & Import.

2. Hardcover Service Manuals (PM) Professional Technician Service Manuals are intended for Mechanics who service multiple vehicles. These manuals have the widest range of repair content for Auto, Truck, Van, SUV & Import.

All Chilton Hardcover manuals cover the following repair topics:

Find a Chilton Hardcover Repair or Service Manual
 

Factory Manual, CD, or DVD (PM) Factory (or OEM) Auto Repair Manuals contain the highest quality repair information available to the technician or mechanic. Unlike aftermarket manuals, factory manuals are written by the company that manufactured the vehicle. Although factory manuals are generally written for the professional service technician, sometimes a factory manual is the only publication available since not all makes and models are covered by aftermarket repair manuals.

*The content of factory manuals varies by publisher and publication date.*

Here is a list of typical types of factory manuals and contents:

• Factory Service Manual - Instructions and procedures for routine repair adjustments, maintenance work, diagnosis/testing and removal/installation of parts for various vehicle systems.
• Wiring Diagrams Manual - Diagrams with component location illustrations circuit descriptions and troubleshooting hints
• EVTM - Electrical and Vacuum Diagrams, diagnostic procedures, pin-outs, trouble codes with probable causes, voltage & current specifications for each circuit, testing procedures
• Unit Repair Manual - Includes procedures involved in disassembly and assembly of major components, i.e. engine, transmission
• Owners Manual - (glove box manual) Gives vehicle owners a basic understanding of the operation of their vehicle. Provides recommended oil for your vehicle, gas tank capacity, clock and radio setting, information about vital fluids, tires, routine maintenance and specific options your vehicle is equipped with.

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Bentley Factory Manuals & CDs We carry two types of manuals published by Bentley. We list both types under our Factory Manual category.

• Bentley Workshop Manuals (DIY, PM) These manuals are authored by their own team of automotive editors at Bentley's automotive research center. Based on the official factory service, repair, and training information, their automotive editors set out to create a condensed authoritative service manual aimed at both the do-it-yourself owner and professional technician.
• Bentley Official Factory Repair Manuals, CD-roms (PM) The Official Factory Repair Manuals usually contain more information than the workshop manuals and assume a high level of automotive experience and skill. These manuals are intended for the professional technician or an advanced-level do-it-yourself owner.

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Bishko Factory Manuals (PM) Bishko produces factory authorized reproductions. This IS the factory manual. Bishko manuals are printed on grease resistant paper and are either bound with a wire strap, or they can be put in a 3-ring binder.

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Detroit Iron Factory CDs These are factory authorized reproductions. The CD contains all the information scanned from the original manuals with an easy-to-use menu driven format and simple point-and-click interface. Detroit Iron CDs are available for older model domestic vehicles.

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eAutoRepair This is an online repair manual subscription from Mitchell1. We currently offer 1-month and 1-year single vehicle access subscriptions. Covers cars, light trucks & vans sold in USA from 1983 to 2004. The information is compiled by Mitchell1, based on the factory information. A subscription includes repair & maintenance information, complete wiring diagrams & Technical Service Bulletins. It does not include standard tune-up (such as spark plug removal), body & collision repair, or transmission overhaul.

Order an eAutoRepair online repair manual subscription

See also: Product Information, FAQ, Subscriptions & Pricing, Help

ATSG Automatic Transmission Manuals This is the type of manual you need if you are rebuilding an automatic transmission. Manuals cover assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, troubleshooting, and electronic controls & operation.

Find an ATSG Automatic Transmission Manual

See also: Transmission Parts
 

If you need assistance finding the right manual please call toll free (866) 553-8116.