Repair manuals

Here are some sources for cheap or free info on repairs. If you have a specific question start a thread and I or someone else will do our best to help you.

AutoZone: AutoZone's repair guides offer you information about your vehicle's operation and step-by-step illustrated repair instructions. Online Repair Guideshttp://www.autozone.com/autozone/

Public Libraries:

Your local public library may subscribe to an auto repair database. For example, the Seattle Public Library subscribes to the Alldata.com repair database and offers free access for their patrons (online and in the library). Other libraries subscribe to the Auto Repair Reference Center offered through EBSCO Publishing. You can call your local library to see if access to this database is offered or perform a net search for "Auto Repair Reference Center State" and substitute your locale for "state" in the search string.

Manufacturer sites:

Some auto manufacturers also offer free service information online.

Hyundai is one - their Webtech page is aimed at dealers but you can access it by registering. More details are available in the Hyundai Online Shop Manuals Access forum here.

Kia is another - you can register at their techinfo site and get access to lots of factory information.

American Honda’s Service Express offers free Owner’s Manuals starting with 2002 Honda and Acura vehicles and some specific guides that mainly focus on audio and security options. They also offer a paid subscription version of Service Express at the same link that covers all vehicles back to 1990 plus all active Technical Service Bulletins back to the early 70's (the same info that is available to your local Honda or Acura tech). (Thanks nearmsp!).

General Motors has MY GMLink. It's a source for digital owner's manuals and includes recall notices.


Paid Sources:

If you can’t find free access to a manual, you can purchase access to various databases. There are lots of places to buy manuals on CD, DVD and paper - this guide tries to limit sources to those you can access with your computer. If your front axle won’t go back in the splines at midnight on a Saturday, waiting for the UPS truck to arrive Monday morning with a manual isn’t the greatest solution. So here’s a listing of paid online sources - if you know of others, please leave a comment and let others know about them.

Alldata DIY: In addition to comprehensive diagnostic and repair information, you’ll also find the latest technical service bulletins and shop hours estimates here.

(Many sites link to Alldata through their webpages, for example, the AutoZone link above links through to Alldata).

Chilton DIY: Offers detailed information you need to tackle both simple and complex auto repair jobs.

Mitchell1: Subscription online repair information geared for a single make/model.

Mitchell1 also offers a subscription service geared towards pros and the price reflects that, but a one month subscription could be useful if you are doing a major overhaul on several different makes of cars. It's called OnDemand5.

Helm: offers online info for Ford and Honda/Acura owners.


Hope that helps you some.