Whose manuals do you use?

wearehis55 · August 17, 2004

Whose repair manuals do you use...Haynes or Chiltons? Which is best in yo if you have used both?

Does anyone subscribe to All-data and how would you rate it?

chris_kucia · August 17, 2004

Neither.

You absolutely cannot beat the factory service manual. Actually, in the case of my 2000 Sierra, manuals, because there are four thick volumes printed on very thin paper. Best $100 or so you'll ever spend.

Haynes/Chiltons doesn't even come close.

AlldataDIY is practically useless in comparison to all of the above.

Just my opinion, but I've compared them myself and wouldn't spend the money on anything but the factory service manual.

ronterry · August 17, 2004

Absolutely 100% concur with ‘chris_kucia’!

I bought my truck on Monday night, ordered my Helms manual(s) 4 hours later...

My 2003 Silverado service manual cost $135.00

Helminc.com

They also have owner manuals, and even the leather cases. They are 100% GM!!!

No info on alldata, but I know Helms also carries TSB's. I have 2000 TSB that fill a good 3" binder.

Good Luck,

budhayes3 · August 17, 2004

I have the factory service manual and also the Haynes just for quick reference. I also subscribe to Alldata, mainly just for access to TSB's. Of course you can't beat the factory manual, but it cost me $120. I personally love Alldata, it's nice to go to the dealer with a TSB in your hand, especially since they include part #'s.

hcvone · August 17, 2004

Helm service manual.

JimG · August 17, 2004

Definitely the factory service manuals. Had Haynes books on my 84 Bronco II and later my 95 Sonoma. They helped because I didn't know a lot at the time, but they're not 100% all the time. For example: They give the completely wrong directions for removing the dash cover of a 94-95 Sonoma/S10. Almost cracked mine in half until I realized they were just wrong. You cannot beat a factory manual. They'll tell you how to tear apart everything in your truck, what tools you'll need and the step-by-step directions to get it all apart. Generally they reference a lot of other sections so you spend some time flipping pages, but I love 'em. Definitely expensive, but if you needed to, say, replace the starter - you could easily do it with the factory manual and save yourself some serious $$$ from having someone else do it. The only downside is they tell you when you need a scan tool, and to reprogram and all that jazz.

Now if only we could all get the Tech II for less than $3G.

Jeremy WI · August 17, 2004

I have the Helm's factory service manual and Haynes and Chilton manuals. Helm's is the best as far as acuracy, but could use some more pictures. I also use alldata for TSB's and the info there is right from the Helm's service manual but it is sometimes hard to find exactly what you want, but is still a fairly reliable source for part numbers and it has the GM price for the parts and labor times for replacement. I guess there is also acdelcotds.com but the prices are a lot higher than alldata

wearehis55 · August 18, 2004

Thanks All

I plan on getting the factory manual for my next truck, which will be a keeper.Right now, I need to do a fix on this one before unloading it, so I don't want to invest the Pesos when the truck will be going down the road.

Wingnut · August 19, 2004

In that case, either Chilton or Haynes will do you fine.

They both have their selling points, as well as drawbacks. But if you are selling the truck, just get whichever is at the first parts store you go to.

If you have questions that aren't covered in them....I hear that there is this great little corner of the internet called GM-Trucks.com that you can ask any question, and usually get a pretty good answer. Maybe you've heard of it?

NOS#9BIGMAC · August 19, 2004

I dont use manuals if I don't know what I'm messin with I bring my rig to someone who does. But i would have to say I would buy a factory manual over anything else. Who else know more about a vehicle than the people that built em. I once told my cousin he should bring his toyota to a garage to get his timing chain replaced but I qoute" I know what I'm doing I'm not gonna waste my money"

Two weeks later when he bent all the valves and siezed the engine I didn't have the heart to say I told you so he ended up selling it for 200 bucks

(a terrible deal if you ask me)

tryn2lrn · August 23, 2004

I just received my factory service manuals and there are 5 - 2.5" thick books. This should cover any question I can come up with and in conjunction with this site dude I'm covered!!