Haynes Manual
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 11
Haynes Manual
Is the Haynes DIYer manual worth purchasing? Not the official Ford shop manual but the Haynes DIYer manual:
Covers Ford Explorer, Mazda Navajo, and Mercury Mountaineer, all models from 1991 to 2001. Plus Explorer Sport thru 2003 and Explorer Sport Trac thru 2005.
I've read posts that read "my crappy manual" etc. but the type of manual hasn't been mentioned.
TIA for your opinions.
Covers Ford Explorer, Mazda Navajo, and Mercury Mountaineer, all models from 1991 to 2001. Plus Explorer Sport thru 2003 and Explorer Sport Trac thru 2005.
I've read posts that read "my crappy manual" etc. but the type of manual hasn't been mentioned.
TIA for your opinions.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
I think the more manuals you have the better chance you have of getting your repair right. I will look up a repair in all three manuals and compare/contrast the procedures to come up the best way to tackle the repair.
Mason
Mason
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
I agree, the more the merrier. I have Haynes and Chilton's (actually, two copies of Haynes, I lost one for a while). Both are pretty good, but finding things can be a pain sometimes if you don't know the exact terminology they use. I can't comment on the shop manual, but it can never hurt to have more info.
In addition to the books, forums like this are invaluable, because you can get a better sense of what's really involved. Shortcuts to access tough-to-reach/remove parts, how much time jobs should really take, troubleshooting tips, etc. Google the hell out of everything you haven't done before.
Mike
In addition to the books, forums like this are invaluable, because you can get a better sense of what's really involved. Shortcuts to access tough-to-reach/remove parts, how much time jobs should really take, troubleshooting tips, etc. Google the hell out of everything you haven't done before.
Mike
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
i usually like haynes manuals but for the explorer it sucked.
i returned it because of bad printing and crappy paper and a lack of detail.
looked at a chiltons and was much happier.
buy chiltons if you only get one manual.
i returned it because of bad printing and crappy paper and a lack of detail.
looked at a chiltons and was much happier.
buy chiltons if you only get one manual.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
I originally bought a Haynes, but was not impressed. I still have it, but I also bought a full set of of Ford OEM shop manuals off ebay. They are where I get my most valuable information.
I've got the CD's also, but have found a few areas where they do not have all the steps as compared to the shop manuals. I use them only when I am at the computer and think of something right then.
For a person who is mechanically inclined and is fairly knowledgable about automotive issues, I think the Haynes help some in just giving basic info. But if you are going to tackle a larger problem like electrical or vaccum lines, etc, I would suggest something a little more specific.
I've got the CD's also, but have found a few areas where they do not have all the steps as compared to the shop manuals. I use them only when I am at the computer and think of something right then.
For a person who is mechanically inclined and is fairly knowledgable about automotive issues, I think the Haynes help some in just giving basic info. But if you are going to tackle a larger problem like electrical or vaccum lines, etc, I would suggest something a little more specific.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
i agree 100%, i have shop manuals all the way back to the 60's on vehicles i owned.
i like the manuals way better than the cd's, they just seem easier to use.
i like the manuals way better than the cd's, they just seem easier to use.
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