FAQ: Service / Shop / Repair Manual Information

JRocha: Try the Haynes for the full-size late 80s-early 90s GM cars (Olds 88, Buick LeSabre, Pontiac Bonneville). It should help somewhat. Be careful though because a lot changed in terms of for instance the design of how the door panels are fastened on and stuff.

As far as the rear brakes go, what I learned is that there's some stuff that mechanics learn from each other and from trade school, such as when you see a caliper piston that's not smooth on its face (it is cogged or whatever) that almost always means you have to screw it into the caliper. I confess that the first time I did the Riv rear brakes I broke a cast iron C clamp on one caliper. I am not a mechanic - fortunately the ones I deal with in town are earning enough that they don't mind talking shop and sharing tips/tricks/how-to with me. That is, they know that I'm not cutting them out of work if they share know-how. Point is that you may get all the insights you need by paying to have work done from time to time and acting "respectfully admiring" but not obsequious as to how it's done - the mechanics and good parts counter folks will spill the beans on a LOT that's not in the FSM, Haynes, Chilton (is anytihing in a Chiltion) or on Alldata. But you probably already know that...

For the rest of you: I had Alldata when it came out on CDs - it was not bad but it also was not 100% complete. The cool thing about it was that some parts of their coverage were quite good and some of their instructions were simpler and as effective as what you'd see in the FSM. It helped me keep my Volvo and Subaru out of the shop more than in. Although admittedly the Subaru never was in the shop much at all. The weird thing was that if a subsystem like a brake caliper was similar on different makes of cars the Alldata instructions would be the same for both cars - which was usually OK but sometimes could be a little misleading.

My choice for inexpensive service information is Haynes, hands-down. There is nothing quite like instructions based on actual successful tear-down and rebuild. It's too bad there's no manual for the Riv. If you can, a great combo is a Haynes and an FSM. Had that combination for the Chryslers I've had, it really helped.

Albertj

Thanks you guys,
I would like top keep a set of the GM manuals, but I'm going to try to get the ones for my year. My Riv is 97 and the manuals I have are 98 "second edition".
I'm also going to look into the Haynes for the Park Avenue like "deekster_caddy" said. I'll get it at the library first to see if it really is helpful.

Haynes for the P/A would be a better idea than the one I suggested if it's for the late 90s P/A.

Albertj

albertj wrote:

Haynes for the P/A would be a better idea than the one I suggested if it's for the late 90s P/A.

Albertj

Yeah, sorry about that. You were the one who suggested the Haynes manuals and I gave credit to "deekster_caddy"
Thanks.

The Haynes manual actually cover from 1985 to 2002 full size models with front wheel drive, so hopefully it will do the job.

Yes I have one of those. A teal cover. It's useful because it has illustrations of some things that are not really covered in the factory manual. If there was a Haynes for the 98-02 P/A it would still be better though.

As for the C-clamp - it was a "Great Neck" from AutoZone. Emphasis on was. I replaced it with a Craftsman.

Albertj

albertj wrote:

If there was a Haynes for the 98-02 P/A it would still be better though.

There is no way they should have the same book published for the '98-'02s. They are completely different cars.

I have a factory service manual, a PA chilton, and access to alldata. I would say I use them all about equally.

deekster_caddy wrote:

There is no way they should have the same book published for the '98-'02s. They are completely different cars.

The one I bought that covers my old '92 Park ave., says it covers 1985 - 2005 on the cover.
Most of the information in it was irrelevant to me when I wanted answers, so I bought the GM service manuals for it.
Most of the pictures and diagrams in the Haynes manual are of the 80's models.
I doubt I would ever buy another Haynes manual for any car.

Sorry, I got the dates wrong.

A Haynes for our Rivieras would be perfect, but I don't think we have the # of vehicles built to interest Haynes. I used to know what that number was...

Albertj

On this site under care & maintenance their is the topic Repair Manuals and Technical Bulletins On Line last date 1-31-09 from Bert. It is the best thing for free I have ever seen.

Does anyone know how manys books comprise a complete set for a 96 Riv? Also, are there differentt manuals for Rivs that are not supercharged?

There are Quantity 2 books for the 96 and No the Sc and non- SC are not different books.
The FSM's are written based on vehicle platform (G-body) and will cover all engines and trans, etc. And Olds Aurora for that specific year.

jax95riv wrote:

I'd think most of it will be the same. Hell, for five bucks, get it. You'll know when you come across something different and I'm sure it will be close enough to help.

if they are really that cheap just buy them then resell them later, or offer to trade then email to offer a trade. Maybe an even swap and you pay shipping both ways or some such. Not sure, just a thought.

Albertj

I've seen some really excellent deals on Buick FSM's lately.
I attribute it to the dealers that shut down and the wholesalers that bid on ALL the shop equipment and won are now selling off the manuals in large lots to the wholesalers that deal strictly in books and manuals.
That's been my observation based on the sellers offering the manuals up for sale. All these particular sellers have is technical data and books for many years, makes, and models. No tools or equipment.

albertj wrote:

jax95riv wrote:

I'd think most of it will be the same. Hell, for five bucks, get it. You'll know when you come across something different and I'm sure it will be close enough to help.

if they are really that cheap just buy them then resell them later, or offer to trade then email to offer a trade. Maybe an even swap and you pay shipping both ways or some such. Not sure, just a thought.

Albertj

Albert,
I guess you didn't notice but the post you responded to was from 2007.

Rickw wrote:

albertj wrote:

jax95riv wrote:

I'd think most of it will be the same. Hell, for five bucks, get it. You'll know when you come across something different and I'm sure it will be close enough to help.

if they are really that cheap just buy them then resell them later, or offer to trade then email to offer a trade. Maybe an even swap and you pay shipping both ways or some such. Not sure, just a thought.

Albertj

Albert,
I guess you didn't notice but the post you responded to was from 2007.

That's what I get for answering posts at 3 in the afternoon instead of 3 in the morning.

Albertj

Good luck with the body clock.

How does a FSM compare to something such as Alldata?

I have Alldata for pretty much everything up to 08'. But, if a FSM would provide me more info, it might be wise to pick one up.

I liked having both when I worked in a dealership.
We had both, some things Alldata was very good at and other things the manual was good at.
And considering the prices of used manuals on Ebay have dropped drastically in the past couple of months, I would keep my eyes open for a set on there.
You don't have the year of your car listed but I have manual sets complete for between $20.00 and $50.00 depending on the year.
It wasn't too long ago $75.00 was the average.

BTW, what year car is yours.?

Mines a 96'.. I've been watching a set on Ebay for awhile for about $20. I guess I'll go ahead and pull the trigger and buy one.

Rickw wrote:

Good luck with the body clock.

Body clock is fine. Fact/detail checking could use better process.

Albertj

I wound up with a set of 95 FSM, I would love to find a set of 98 to trade

Does anyone know if Haynes or Chilton has a book on our Cars, or I they don't how would one go about finding one.

I do not believe there are Haynes and Chilton specifically for our cars.
Everybody buys the Factory Repair manual set from either Ebay used or new from the Dealer / publisher, if they are still in print.

I have got many sets on line from Ebay for between 30 and 50 per set.
Yours is a 1996 so you only have 2 books for the set so they will be less expensive. But no matter what you end up paying for them, you will be glad you bought them. They and this website are Invaluable.

Go to Ebay Motors, select Accessories and on that drop down there should manuals or publications . From there it is easy to navigate to what you need.

Edit: I just now saw a pair for the 96 for $40.00. There may be cheaper ones if you keep looking but that price is average for a clean set of books. Obviously condition has a lot to do with it, so make sure you look as close as possible to them and ask if necessary. When ever I see some one put too small a pic and does not describe the condition then I'll pass. There are so many that come up for sale all the time. It can be worth the wait.

Haynes and Chilton manuals are often too vague, and will include everything but what you are looking for.
Get the manuals issued by GM. You will be glad you did.