Haynes vs Chilton vs FSM vs....

Just wondering what you guys use to help you get through repairs. The first thing I did was buy a Haynes manual after I got my tacoma, since they are at any autozone/advance. However, from what I remember Chilton manuals are good too. But it appears the Chilton manuals are also made by Haynes, so I am wondering what the deal is. Should I go ahead and get a Chilton, is there anything different in them not found in Haynes?

I also downloaded a couple .pdf manuals. One was for sale on ebay for $15. It looked legit, but was not what I was expecting. No photos, grainy diagrams and very short description to the procedures. Was this taken from the actually factory service manual from Toyota? I have seen links to a similar FSM in .pdf format at the ttora site.

I have also seen listings on ebay for the actual service manuals which go for $135.00 or so. I was considering getting one but I am not so sure anymore. Are they really worth it?

Or are you someone that takes yout truck in for all repairs, even oil changes?

 

Never been able to figure out the fsm which I downloaded from ttora. I would prefer a Haynes. It'd be nice if there was some kind of tutorial for reading that piece of shit fsm.

 

Here's the FSM for free.

 

I have a Haynes for every vehicle we have had.....'63 Bug on up.....never know when you'll need "knowledge"....If I can not find it there,my Nephew is a Taco owner/Lexus certified wrench.....$25@hour ,he gets all my "Heavy work"....

Plus if I really need "trial and error" help,guess what.??I'm here
greatest thing about forums,usually find someone who has or is going through the same thing....


Snoope

 

Yeah I have that one downloaded. What I don't like about it is how it's all broken up in way too many files, etc. Was that one scanned from the actual FSM?

 

I have actually found forums even more helpful than any manual! I love it!

 

yes, thats the factory toyota service manual. the one you thought about buying for $135.

The reason it's broken down into many parts is so that you can find what you need, then click on it and it will take you right there.

if you look at some of the other ones on ncttora, they are one pdf file, 1000 some pages long. with that, you have to look through the index, see what page it is, then find that page.

with the manual split up, you click on what you need and it takes you to that sections.

 

FSM< only way to go

 

I have the FSM pdf file as well as a Haynes. The Haynes works well for most things and gives a pretty good step by step for the more basic stuff (brakes, fluid changes, etc), but I always print out the 2-5 (or so) pages of the FSM to compliment it. I also like the toyota layout better; it is much clearer.

 

I use a combination of Haynes manual and FSM. I prefer the diagrams of the FSM.

 

Damn I should have made some more choices in the poll. Anyways, I did a little searching and found that you have to order the fsm from your local dealer:

http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/pubs.php?v=0&y=0&int=0&pv=TACOMA&py=1998&pubno=

 

Factory service manuals.

I've owned Chiltons/Haynes in the past. They're more 'user' friendly than the factory manuals and sometimes have better pictures. However - they're not specific enough.

Actually, the best work experiences I've had...is having both Chiltons/Haynes and the factory manuals for more critical work. Jumping back-n-forth between them and making your own decisions on how to perform a task. Seems they're all different in details of how to take something apart.

 

Nice, all three. I may have to follow suit. Does anyone know the difference between Chilton and Haynes? I can't remember what the inside of Chilton manuals look like, but it is made by the Haynes people.

 

I never had all 3.... Just two. Factory manuals & one of the other ones.

I can never remember which one. I've never used them enough to know the difference either. I wonder if you ran down to your local auto store - if they had one that was already opened and you could peek in it and see which ones you liked better.

 

I have a Haynes manual, and I downloaded the FSM. I usually only use it as a reference, I usually just R&R without the manual unless I need specs or torqe specs.

 

I always buy the FSM or FSM set for my car, in paper form, from the manufacturer. There is no substitute. It stays on my bookshelves. I'll order mine for the '09 truck from Toyota as soon as it is delivered. You can order them from Toyota at (800) 622-2033 (from http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/parts-service/service-center/service_publications.html )

I like the Haynes manuals too, but for a different purpose--they go IN the vehicle, for ready reference.