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0. General

This is a bit of a trick question.

In some cases, for some cars, it is possible to get a clear suggestion if enough information is provided.

In other cases, it is nearly impossible to get an indication of the problem.

Noises don't come through the internet very well, although posting a recording will help in some cases. If the noise is a mystery rattle that no-one can find, then the internet probably won't help much.

If your car is overheating, again, posting in a forum may not help much. There are many things that could be wrong, from a thermostat to a head gasket to a leaky water pump. Shotgunning new parts at the problem based on guesses from novices isn't good practice, and isn't a methodical way to fix a problem.

The internet/forums can help if there is someone reading who is familiar with a specific situation that might be common to a certain model.
It can help if there is a bulletin that addresses the problem being struggled with.
It can also help if the poster is slightly more handy than average, with some background knowledge.

It is likely that some suggestions received, while well intentioned, will need to be ignored by the original poster, as people will post suggestions to check parts that the car isn't even equipped with.

Hopefully we can still help, just remember that the internet isn't a panacea. There is no replacement for a skilled repairperson getting good information from the vehicle owner, and the repairperson getting their hands on, i.e., getting a feel for and testing the car.


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • i have a 1996 chryler cirrus. the thermostat is new. i still have no heat. auto zone said it was a vacuum hose according to the car memory. sounds easy heat/hose. I went today to get the hose and the kid said there are to many vacuum hoses to know which one. it says trouble shooting (P1294) mechanical condition- vacuum leak......definition open or short circuit condition, poor electrical connection or failed IAC Valve. I can't get anyone to at least show me where to look on the car. thanks carole

    2009-02-02 23:18:01

by Cho Baka See Profile edited by MrFixitCT See Profile
last modified: 2006-08-10 20:00:36


A great resource is here.

»www.samarins.com/mainten ··· ual.html
quote:
Owner's manual for your car

I receive many questions where to order owner's manual for a specific model.
Here I've included few links where you find owner's manual online:


BMW Owner's Circle - Access to exclusive BMW publications and more, registration required

Chrysler - Vehicle Owner Manuals - download Chrysler owner's manual for recent models.

My Dodge - download Dodge owner's manual for recent models.

Ford Motor Company - Owners - Sign up for owner's guide, vehicle specifications and more.

GM Owner Center - online owner's manual for GM models, including Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn and Saab. Maintenance tips, warranty information and more (registration required).

Hondas Ownerlink website - Honda / Acura maintenance tips, recalls, maintenance schedule, owner's manual in pdf. format available for download for certain models, and a lot more - registration required.

Hyundai - follow menu » OWNERS » My Hyundai. Register for digital owner's manual, warranty & more.

Infiniti Publications - Owner's Manuals available for download (follow the link 'Publications')

Mazda USA - follow the link 'Owners' for maintenance schedules Owner's Manual, vehicle care tips and more (registration required)

Nissan Publications - Nissan Owner's Manuals available for download (follow the link 'Inside Publications')

Volvo Owners Website - Owner's Manuals, Service and maintenance information. Warranty information and more - registration required.


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • Additional site with over 700 manuals is http://manualowners.com/ It has much less advertising than some of these others.

    2013-10-05 00:30:20

  • An additional site to find owners manuals is carbunk.com

    2013-04-16 17:56:54

  • you're missing this one http://uyo.me complete free pdf manual search engine

    2012-12-26 11:17:39

  • At PDFmanual.co you can find user manuals for many car makes and models.

    2012-10-30 09:27:51

  • If google and manufacturer website are of no help then ask a search agency like http://manualfox.com - They do a great job. The service is not for free, but often worthy (you only pay if they find what you are asking for).

    2010-11-14 04:59:57

  • And Volvo: http://www.volvocars.com/us/top/community/pages/yourvolvo.aspx

    2010-05-12 14:17:50

  • Mazda's link: http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayManualsByModelAndYearHome.action

    2010-05-12 14:16:24

  • Found a direct Hyundai link to access the manuals (also register only): http://www.hmaservice.com/

    2010-05-12 14:14:50

  • Hi, I think the GM link has changed, too. This is the one I found: http://www.gm.com/gmownercenter/gm/ (still requires registration). This list is great, by the way. I'm doing a research project, which involves finding owners manuals. I thought I'd give you the working links I found today--hope you don't mind! -Jenn

    2010-05-12 14:09:21

  • Hi, the BMW link is no longer correct. I think this is the correct one: http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/dgh.aspx

    2010-05-12 13:55:31

by Doctor Olds See Profile edited by MrFixitCT See Profile
last modified: 2007-12-13 05:05:42

The Old Car Manual Project
»www.tocmp.com/

by Doctor Olds See Profile edited by MrFixitCT See Profile
last modified: 2009-06-04 17:26:38

There are several sources depending on the Manufacturer of your ride.

Helm, Inc. (American Honda [Acura][Honda Engines][Honda][Honda Marine][Honda Motorcycle][Honda Power Equipment], Ford Motor Company [Ford][Lincoln][Mercury], General Motors [Buick][Cadillac][Chevrolet][GMC][GM Powertrain][Hummer][Oldsmobile][Pontiac][Saab][Saturn], Toyota [Lexus][Scion][Toyota], Hino Trucks, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Mitsubishi Motors, Tohatsu Outboards, and UD Trucks)

»www.helminc.com/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bentley Publishers (Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen - VW of N. America)

»www.bentleypublishers.com/

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Note: Also check eBay »www.ebay.con/ for deals on the same Factory Service Manuals.

by Doctor Olds See Profile edited by MrFixitCT See Profile
last modified: 2009-07-13 22:53:16