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Best DIY repair manual?

I took my 1996 Toyota T100 in to the local dealership to get some recall work done. While there, I also had them check out why my "check engine" light has been on for a while. It turns out I need new spark plugs, wires, and O2 sensor, plus a bunch of other stuff, totalling to around $1500 worth. Since I don't have that kind of money right now, I decided to wait on the repairs. However, I think maybe I could at least change the spark plugs, wires, and O2 sensor myself, which was about $500 of the price quoted (which seems quite high to me). I'm not very experienced with cars/trucks, but I used to watch my dad as a kid.

Anyway, I thought if I bought a repair manual I'd at least be able to get a good idea of what I might be able to fix myself. I see that there are two different repair manuals available - one from Chilton and one from Haynes. Which one is best? How are they different (besides being from different publishers, of course)?

Thanks, Trevor

Reply to
trevor.holyoak
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Trevor,

IMO both Chilton and Haynes are poor choices. I've seen misinformation in every one I've picked up although I haven't specifically seen the ones for the T100. Though pricey, there really is no substitute for the factory manuals

Beware manuals on CD-Rom sold on eBay and other auction sites for cheap. Not only are they often illegal bootleg copies (and I have a problem with anyone who doesn't see anything wrong with giving money to thieves) but are often poor quality repros on top of that.

-- Mike Harris Austin, TX

Reply to
Mike Harris

I'm assuming you have a V6, if so the plugs and wires are a relatively easy fix. Get a long extension for the ratchet, as the plugs are recessed. You need to remove a few hoses and air ducts for access. Buy ND or NGK platinum plugs. V6 has a ignition coil for every two cylinders, so you can just replace the three wires leading to the non-coiled bank. My CEL (O2 sensor) has been intermittently lit for the last 150k miles or so, I had the code checked, then ignored it. Gas mileage is still around

18-21 city/highway. Bill W 96 T-100 4WD XCAB 401k miles
Reply to
Bill Wolcott

Toyota offers great service manuals. Well worth the investment.

Reply to
KaiS.

Five hundred eighteen dollars + tax for the basic set of four manuals? I'm sure these are good manuals but really isn't that a bit unreasonable?? However, I might pay $100 for these on a DVD--not only saves space but provides better searching. Better yet, wouldn't you expect Toyota to include this DVD with a new truck purchase? Or perhaps put it online and keep it updated?

Reply to
Phisherman

I've seen this site kicked around a bit:

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Has anyone here tried them? Can you download those same $518 worth of books here for $10?

jim menning

Reply to
jim menning

Yikes! Prices have gone up considerably since I last purchased a set several years ago.

Reply to
KaiS.

Search on ebay for 'factory manual' with Tundra.

Reply to
ed_herman

This is not exact it's for a 97 but should be very good for what you need

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Reply to
sqdancerLynn

Thanks, I'll see if I can get it.

- Trevor

sqdancerLynn wrote:

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Reply to
trevor.holyoak

What do you think of the Chilton CD/web site combination?

- Trevor

Mike Harris wrote:

Reply to
trevor.holyoak

I downloaded the FSM for my 2002 Sequoia from there a while back. Took me a long evening, since the manuals are in bitty little pieces, but I managed to get the whole thing. Well worth the $10 and the time.

Reply to
Andy Hill

Thanks Andy, I may want to do that for my 2006 Sienna, my brother's T-100, and my sister's Prius. Good thing I have a cable ISP and plenty of free time.

jim menning

Reply to
jim menning

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