Repair Manuals: Haynes vs Clymer vs Chilton

Tony Sivori · 2004-07-16T00:50:27+00:00

Recently I bought an '89 Grand Caravan with the 3.0 liter engine. I boughta manual for it the same day I bought the van, both because I knew I'dneed it eventually and because I wanted to learn about the vehicle.The only manual Auto Zone had in stock for my van was the Haynes RepairManual for 1984 through 1995 Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and ChryslerTown & Country mini vans.I am disappointed with the manual. I've not yet used it for any majorprocedure but I've already spotted several omissions. In chapter 1, itbegins by showing pictures of the engine compartment, with the majorcomponents identified. A picture of the 2.5 liter is shown, as is the 2.6,3.3 and 3.8. But no photo of my motor, the 3.0.I wanted to look up the oil pressure, and the engine idle speed. 3.0 literoil pressure: "Not available". Idle speed: "Not adjustable". Great, butwhat would be wrong with telling me what it is supposed to be?A much larger omission is that there is no mention of the Body ControlModule (BCM) anywhere in the entire manual.Is this as good as it gets? Would a Clymer or Chiltons manual be better?

Jul 16, 2004 21 Replies

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Matt Whiting 22 years ago

Yes, I did write that. I just didn't see it in your message. Either my eyes missed it or my newsreader did.

Matt

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Kirk Matheson 22 years ago

I agree with Dan. The FSM is the best way to go. I just wish they didn't cost so much. When I bought my first FSM for my 1964 Valiant, it was only $5. When I bought one for my 1986 Caravan, it was $40. Now they are $90, unless a used one can be found. The CD versions are the same price as the printed ones.

-Kirk

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