2 comments about Dodge Dakota & Durango, '04-'06 (Haynes Repair Manual).

1. I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota pick-up and was told by Haynes Publishing to order this manual. I did, even noting the title listed by Amazon as covering the 2004 Dakota pick-up. When the book arrived, I was dismayed to find the manual covered 2004-2006 Durango's and 2005-2006 Dakota's, completely skipping over the 2004 year model Dakota. After contacting Haynes Publishing to question the error, they informed me that the 2004 Dakota manual was being published and was due out in 60 days.



2. Ordered the Repair Manual
   Received in a short amount of time
   Would do business again!

5 comments about Dodge Caravan Plymouth Voyager & Chrysler Town & Country 1984 thru 1995 Mini-vans Haynes Repair Manual (Haynes Automotive Repair Manual Series).

1. This book is the biggest nothing as far as being helpful in repairing something I've ever seen. We wanted a how-to book and the only thing this book tells you how-to do is "take it to a professional"! I know how to do that without having to have a book tell me! Don't waste your money!



2. Haynes manuals are far superior to anything else on the market for all around basic do-it-youself information. They are not perfect. Information on the majority of systems is more than adequate for basic home repairs, but while basic wiring diagrams are included, they do lack detail in the area of electronics. In contrast, Chilton manuals often include no chassis electrical or electronic information whatsoever and factory service manuals are very, very dry and can be hard for non-pro's to read.

   It should be said, however, that these books are not for the neophyte car owner who has never done any repair work before. If you're an absolute beginner, buy the book AND find someone with good skills to shepherd you until you get the basics. This will save a lot of heartache in the long run.




3. This book is far far better than any other automotive fix-it-yourself book out there. It is informative, and easy to follow. If you don't know a thing about cars, but want to try, this is the book to get. I have changed, oil & filter, sparkplugs, brake pads, fuel filter, and flush the radiator with the instructions from the book. I didn't dare to mess around with the other parts of the car, yet. But I might in the future. This book is a real confidence builder. Only thing I would add to this book is more pictures. I had to give up on doing some work because I couldn't understand which part of the engine the instruction was referring to. By having more pictures it would explain better to the rookies like me.



4. Save your money on Chilton. They do not hold near the information, clarity and in depth detail, thus VALUE, that Haynes Repair Manuals do.
   Having said that, I would like to address some complaints I've come across about both Haynes and Chilton's Manuals.
   1.) If your manual suggests at a point to seek professional input it is because MOST NON mechanics don't possess the skill or tools or shop equipment to perform a certain procedure (be it correctly or safely). The publishers' lawyer insisted on the "seek professional input" so as not to take on legal liability for an unqualified person attempting to perform a critical step in their car care. The reason is valid. You can injure yourself and damage your vehicle as well as render your vehicle unsafe to be on the road.
   2.) Prior to purchasing a repair manual, LOOK THROUGH IT. Almost every auto parts store in America sells Haynes and / or Chilton's. If the particular manual you need doesn't have the plastic removed, look for a manual that does and look through the sections. CAUTION most auto supply stores will get mad and make you buy anything you rip open. They're trying to sell information contained in the manual, not give it away. Some copies are USUALLY open and can be looked at. Does the manual seem logical, good pictures? Thorough? Then CHANCES ARE that brand will be a good choice for your repair. Also READ the cover front & back thoroughly. It will tell you if special vehicles aren't covered (AWD, Alternate Fuel Vehicles, etc) Know what vehicle you have so you get the RIGHT manual. The correct year, make, model, engine size.
   3.) If you do encounter a problem in the middle of a repair, it's possible that it is YOUR not doing something correctly. Not the tool, or the repair manual. Go away from the car, get lunch or a cold glass of lemonade, read through the manual. Even start again in the morning.
   4.) As automobiles become more sophisticated, there is truly less and less that a vehicle owner can do him or herself. It is a fact, you will need to take your vehicle into a dealership or well equipped shop for more things. In addition, used oil and other fluids are difficult to dispose of. DO NOT THROW DOWN YOUR DRAIN OR BURY IN YOUR BACKYARD!!!. Tires, batteries all have special disposal needs.
   5.) There are some people WHO ARE NOT MECHANICAL. Buy them books, audio / video equipment, ties for Christmas. NOT A WRENCH SET!
   6.) Neither Haynes nor Chilton are Professional Shop Manuals (these are available for hundreds of dollars).

   As for the particular manual for the Haynes (ISBN: 1563921324 ) Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager
   and Chrysler Town & Country from years 1984 through 1995: This manual does NOT COVER All-Wheel Drive nor Alternative Fuel Models AND SAYS SO ON THE COVERS. You can even utilize Amazon "take a look inside" feature to check out if this manual is for you or not. .I checked it's description for changing wiper blades, oil and oil filters, air filters and general repairs and found it both accurate and easy to understand. I've been happy with Haynes manuals over the years and recommend all vehicle owners purchase one even if you don't expect to do any repair or service yourself. It
   helps to know the information, to be aware of how your car works and to talk in a reasonably intelligent manner (on your part anyway) when you take your vehicle in for service.

   I'm happy with this purchase. And have been with every Haynes manual I've bought and used in the last 20 years.
   John Row




5. Book was okay for our 1989 Voyager, but comes up severly lacking when it comes to the 1993 we have now. Lots of generalities that have to be updated from the 1980's examples. Most pictures do not cover the later models. I'm now looking for a Chrysler published manual to fill in the gaping holes.

No comments about Haynes Chrysler Sebring Dodge Stratus & Avenger 1995-2002 (Haynes Manuals).

2 comments about Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager & Chrysler Town & Country ~ 1996 thru 1999 Mini-vans (Haynes Repair Manual).

1. You would not be even able to change your air filter if you used this book. I tried to follow the instructions for changing the air filter on my 99 Grand Caravan, but I was left with frustration. This is just one inaccuracy I found. I would'nt be surprised if there are more.

   Maybe the book is good for another year not for the 1999 Grand Caravan model.




2. Save your money on Chilton. They do not hold near the information, clarity and in depth detail, thus VALUE, that Haynes Repair Manuals do. Having said that, I would like to address some complaints I've come across about both Haynes
   and Chilton's Manuals.
   1.) If your manual suggests at a point to seek professional input it is because MOST NON mechanics don't possess the skill or tools or shop equipment to perform a certain procedure (be it correctly or safely). The publishers' lawyer insisted on the "seek professional input" so as not to take on legal liability for an unqualified person attempting to perform a critical step in their car care. The reason is valid. You can injure yourself and damage your vehicle as well as render your
   vehicle unsafe to be on the road.
   2.) Prior to purchasing a repair manual, LOOK THROUGH IT. Almost every auto parts store in America sells Haynes and / or Chilton's. If the particular manual you need doesn't have the plastic removed, look for a manual that does and look through the sections. CAUTION most auto supply stores will get mad and make you buy anything you rip open. They're trying to sell information contained in the manual, not give it away. Some copies are USUALLY open and can be looked
   at. Does the manual seem logical, good pictures? Thorough? Then CHANCES ARE that brand will be a good choice for your repair. Also READ the cover front & back thoroughly. It will tell you if special vehicles aren't covered (AWD, Alternate Fuel Vehicles, etc) Know what vehicle you have so you get the RIGHT manual. The correct year, make, model, engine size.
   3.) If you do encounter a problem in the middle of a repair, it's possible that it is YOUR not doing something correctly. Not the tool, or the repair manual. Go away from the car, get lunch or a cold glass of lemonade, read through the manual. Even start again in the morning.
   4.) As automobiles become more sophisticated, there is truly less and less that a vehicle owner can do him or herself. It is a fact, you will need to take your vehicle into a dealership or well equipped shop for more things. In addition, used oil and other fluids are difficult to dispose of. DO NOT THROW DOWN YOUR DRAIN OR BURY IN YOUR BACKYARD!!!. Tires, batteries all have special disposal needs.
   5.) There are some people WHO ARE NOT MECHANICAL. Buy them books, audio / video equipment, ties for Christmas. NOT A WRENCH SET!
   6.) Neither Haynes nor Chilton are Professional Shop Manuals (these are available for hundreds of dollars).
   As for the particular manual for the Haynes (ASIN: 1563923580) Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country from years 1996 through 1999: This manual does NOT COVER All-Wheel Drive nor Alternative Fuel Models AND SAYS SO ON THE COVERS. Haynes breaks down into different sections each of the engine options (in this example: 4 cylinder,3.0 liter V6, 3.3 liter V6, and 3.8 V6) If you're say, changing an air filter, make sure you're looking at the right directions for the engine for the vehicle you have. The different engines have important items positioned in different locations and thus DIFFERENT INSTRUCTIONS for each item on each engine. You can even utilize Amazon "take a look inside" feature to check out if this manual is for you or not. .I checked it's description for changing wiper blades, oil and oil filters, air filters and general repairs and found it both accurate and easy to understand. I've been happy with Haynes manuals over the years and recommend all vehicle owners purchase one even if you don't expect to do any repair or service yourself. It helps to know the information, to be aware of how your car works and to talk in a reasonably intelligent manner (on your part anyway) when you take your vehicle in for service.

   I'm happy with this purchase. And have been with every Haynes manual I've bought and used in the last 20 years.
   John Row

3 comments about Dodge & Plymouth Muscle Car Red Book, 2nd Ed..

1. The one thing that this book is lacking is a chapter that explains how to read the fender tag, as most of the cars built from 1960 to 1970 no longer have the build sheet or it can no longer be read.



2. By and large, "Dodge & Plymouth Muscle Car Red Book" is a very useful tool for those involved with restoring classic cars, classic car shows, scale-model car enthusiasts, etc. Even classic game show fans can find this book helpful when playing along with those merchandise giveaway shows from the 1960s and 1970s (e.g., "Let's Make a Deal"). Yes, there are some omissions that some might find irritating, or might even detract from its usefulness. I would have considered this book even more helpful had it listed the contents of option packages; it does give some listings for the performance packages (what most people are interested in, I'm sure), but many people I'm sure are also interested in the contents of the trim, convenience and Quick Order (i.e., Basic Group and Basic Radio Group) packages as well. And, unlike Sessler's "Red Book" for Chevrolet Super Sport models, this book does not list installation rates or options for a particular model or its sister lines; e.g., in the section for the 1970 Plymouth Fury GT, there's no listings for the Plymouth I, II, III and Sport Fury or Suburban station wagon models (the Chevrolet book lists options, prices and installation rates for all Super Sport models and their more conservative family car bretheren). Some people who are restoring the family car members of a line might find this book helpful, too. Also, I also think the omission of year-by-year listings, VINs, prices, weights, etc., for the 1956-1971 Plymouth Sport Fury serves as a turn-off to fans of this model. Also, some people might be interested in special order, Mopar custom accessory and dealer-installed option lists, too (for that finishing touch to that 100-point show car). Hopefully, some or all of these issues will be addressed in a revised edition of "Dodge & Plymouth Muscle Car Red Book." Still, a very useful book for many Mopar muscle car fans that will be used and appreciated by all.



3. Every self respecting mopar tire kicker has a copy of this. Its the broadest reference guide for identifying option codes, VINs, and select serial numbers on mopar muscle. Production totals and option prices are included as well. It lists cars by year and model with a decent breakdown for each.

1 comments about Dodge Durango & Dakota: 2001 through 2003 (Chilton's Total Car Care Repair Manual).

1. Twenty years ago I slept with my Chilton's book and wouldn't have traded it for anything. I bought this to get a better mechanical knowledge of my Durango, expecting a book of the caliber I used to know.
   This book is highly generic. The instructions and descriptions of procedures are very vague. If you are able to use them you already know too much to be consulting a book. And the photos, well let me tell you. I don't even think most of these pictures are actually of a Durango. They certainly look nothing like the Durango sitting in my garage. This book is almost completely useless. Just don't buy it.

5 comments about Project Charger: The Step-by-Step Restoration of a Popular Vintage Car.

1. Really nice restoration book! I have a 68 Charger R/T and look forward to starting the resto using this book as a guide. While no book could cover every obsticle you may encounter, this book gives a very good idea of what you will face and how to fix it.
   I was NOT very happy that UPS delivered the box crushed and with a big hole in the side....IDIOTS....but the contents were fine.
   This would be the main reference for a 'driver' restoration. No one makes or probably will ever make a book that would cover a concours restoration. So this may be as good as it gets.
   Wish Amazon would offer more shipping options....



2. What a great book.A colour book on restoring a car and its a step by step guide.Finally a book that deserves to be called a step by step guide.This book is an ideal restoration manual suitable for all cars so no matter what car you want to restore this book is the way to go.Colour photos show what to do.This book covers so much and each section is covered in great detail.Its great value for the price alone and for what it offers.
   
   This book states that the techniques within the book can be used to restore any car.Didnt waste my time trying to fault with this book.This book will please most people.If you are planning to restore your car,no matter what it is,I highly recommend this book and the author's book:"Revive your ride:secrets from a body and paint restorations pro".(ISBN:1-931933-66-1).I also recommend purchasing a workshop manual for specifically for your car.



3. I've learned more then I could of imagined from this book. I've read it twice, and I'm starting on it again.



4. I don't even own a dodge product- I'm restoring a semi rare 1980 vw Scirocco and found this book to be one of the best so far! Very helpful advice with a downhome feel to it- it's not preachy nor does Larry talk down to the readers- which is great. I love the book and have read it more than once... like another reviewer said: "It's worth its weight in gold!" I agree. Good job Larry! -Royce



5. Very good and logical trip through the restoration (not Concours and unlimited budget). Well worth most people to read before you start.

5 comments about Charger, Road Runner and Super Bee Restoration Guide (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. Very detailed reference for anyone restoring a classic mopar. Very little is left uncovered. Original factory part numbers are included for most parts. A great section on decoding V.I.N. numbers and fender tags. This book also lists most option packages available for the various years. For Concours level restorations this book is a must. I studied it closely before buying my own '69 Charger. This would also be a great source of information for model builders as this book is loaded with pictures and diagrams.



2. As a restoration guide this is a poor guide,if you want a book that is a year one sales catalog with better descriptions this is your book.If you are looking for a book to help you to restore your car it is only good for part numbers.As far as how to restore these cars or any pictures or assembly diagrams,you will not find it here.



3. The use of the word "Resortation" guide seems misleading here. I was expecting to see more "how-to" stuff - or "problem areas with these old B-Bodies" - hints, tips, etc.. Instead you get "this car used this part number and this car used that one"..."and they are NOT interchangeable". Don't get me wrong, that IS valuable information. BUT... it seems like alot of the verbage (a very large portion of this book BTW) would be better placed in a parts interchange manual! Its like combine this book with his parts interchange manual and you have the ultimate Chrysler parts interchange manual! One thing I DID LIKE about the book was ... in places, the author would say "Paint this 30deg Gloss Black"... Now that's cool AND useful! And I guess that was what I expected to see more of...Unfortunately, it doesnt show up that much in this book! All in all I would still recommend this book - There IS alot of useful info here. but I wish someone would write a definitive MOPAR restoration book dealing with such stuff as replacing Floor pans, Quarter panels, cowls, valences, wheel wells, detailing the engine bay etc... Actually a whole volume series A,B,C and E bodies would be cool!!! Good Luck



4. I purchased the Restoration Guide plus Interchange Manual the for our 1970 Super Bee and they immediately became an outstanding reference source for our MOPAR muscle car. Pictures and diagrams are clear and easy to see. We are still researching parts for the project and have not started the restoration process. So far, the book has been very informative and should be easy to follow.



5. I have been into SuperBees since 1969 when I purchased my first with a 426 Hemi and I thought this book would be a more hands-on nitty gritty approach as to how to do even the little things such as installing a headliner.
   
   Although I did find it helpful, I also was a little dissapointed at the generalities of the book and not enough detail.

4 comments about Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager & Chrysler Town & Country: 1996 thru 2002 (Haynes Repair Manual).

1. Save your money on Chilton. They do not hold near the information, clarity and in depth detail, thus VALUE, that Haynes Repair Manuals do.
   Having said that, I would like to address some complaints I've come across about both Haynes and Chilton's Manuals.
   1.) If your manual suggests at a point to seek professional input it is because MOST NON mechanics don't possess the skill or tools or shop equipment to perform a certain procedure (be it correctly or safely). The publishers' lawyer insisted on the "seek professional input" so as not to take on legal liability for an unqualified person attempting to perform a critical step in their care care. The reason is valid. You can injure yourself and damage your vehicle as well as render your vehicle unsafe to be on the road.
   2.) Prior to purchasing a repair manual, LOOK THROUGH IT. Almost every auto parts store in America sells Haynes and / or Chilton's. If the particular manual you need doesn't have the plastic removed, look for a manual that does and look through the sections. CAUTION most auto supply stores will get mad and make you buy anything you rip open. They're trying to sell information contained in the manual, not give it away. Some copies are USUALLY open and can be looked at. Does the manual seem logical, good pictures? Thorough? Then CHANCES ARE that brand will be a good choice for your repair. Also READ the cover front & back thoroughly. It will tell you if special vehicles aren't covered (AWD, Alternate Fuel Vehicles, etc) Know what vehicle you have so you get the RIGHT manual. The correct year, make, model, engine size.
   3.) If you do encounter a problem in the middle of a repair, it's possible that it is YOUR not doing something correctly. Not the tool, or the repair manual. Go away from the car, get lunch or a cold glass of lemonade, read through the manual. Even start again in the morning.
   4.) As automobiles become more sophisticated, there is truly less and less that a vehicle owner can do him or herself. It is a fact, you will need to take your vehicle into a dealership or well equipped shop for more things. In addition, used oil and other fluids are difficult to dispose of. DO NOT THROW DOWN YOUR DRAIN OR BURY IN YOUR BACKYARD!!!. Tires, batteries all have special disposal needs.
   5.) There are some people WHO ARE NOT MECHANICAL. Buy them books, audio / video equipment, ties for Christmas. NOT A WRENCH SET!
   6.) Neither Haynes nor Chilton are Professional Shop Manuals (these are available for hundreds of dollars).

   As for the particular manual for the Haynes (30011)Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country from years 1996 through 2002:
   This manual does NOT COVER All-Wheel Drive nor Alternative Fuel Models.
   It compares favorably with other Haynes manuals for conciseness, clarity of both written instructions and photographs and is thorough. I used it step by step to replace horns, headlight bulbs and to go through a 30,000 mile check up and service. I also checked it's description for changing wiper blades, oil and oil filters, air filters and general repairs and found it both accurate and easy to understand.
   I've been happy with Haynes manuals over the years and recommend all vehicle owners purchase one even if you don't expect to do any repair or service yourself. It helps to know the information, to be aware of how your car works and to talk in a reasonably intelligent manner (on your part anyway) when you take your vehicle in for service.
   I'm happy with this purchase.
   John Row




2. In a nutshell, don't ever buy chilton. they stink. they are always very generic, and never directed to the actual car you own. You simply can't cram 4 makes of dodge into the same book and expect a home mechanic to find it very useful. Haynes manuals have always been better. They show photos of the actual parts you're going to hold in your hand. the directions are to YOUR car, not some similar model. Buy Haynes. I don't know why auto parts stores even carry Chilton.



3. This book is like the others - Very Informative. It helps you with all aspects of working on the vehicles listed in the title. The instructions are very easy to follow. My husband likes these manuals because I can even figure out how to fix things sometimes so he doesn't have to take off work to fix the car. For the price you can't afford not to have one of these for each of the cars you own. Sure saves on mechanic bills!



4. The Haynes book relies too much on showing the specifics for the 6-cylinder engines of the Caravan and Town&Country minivan, at the expense of the 4-cylinders. Most of the specific information shows the details for the 3.0L and 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines. Photos, illustrations, ect.
   
   As a 2.4L owner, I am disappointed that they have not included more pages to cover the 4-cylinder models more thoroughly. Other than that, IMHO the Haynes book is a reasonable attempt to cover most of the mechanical issues and problems to deal with for these cars. If you have the 6-cylinder, I think you will like the book much better.

2 comments about Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Voyager & Town & Country 2003 thru 2006 (Haynes Repair Manual).

1. Since Haynes now publishes the Chilton manuals, the contents are exactly the same which is misleading. I wasted money by buying both manuals.



2. I purchased the Dodge Caravan 2003 thru 2006 so that I could
   change my Brake Pads. The information was complete and easy to follow.
   I saved money by doing the work myself.