Which service manual??

[mwalters]

I just got a new-to-me 2000 GT and it needs a bit of work. What's the best service manual out there? I know there are Haynes and Chilton that are reasonably priced, but there is also the Ford factory service manual, which costs about 3x as much. Is it worth it? Thanks in advance!

 

[cl0udedth0ught]

I find the factory service manuals to have more in-debth information but thats just my opinion. The Haynes and Chilton also contain alot of good info.

 

[vitoGT]

You can buy on ebay for about 10-15 USD cd or dvd -Service Ford Manual. I have one for 98 and it works very good.

 

[Brian5934]

I recently bought a Chilton and it has some good info in it. I went to the store and looked at two different ones side by side

 

[GDawg]

Haynes is much easier for the back yard mechanic. Chilton is better for the professional. I'd love to see the Factory manual but I haven't so I can't say. I actually use a version of Mitchell Automotive software in addition to the manuals I have. It covers pretty much every domestic car and most imports.

 

[vertigasen]

I have the Haynes and Chiltons.....one day, I need to actually get the Ford on. I know that wmburns can help with that, but I have never asked him for it.

 

[wmburns]

IMO, the answer is "D". All of the above.

As said above, the Chilton is better for the home mechanic. Has good tips for the home mechanic.

The Ford has MUCH more detail across the board. Full wiring diagrams. PCM trouble shooting. Full reference manual. However, I find that the Ford manual is written assuming the reader is a professional mechanic. Sometimes, this assumes a certain "base" level knowledge.

That is why I use both.

If you are interested in getting a copy of the Ford service manual for yourself. I maybe able to help. PM if interested.

 

[flstang65]

you can also subscribe to ALL Data for 5 years for like 30.00

 

[mwalters]

Well, I took the cheap route for now - I ordered one of those DVDs off eBay for 10 bux. I'll see what that one is like and go from there.