Diagnostic Procedures Service Repair Manuals - worth it?
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Diagnostic Procedures Service Repair Manuals - worth it?
I ordered and am reading through the Factory Service Manual for my 2001 3500 van. Very good detailed information.
However I am considering the Diagnostic Procedures Service Repair Manuals also available. A few questions to those of you who own and use these:
Are these worth the extra cost to acquire?
Do they consist of mainly DRBIII enabled testing procedures?
I don't own a DRBIII reader now, should I get one to troubleshoot future problems and not be totally dependent on the garage or dealer mechanic?
Thanks a lot.
However I am considering the Diagnostic Procedures Service Repair Manuals also available. A few questions to those of you who own and use these:
Are these worth the extra cost to acquire?
Do they consist of mainly DRBIII enabled testing procedures?
I don't own a DRBIII reader now, should I get one to troubleshoot future problems and not be totally dependent on the garage or dealer mechanic?
Thanks a lot.
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To answer the third question myself: I now realize that used DRBIII tools cost a fortune used, so not for the average owner... Dependent on garage/dealer, and hope they have a working one to diagnose a problem in my van... Modern times...
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Hi. I recently ordered a full factory manual set for my van off ebay, because even if I can't do some of the procedures, it could help a mechanic that would do what I can't. I can update this thread on what they cover when they arrive.
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Good point about manuals possibly being helpful to a mechanic for your van.
I saw a table of contents for the Body diagnostic manual and it looks pretty thorough. My van had/has airbag issues which has delayed its purchase several weeks (mechanic now waiting for a new drivers' airbag, and he previously replaced the airbag control module under the dash (used)). The airbag light was staying on in the dash so the van couldn't pass safety inspection. Hopefully this addresses it. I'm leery about all the computers and sensors in these "newer" vans, but it's something we have to live with, especially for those of us who look for a commercial van-based camper vehicle.
I saw a table of contents for the Body diagnostic manual and it looks pretty thorough. My van had/has airbag issues which has delayed its purchase several weeks (mechanic now waiting for a new drivers' airbag, and he previously replaced the airbag control module under the dash (used)). The airbag light was staying on in the dash so the van couldn't pass safety inspection. Hopefully this addresses it. I'm leery about all the computers and sensors in these "newer" vans, but it's something we have to live with, especially for those of us who look for a commercial van-based camper vehicle.
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I have the manuals now
Ok my manuals arrived today and I have:
Service Manual
Service Manual CNG Supplement
Body Diagnostic Procedures
Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures
Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures Supplement
Chassis Diagnostic Procedures
i got lucky and got all of the for $50 on ebay. I was hesitant about the expense period but I am very glad I got them.
My model is two years older than yours and a 1500 instead of a 3500, but I bet there is a lot of overlap. If there is a specific page you want to see, let me know and I am happy to post it here.
Service Manual
Service Manual CNG Supplement
Body Diagnostic Procedures
Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures
Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures Supplement
Chassis Diagnostic Procedures
i got lucky and got all of the for $50 on ebay. I was hesitant about the expense period but I am very glad I got them.
My model is two years older than yours and a 1500 instead of a 3500, but I bet there is a lot of overlap. If there is a specific page you want to see, let me know and I am happy to post it here.