Original Post
Written by
Edited January 13, 2020
at 12:33 PM
by
Alldata DIY is offering one year subscriptions or extensions for $12.95 using code YEAREND2019 .
This is as low as I've seen it go over the past few years.
These are factory service manuals accessed through web pages. Photos below show what the top-level table of contents looks like for a representative vehicle, along with at typical procedure. Specifics vary by manufacturer, as they're the ones who provide the data.
The majority of mainstream brands are available, particularly for car models 3 or 4 years old or older (i.e., 2015 and older). Newer models may not be present, but these cars are often still under warranty.
BMW and Mini are not available. That's the manufacturer's decision.
This post invariably occasions assorted grinches claiming that they can get everything they need off YouTube or that paper manuals can be bought on eBay. Some factory manuals are quite expensive. If you can get them for less that this offer, go for it. YouTube? Sure, there are some great channels out there. Sometimes, I just want to skim the procedure to see what I'm getting myself into, and not every YouTuber knows what they're talking about. I find factory torque and other specifications helpful, too. Mitchell's might be better. I don't know. These have served me well overall.
So: haters can hate if they want to, but it's rather
old hat.
alldatadiy.com
http://alldatadiy.com
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As an advocate of and for YouTube for many repairs there are things you can trust and things you have to be cautious of. You know the whole because its on the internet it must be true thing.
Need to replace your serpentine belt on your Volkswagen Jetta go to YouTube (did it). Need to replace your blower motor on your Chrysler Town and Country go to YouTube (did it). Need to replace your intake manifold due to a manifold gasket failure requiring you to tear apart the top half of the engine, sure you can YouTube it but if you want to be sure it gets back together right Alldata.
Hope this helps someone.
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If it's a long-term car, the 3-year subscription can be a better deal.
If it's a long-term car, the 3-year subscription can be a better deal.
Edit: discount applies only to the 1 year sub it seems.
Mechanics use this or similar services when fixing cars.
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That said, it does seem like a good resource for home DIY person.
Youtube is good resource, but not everyone posting on the site is knowledgeable and is following factory recommended steps (not THAT is what everyone SHOULD follow if there is a good shortcut without compromising the repair result). Also, there may be some procedure for your specific car that may not be there.
As an advocate of and for YouTube for many repairs there are things you can trust and things you have to be cautious of. You know the whole because its on the internet it must be true thing.
Need to replace your serpentine belt on your Volkswagen Jetta go to YouTube (did it). Need to replace your blower motor on your Chrysler Town and Country go to YouTube (did it). Need to replace your intake manifold due to a manifold gasket failure requiring you to tear apart the top half of the engine, sure you can YouTube it but if you want to be sure it gets back together right Alldata.
Hope this helps someone.