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Old 09-04-2008, 10:03 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Service manuals: opinions?

Hello! I don't like to own a car that I don't have a service manual for, and since I just bought a tracker.... I have a few questions.
First questions: I have heard that the Haynes manuals for trackers are pretty much useless. Can anyone verify that for me? Are the Clymers or Chiltons any better?
Second questions: If they aren't better, I would assume my best choice would be the factory service manuals. I've noticed several on ebay, but not for my year. If I can't find one for 94, what years would be roughly equivalent? Or should I not risk it and just wait to find a 94 manual?
Thanks for any info!
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Old 09-04-2008, 03:35 PM   #2 (permalink)
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the store rags are just for simple , things, like oil changes, etc.

if you want the real thing , you will not be sorry later.
go to flee bay.
type "Geo tracker service manual".

Trackers mans are easy to find, actual suzukis are very rare to find. ( but they too pop up)

these rag mags, are just compendiums of many years, and as such do one year , one car very badly. and the mistake in there are mindboggling.

not only that a real FSM shows how to test each sensor. ,etc.

IMHO, YMMV, etc.

cheers
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Old 09-04-2008, 05:53 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Ok, I will check ebay for a manual. Thanks for the info on the Haynes/chilton ones!
Now, second question: Should I wait for a 94 manual to come up, or can I get by with one from, say, a 92 or 93? I think they made some big changes in 95 so I assume that wouldn't be the smart way to go. Thanks!
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Old 09-05-2008, 12:52 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Almost everything you need is on the Autozone.com site. Click on Repair Info pull down menu. I did bought a Chilton Manual 66500 and it's real good for the money. Has the wiring and vacuum diagrams too.
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Old 09-05-2008, 07:15 AM   #5 (permalink)
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I'm with jtgh, get a FSM, you'll never regret it. For a new one, try Helm Inc.
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Old 09-05-2008, 10:25 PM   #6 (permalink)
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I bought a Hayne's manual for my 97 Suzuki, and I can confirm that they are essentially useless.
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Old 09-08-2008, 09:28 AM   #7 (permalink)
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I bought the two part FSMs for my 97 Tracker off of eBay for $12.00 in new condition. It was a fabulous deal. I had never used factory manuals before. They seem to make assumptions about certain things, at least to me, but I work better with pictures and diagrams. Whatever jtgh says is right on... for me, he's sort of a necessary component to the manual.
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Old 09-08-2008, 02:05 PM   #8 (permalink)
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.:Suzuki Download Archive:.

wait a couple of days and DL these, manuals.
.:Suzuki Download Archive:.

you can look at the haynes and decide if it is worth the money. (poor reso)

the above site is moving.... to a new home. (site) please stand by he says.....

the problem with the cheap manuals is it will many times tell you do some procedure.
that is correct for a car completely different than yours.
they have grave difficulty , keeping the facts focused on your car., your year, your model. and can be dangerous to you. (ABS anyone?)

the FSM is for your car, and yours alone.
it covers everything.
It will call out special tools but as everyone knows, most tools can be subs for generic.
there are exceptions, but asking gets an answer.

It will show you how to test most sensors.
has photos with ECT in pan of hot water... ohm meter attached, easy stuff.

Even the FSM makes mistakes.
case in point , it fails to show how to mount the cam gear on the crank and fails to show how there are 2 index key points and many must guess.
so when removing the cam , mark the points. (SOP anyway)

The rag mags are bad at timing, Idle setting using the Dutycycle method.
The truth is , it is best to have both, you never know what lettle message might be in there.

there are profound exceptions, on other cars.
I have a manual from Veloce Publishing
by Rod Grainger and Pete Shoemark that is amazing beyond words.
they stripped the car and rev.eng. everything with perfect photos .1200 photos and 400 drawings. for my other car.
but only covers 1 model.

check out other sources of manuals, who ,knows what you can find.
now if we can get Rod and Pete to do a kick. wow.
happy trails.
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Old 09-08-2008, 04:28 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Yes! The Miata Enthusiasts Guide! Great book. I wish there were such a thing as that for the Tracker. The support available for the Miata is incredible. There are some pretty rabid Tracker fans out there.. maybe someday.
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Old 09-09-2008, 05:36 PM   #10 (permalink)
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So, somebody on That Auction Site (TAS) is selling
a CDROM service manual for $8 plus shipping.
Does anybody know if this is an FSM?
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