What car repair manual would you recommend - 2003 Ford Explorer (vehicle, auto)

[Leavethetable]

Anyone still use the old school repair manuals? I know of Chilton's, Haynes, etc. I was just curios if anyone has used these manuals recently and find them helpful for certain repairs (e.g. replace window motor - complete instructions to remove door panel, etc.). Any insight you can forward would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[M3 Mitch]

The factory manual is best, particularly on body tasks like taking the doors apart. Check Faxon's and see if they have a factory manual for this car. (Google them)

[whiteboyslo]

+1 on the factory manual. however, when it comes to Chilton's and Haynes, here's my $.02:

Chilton's is like a watered-down version of the factory manual. every repair is by the book and at times the wording is not for the average layman. if there's a specialty tool for a job, you better believe that's what they're gonna tell you to use. on the plus side, Chilton's usually has a decent amount of detail and covers a great majority of the repairs your average shadetree mechanic would dare to take on.

Haynes is written more from the perspective of someone who has torn down the car and is giving you firsthand advice. they know their audience: the wording is for the average joe, they WILL recommend using a wood block (for example) in lieu of that $500 specialty tool, and the pictures are generally more telling. on the downside, i find they don't cover as many types of repairs.

in the end, for each vehicle i have bothered to buy the book for i skim both manuals and buy the one that covers the repairs i aniticpate tackling on my own. for some vehicles, i have bought both!

Mike

[stanman13]

+ another 1 for the factory manual. The only downside is that they assume you have some knowledge, and they can be a bit pricey. Chiltons/Haynes for me are ok, but seem to tell me everything except what I need to know.

[Btrja]

I have and will only use Haynes. The factory ones I've tried to use are junk. Chiltons is ok but not as instrutional if this is your first time doing the repair yourself.
Good Luck!

[getmeoutofhere]

I like Haynes, because it's well laid-out and easy to use.

[texdav]

Factory manuel are always best and very complete and specific.

[Innovator831021]

Factory Service Manual (FSM) is the only way to go.

Those garbage manuals that Chiltons and Haynes throw together always go something like this:

Step 1: Jack up car.
Step 2. Drain oil from engine.
Step 3. Remove engine from vehicle.
Step 4: Fix the problem.
Done.

Utter junk.

[shadowwalker]

The second thing I do when I buy a vehicle I am going to keep is drive it down to the auto parts store and get a Haynes book.

[Omaha Rocks]

In my experience Haynes is far better than Chiltons.