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I agree that one should have a repair manual for their particular vehicle however I think that one would find that the actual factory repair manual that is used by dealerships is more geared toward a trained maechanic. My library has quite collection of factory service manuals that I have referred to from time to time and I can tell you that they are not geared toward a newbie mechanic. I would think that the Haynes manual is more geared toward the average person that wants to tackle basic repairs and maintenance issues on their vehicles. What I would suggest to the original poster is research local community colleges that may offer a course in basic automotive repair. It's certainly a good start.
I'll have to disagree with you on recommending the Haynes or Chilton manuals over a real factory service manual. And I've taken an informal survey with my non-professional mechanic friends that have taught themselves to work on their own cars. The factory service manuals are superior in every way. The Haynes and Chiltons have fuzzy grayed out black and white photographs. The factory manuals have clear line drawings that are much easier to understand. I only have the Haynes and Chilton manuals because all of the used cars I buy seem to have a copy in their back seats. lol. And I do have the factory manuals to compare them with.
Working on cars is not that difficult if you have the right tools, a service manual and are organized about your work habits. Having a cordless impact wrench also is helpful.
It may not be a simple phillips screw holding the assembly in place, it could be a torx screw. Just a different tip and you can buy a screwdriver in that without buying a whole set.
I don't know that much about Land Rovers, but most modern turn signal assemblies are mounted from the rear. Unless it is mounted in the bumper, it will be accessed from inside the quarter panel. Open the tailgate, look at the rear corner; you will probably find an access panel which you can remove to reach the back of the turn signal. Most likely it will be held in by 10mm nuts or possibly thumbscrews. I am assuming this is a fairly modern Rover. The wiring will have a single plug which disconnects all bulbs simultaneously. It will have some sort of retainer to prevent it from coming unplugged. A small screwdriver will help you disconnect it. You may need to transfer some small parts from your old assembly onto your new one before reassembly.
You don't need to disconnect the battery for this, but if you ever get involved with more complex electrical repairs, you should.
The airbag system has nothing whatsoever to do with the rear bumper area. If you are working on the front of the car, all airbag wiring is clearly marked with bright yellow wiring and plugs. Do not unplug bright yellow wires or plugs without disconnecting the battery and waiting at least 15 minutes. SRS (airbag) systems retain a memory for a short time after the battery is disconnected (they have a small internal battery).
This is usually a fairly simple operation which most people can do; all they need is willingness to try, and a little courage to explore. Good Luck.
One place you can get factory manuals is Faxon Auto Literature. Google 'em.
Miu makes a good point. Actually the Chilton or Haynes manuals are, ironically, more useful to the seasoned mechanic, who already knows how, in general, a task is done on several different cars, and just needs the torque specs, etc. for the car at hand. The factory manual generally shows things a little more graphically.
Factory manuals tend to be pricy, but are worth it *to me*.
It's also true for most routine maintenance tasks, stuff the typical beginner will want to tackle, the aftermarket manuals are usually good enough.
If you don't want to spend the $ for a factory manual or can't find one, the aftermarket manuals are way better than nothing.
To me there's nothing sexier than a girl that works on her own car.
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