Automotive Repair: A Research Guide

Automotive repair information can be found in many books and online sources. Whether you are repairing an older vehicle or seeking information on a newer model, the library has many resources that provide wiring diagrams, estimates on the time needed for mechanics to fix the vehicle, and electrical and vacuum diagrams. Materials include books on specific automobiles, books that cover several cars but in less detail, and books about specific auto systems. The titles listed below represent popular manuals that have been published, in some cases, as far back as the early 1900s. During this time, many of the titles have changed or merged. The titles listed below represent the most recent editions. The terms and phrases listed in the subject headings below can be used to search for more materials in the library’s catalog and research databases. If you need further assistance, please ask a librarian.

REPAIR MANUALS: BOOKS ON MORE THAN ONE AUTOMOBILE | CONSUMER TOTAL CAR CARE MANUALS | QUICK REFERENCE MANUALS | MOTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS | MITCHELL REPAIR MANUALS | PARTS AND LABOR ESTIMATES | WEB SITES | SUBJECT HEADINGS | RELATED RESEARCH GUIDES

Chilton Manuals General Repair Information. Published by Delmar Learning (Thomson)
Chilton’s Auto Repair Manual, 1968–present. ISSN: 00693634.
Chilton’s Import Car Repair Manual, 1972–present. ISSN: 10442456.
Chilton’s SUV Repair Manual (prior to 1998 included in title below).
Chilton’s Truck and Van Repair Manual, 1971–present. ISSN: 07420315.

Manuals on specific makes and models. Sample title: Buick REGAL/CENTURY, 1975–87.

Provides coverage on repair and maintenance, adjustments and diagnostic procedures for specific systems and components. Sample title: Brake Specifications and Service, 1990–2000.

Motor’s Auto Repair Manual, current ed.: 2000–2004, 67th ed. 2 vols.
Features domestic passenger cars. Volume 1 covers specifications and service procedures on 2000–2004 DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation models available at time of publication. Volume 2 covers dash gauges, speed controls, wiper systems, passive restraints, dash panel service, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system, and active suspension systems. Earlier titles: Motor’s Factory Shop Manual, Motor Auto Repair Manual.

Motor Heavy Truck Repair Manual (includes medium duty trucks), current ed.: 1997–2002, 15th ed.
Covers mechanical specifications and service procedures on 1997–2002 medium and heavy duty truck models available at time of publication.

Motor Imported Car Repair Manual, current ed.: 1997–2002, 22nd ed.
Vol. 1: Mechanical Systems Repair
Vol. 2: Chassis Electrical Systems.
Covers specifications and service procedures on 1997–2002 Acura, Daewoo, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota models available at time of publication. See also previous title: Motor’s Foreign Car Repair Manual: English and Italian, Motor’s Foreign Car Repair Manual: German and Swedish, Motor’s Foreign Car Repair Manual: Japanese and French, 1972, 1973.

Motor Imported Engine Performance and Drivability Manual, current ed.: 2002–2003, Asian, 8th ed.
Vol. 1: Acura, Daewoo, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus and Mazda
Vol. 2: Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, and Toyota

Motor Light Truck and Van Repair Manual, current ed.: 1999–2003.
Covers specifications and service procedures on 1999–2003 DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Jeep, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation models available at time of publication. Previous titles and mergers: Motor Truck Repair Manual, Motor Light Truck and Van Repair Manual, and Motor Truck and Diesel Repair Manual.

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General domestic and import manuals with separate books for air-conditioning and transmission repair. A degree of knowledge is assumed.

Chassis: Domestic Cars, Light Trucks and Vans
Chassis: Import Cars, Light Trucks and Vans
Electrical Component Locator: Domestic Cars, Light Trucks and Vans
Engine Performance: Domestic Cars, Light Trucks and Vans
Engine Performance: Heavy Truck, Gasoline Engines
Engine Performance: Import Cars, Light Trucks and Vans
Heating and Air Conditioning: Domestic Cars, Light Trucks and Vans
Heating and Air Conditioning: Import Cars, Light Trucks and Vans
Transmission: Domestic Cars and Light Trucks
Transmission: Import Cars, Light Trucks and Vans

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These books are used to estimate repair costs and find part(s) assemblies needed. Provides estimated repair times for nearly every automotive repair procedure imaginable. Usually each publisher produces a separate guide for domestic, imports, and trucks and vans.

Chilton Labor Guide Manual
Mitchell’s Parts and Labor Estimating Guide
Motor Parts and Labor Guide

AIC Autosite, Beyond the Basics—An Automotive Encyclopedia
www.autosite.com/garage/encyclop/tocdoc.asp
Divided into twenty-one major sections. Provides information on general automotive topics.

CarCare.org
www.carcarecouncil.org
Provides descriptions of auto parts, parts finder, and useful, car care articles.