Non-Motorcycle Auto Advice Needed

[Chaharly]

Hey guys!

 

I own a 1998 olds achieva that has seen better days. It clunks and bangs over bumps, only has 2nd and 3rd gear, and only the driver controls the windows. So obviously its gonna need some work.

 

Im just curious if anyone has bought the Haynes manual for the car? Is the Haynes any good or is there a better manual on the market? I may have to pull the engine to replace the shift solenoid so I would like the best manual on the market.

 

Thanks in advance guys

[Flyinfool]

The last Haynes manual that I bought for my 91 Firebird was not a lot of help, most of the stuff I looked up said to "take it to a qualified mechanic" Yet it had details to rebuild the engine and trans. All I was looking for was instructions to change a power window motor and then the fuel pump. They felt that that can only be done by a qualified mechanic. Me personally, I will never get another Haynes.

 

I do not know if the Chilton's are any better or not.

 

Now I buy the factory manuals, they have everything.

[Chaharly]

The last Haynes manual that I bought for my 91 Firebird was not a lot of help, most of the stuff I looked up said to "take it to a qualified mechanic" Yet it had details to rebuild the engine and trans. All I was looking for was instructions to change a power window motor and then the fuel pump. They felt that that can only be done by a qualified mechanic. Me personally, I will never get another Haynes.

 

I do not know if the Chilton's are any better or not.

 

Now I buy the factory manuals, they have everything.

 

See I remember having a book for my F-150 that I couldn't remember if it was a Haynes or not but it was useless for me too. It was probably a Haynes. I'll have to try to find a factory service manual somewhere.

 

Thanks for the feedback though, you definitely turned me off of a purchase I wasn't too sure on anyway. Blessings man!

[Chaharly]

[mraf]

Type in 1998 Oldsmobile achieva manual into e-bay. You can buy about a gazillion different types of manuals on there for it. If nothing else try UTUBE. It is amazing how much helpful advice there is on there. Good luck.

[Chaharly]

The last Haynes manual that I bought for my 91 Firebird was not a lot of help, most of the stuff I looked up said to "take it to a qualified mechanic" Yet it had details to rebuild the engine and trans. All I was looking for was instructions to change a power window motor and then the fuel pump. They felt that that can only be done by a qualified mechanic. Me personally, I will never get another Haynes.

 

I do not know if the Chilton's are any better or not.

 

Now I buy the factory manuals, they have everything.

 

Hey You wouldn't happen to mean something like this???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-PONTIAC-GRAND-AM-BUICK-SKYLARK-OLDS-ACHIEVA-REPAIR-SERVICE-3-MANUAL-SET-/331781825852?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

[cowpuc]

Yep,, Haynes always seemed to be missing 1/2 the info and that 1/2 of the info always seemed to be the 1/2 I needed.. Go factory or dont go... Here is novel idea that my kids ALWAYS seem to remind me of,,,, """Daaadddd - you should try your puter,,, google - youtube and all that stuff,, you'ld be amazed at the stuff that's on the Pop's"" - they always say that.... Sooo - a quick googlely turned this up Cha,,,, worth a shot..

http://www.instantdownloadables.info/category/oldsmobile

[Flyinfool]

Hey You wouldn't happen to mean something like this???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-PONTIAC-GRAND-AM-BUICK-SKYLARK-OLDS-ACHIEVA-REPAIR-SERVICE-3-MANUAL-SET-/331781825852?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

 

Thats what I'm talking about.

 

Yep,, Haynes always seemed to be missing 1/2 the info and that 1/2 of the info always seemed to be the 1/2 I needed.. Go factory or dont go... Here is novel idea that my kids ALWAYS seem to remind me of,,,, """Daaadddd - you should try your puter,,, google - youtube and all that stuff,, you'ld be amazed at the stuff that's on the Pop's"" - they always say that.... Sooo - a quick googlely turned this up Cha,,,, worth a shot..

http://www.instantdownloadables.info/category/oldsmobile

 

The internet is also a great source for info but that info is no better than the author, I have seen some (not many) with bad info. But the factory manual is the bible and covers everything. And for $15 you can't go wrong, that is even cheaper than a Haynes.

[Godlover]

I find most info off the internet. In fact, you tube is one of best sources. I needed to rebuild barbs on a Honda 300 and a guy posted a 5 part video series on doing it.

[MikeWa]

Go for the factory service manuals. Also don't forget the separate factory electrical, wiring and emission manuals

 

Mike

[RedRider]

Chaharley, That is a lot of money and work to put into a $1000 car. Did you get it for free?

 

RR

[midnightventure]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-Pontiac-Grand-Am-Olds-Achieva-Buick-Skylark-Factory-Service-Manuals-3-/222049229158?hash=item33b32a5966:g:En0AAOSwpdpVdI0i&vxp=mtr

Factory service manual. More information than any Haynes or Chilton. I have one for all 6 of my vehicles.

[ragtop69gs]

1 bit of advise using the FSM. It assumes you have basic mechanical knowledge, so even the FSM will not have everything, but is much better than any aftermarket manual.

[djh3]

After Monday I can look it up at work on our on line service manual. But I wouldnt think to change a shift solenoid you would have to pull a motor. Should be accessible externally. May have to get car on ramps or jack stands. WE have a program @ work called "all data". We lovingly call it "some data".It can kind of be like Haynes. Seems none of the manually now are as good as the old Motor or big book Chiltons.