Service Manual on CD

jadcock · Feb 7th, 2003, 03:22 PM

I bought one of those "service manuals" on CD off eBay. It finally came, after no communication from the seller. The good part is I have some digital diagrams of SOME of the systems, but it doesn't seem to be a very complete manual. It's certainly not a page-by-page scan.

All the fonts are typewriter-style Courier font and the diagrams all say "Courtesy Nissan Motor Car USA" or something like that. I'd think that if this is a real Nissan CD, they wouldn't have to credit themselves for the information. ??

Many of the procedures are really lacking information that I would expect to be more detailed in a real service manual. For example, changing the clutch:

"5) Remove rear engine mount bracket. Support transmission.
Remove starter and engine-to-transmission bolts. Slide transmission rearward and remove transmission. Loosen pressure plate bolts using a crisscross pattern to relieve spring pressure. Remove pressure plate and clutch disc."

Half of the drivetrain comes apart in a matter of sentences, with no supporting illustrations. I'm used to GM's service manuals, and this one is far inferior, if it is a real service manual. If anyone has a hardcopy of a service manual, could you please check the clutch replacement section and see if that's what it says? The CD looks legit on the outside (copyright 2001 Nissan Motors), but the information doesn't appear to be comprehensive at all.

I'm happy that I have it because of all the information. I already learned that the rear-wheel ABS is disabled in 4WD. I figured this might be the worst 30 bucks I ever spent or the best 30 bucks I ever spent. It turns out it's probably in the middleground there somewhere.

JoanJetta · Feb 7th, 2003, 08:12 PM

I was afraid the quality would be marginal. However, the information on the CD could supplement other texts. Too bad it isn't comprehensive. For European cars there is nothing like a Bentley manual. Unfortunately there isn't one for Nissans as well.

thanks for posting

jadcock · Feb 7th, 2003, 09:01 PM

It's obviously not a scan...there are no page numbers or anything. In some places, they even goofed on the graphic credit -- they credited Honda Motor Car Inc. Oops!

Oh well. It is nice to have what's there, already digitally. And it gives the breakdowns of the VIN, ALL the specs on various drivetrain parts, and other hit-and-miss sections. For example, there's plenty of coverage on the engine and transmissions, but nothing on sheetmetal or front grille mounting, etc. It doesn't even say how to change the headlights. It just misses a few major areas of the truck that I'm used to seeing in a good service manual.

I've never seen a Bentley. Helm does GM's manuals and they're top-notch. I'm really curious to see what a "real" service manual from Nissan Service Network looks like, but I'm not about to spend over 100 bucks with taxes and shipping to find out.