Factory service manual cd
11-06-2017, 10:12 AM
#1
Factory service manual cd
I found what's supposed to be factory service manual for $45 on cd (all c5 years) vs year specific paperback for $400. Anyone have any input on the cd version? Getting into the more technical parts of my swap and it's time to get a manual. Input appreciated
11-06-2017, 10:17 AM
#2
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Interested in what you find out. 
11-06-2017, 10:40 AM
#4
Drifting
Some of the CDs/DVDs that are sold on-line through eBay and such lack the complete set of wiring diagrams the owner's manual sets have. Consequently even some of the reproduction manual sets offered through vendors lack the complete diagrams as well.
You're also at the mercy of whomever scanned the original book(s) and compiled the files, which means varying image quality. That could be very important if you're dealing with intricate diagrams of where things go or point to on the parts list. Most of these CDs just contain downloaded PDFs that are obtained online before they're taken down or through a sharing service like a torrent.
You're also at the mercy of whomever scanned the original book(s) and compiled the files, which means varying image quality. That could be very important if you're dealing with intricate diagrams of where things go or point to on the parts list. Most of these CDs just contain downloaded PDFs that are obtained online before they're taken down or through a sharing service like a torrent.
11-06-2017, 11:37 AM
#5
Team Owner
With some searching, you should be able to find a C5 FSM for your year car that would run about $100 to $120. Sure, it would be used, but you can find a set that is in good condition for that amount of money. C5 FSM's show up in the C5 Parts For Sale section from time to time.
I agree that some of the CD versions are nothing but scanned pages. Then to use the CD version, you need a laptop or tablet to view a page. It can be hard to have a device close to the area you are working on to view the repair procedure.
I like my book versions as I can add specific notes to a page or use something like a Post-It note to bookmark a page in case I need to go back to something. Hard to do with an electronic file especially if that file is protected.
I agree that some of the CD versions are nothing but scanned pages. Then to use the CD version, you need a laptop or tablet to view a page. It can be hard to have a device close to the area you are working on to view the repair procedure.
I like my book versions as I can add specific notes to a page or use something like a Post-It note to bookmark a page in case I need to go back to something. Hard to do with an electronic file especially if that file is protected.
11-06-2017, 12:03 PM
#6
1/4 mile/AutoX
I bought the DVD some years back, has every year and everything I need !!! I much rather use a tablet, laptop, or the 44 inch TV in my shop to view docs. !!!!!!
11-06-2017, 01:12 PM
#7
Team Owner
I have two or three versions of this SW that contain upto/including the 2005 C6 and most of GM vehicles from '86-2005 and they have always given me problems installing them onto a desktop or laptop. Generally, if you are running anything later than Windows XP, you're SOL on getting it to install. There are newer versions that run on contemporary OS's that have been updated to contain the latest model years but those are very expensive and I believe run on a subscription basis.
I love the electronic manuals as they are searchable and much easier to use than the cryptic hard copies.
I love the electronic manuals as they are searchable and much easier to use than the cryptic hard copies.
11-06-2017, 01:52 PM
#9
1/4 mile/AutoX
I have two or three versions of this SW that contain upto/including the 2005 C6 and most of GM vehicles from '86-2005 and they have always given me problems installing them onto a desktop or laptop. Generally, if you are running anything later than Windows XP, you're SOL on getting it to install. There are newer versions that run on contemporary OS's that have been updated to contain the latest model years but those are very expensive and I believe run on a subscription basis.
I love the electronic manuals as they are searchable and much easier to use than the cryptic hard copies.
I love the electronic manuals as they are searchable and much easier to use than the cryptic hard copies.
11-06-2017, 08:47 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
I was looking for the (3) Volumes of the Service Manuals on a CD a few months back - and all I found were CD's that offered several Chevy models on one disc - but they dont guarantee they will have all pages for any given model of Chevy.
I was able to get all (3) volumes (big paper books) on EBay for $150 shipped to my door - which isn't bad compared to the $300 price everywhere online charges.
My books are for 2002 - if that is the year you need - Id be more than happy to take pictures of any pages you need and send them to you.
I was able to get all (3) volumes (big paper books) on EBay for $150 shipped to my door - which isn't bad compared to the $300 price everywhere online charges.
My books are for 2002 - if that is the year you need - Id be more than happy to take pictures of any pages you need and send them to you.
11-06-2017, 09:36 PM
#12
Race Director
i just bought this one for $18 shipped to my house.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-C...72.m2749.l2649
its the Mitchell repair manual for vettes my DVD was 2003 to 2015.
the disc is just a plain RW DVD with the operating soft ware on it. I ran a disk check and it had no viruses or issues. its kind of less then professional in setting it up but the instructions worked and you have to leave the disk in to access the chapters. i have to tell you its pretty impressive with hyper links that take you right to the diagnosis procedures. i figured i could not go wrong for $18 and i have played around with it for about an hour and its really impressive. i looked to see if they had one for my other car and if so i would have purcahsed it.
my factory service manual is on the way and once i have these i can do some side by side comparisons
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-C...72.m2749.l2649
its the Mitchell repair manual for vettes my DVD was 2003 to 2015.
the disc is just a plain RW DVD with the operating soft ware on it. I ran a disk check and it had no viruses or issues. its kind of less then professional in setting it up but the instructions worked and you have to leave the disk in to access the chapters. i have to tell you its pretty impressive with hyper links that take you right to the diagnosis procedures. i figured i could not go wrong for $18 and i have played around with it for about an hour and its really impressive. i looked to see if they had one for my other car and if so i would have purcahsed it.
my factory service manual is on the way and once i have these i can do some side by side comparisons