Service Manual
 

The Helm Inc website shows the 2017 Service Manual as available only in a USB version, does that mean a DVD that I can read on any computer?

The paper version, which I prefer and is what I bought for our previous Corvettes, says not available at this time. Since the 2016 paper Service Manual is available now, does the lack of 2017 paper version just mean I should be patient?

Your experience (aside from the exorbitant price)? How easy/difficult is the computer version to use?

The paper version is available. I ordered it on 3/22/17 and it showed up last week.

Here it is.

So, how much are those manuals? Enquiring minds want to know.

$425 shipped

AllDataDIY.com has the same electronic service info the dealers use, and it's far cheaper. I think I paid $20 for a 2 year subscription. You can usually hit Google and find some discount codes too.

I generally prefer paper books too, but I prefer $400 in my pocket even more.

Is the AllData version something that you download into your own computer and open when needed, or do you need an internet connection whenever you use it?
Is it a direct copy of the GM info, or a re-written version?

On the same subject, is the Helm "USB" version identical to the paper version?

So many questions...

You log into a site in a web browser. You can print stuff from there. It's a direct copy of GMs service info. I have found that it's not 100% complete. One of users here was asking for a torque spec for the rear fender vents. I couldn't find that on AllData. So far all the important stuff is in there though.

If you needed something that wasn't in AllData, you could sign up for a 3 day pass to GM's system at ACDelcoTDS.com. That's $20. So you're still well ahead of the printed or USB manuals.

I would assume the USB manual is a copy of the paper and GM electronic systems. I haven't personally used one.

AllData is an online-only resource. You can download the different illustrations and print pages, but there is no way I know of to download the manual as a whole for offline searching and access.

I also prefer to have my own local copy of an OEM manual and have done so in the past with every car I've owned, but the C7's OEM manuals have gotten ridiculously expensive, IMHO. Weighing $7/year for the online-only Alldata vs. $425 (!) Helm version, I can make do. The required info is there in Alldata -- maybe not quite the same presentation, but everything I really need.

Great service, you only had to wait a year!
:toetap:

Now that it's out of stock, I wonder how long the wait would be before they're available again.

The AllData subscription is beginning to look attractive...

Jeff & Kent-
Thanks for the info.
:thumbs:

How much is the Helm USB version?
How much is the AllData version?

Helm paper and USB is $425
AllData is $5-20 depending on how long you sign up for and what discount codes are available at the time.

You can flesh out any gaps in the AllData system with a $20, 3 day GM Service Information pass at ACDelcoTDS.com

Go with the USB stick.

I have the 2015 Paper Version and it is just as bad as the 1997 paper versions. Since that time period GM Manuals are designed for use as an interactive electronic technical manual with all of the data organized for the best presentation in that format. The paper manuals are just disorganized printouts of the data in the computerized manuals. You can't link on anything and sometimes it takes having four manuals open at once to compile the info you need so you can do something. The USB stick will more than likely let you load the manuals on your PC (not an Apple unless it is set up to handle windows apps) and access the data in the manner it was designed to accessed. There is a section in my paper manuals that instructs me on how to use all of the access points on schematics and drawings that aren't available in paper.

I have the dealer manuals for the 97 through 09 years that cover all GM cars and trucks made through that time period installed on my Surface Pro 3 so I can take it with me and on a Toshiba Lap Top. They work with Windows 10 and are far easier to use than my 2015 paper manuals.

Bill

All excellent points, Bill.

I'd pay a couple hundred for a fully interactive USB, but not $400+

Now if GM could bundle that with a single-VIN subscription to GDS2 diagnostics and service programming, then I think they'd have quite a compelling package.

I just checked helminc.com and the paper is $375 (out of stock) and the USB is $250.

That's still steep, but a lot better than it was.

I just ordered the USB version for a 2017 Corvette, total with S & H was $270.16
Like Jeff said, I think the price came down recently.

Supposed to be in stock, so I should get it next week.

Damn. Looks like they don't offer a USB version for 2014.

:iagree:

We could say the cost has gone from "exorbitant" to merely "seriously overpriced".

FYI, there are a couple of vendors selling PDF manuals on ebay for less than $20.