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.

Obviously, I haven't tried the pirated ebay manuals.

Back in the C6 days, those versions were also available. Lots of complaints about poor organization, info wouldn't show, etc. Perhaps the pirates have gotten better now.

I would like to thank a particular member here. You know who you are. You're the one that got his post deleted. ;)

Y'all are forgetting that today it's Digital first, then Printed. They are not making copies of the 425.00 paper version, the paper version is made from the digital version. You're paying for the print and binding (and probably some licensing and marketing stuff).
RE: 2014 version vs. 2016+ version. Is there really a difference between cars (+A8; +flat bottom steering wheel; +Android Auto)?

PDF isn't the same as a proper electronic tech manual. PDF usually indicates a page turner.

Bill

True, but PDF does support fully linkable text and page anchors..

I bought the books because I want a paper copy that isn't tied to a subscription. But I'm also looking at Buying a Bosch Master Tech (which is $1600) so I guess I'm not one to really ask.

I'm cheap, except when I'm not.

If they do it right, don't expect them to.

FYI, the digital copy is likely the same as the website version that you can subscribe to (and GM dealers and employees have access to).

So there is a digital copy (PDF) that is being sold on eBay for $10. I bought it because I want to digital copy of my paper guide that I can use on the iPad in the garage. So far, it looks like it is not a copy of the helms manual at all unfortunately:(. There are no page numbers, chapter summary, page index etc. upon initial glance it looks like all of the data is really just scattered all over the place. I’ll have to take another look later today when I have a chance. I just glanced at it when it came in this morning.

Ant

Yea, that's not official. Someone must have tried to convert the website to a PDF. The Website has no Page Numbers either.

Except when it's not. For my 2014, there is no digital version available -- only print.

Oh, I can promise you there is a digital version out there somewhere. It started digital and when print, not the other way around.

Some PDF programs don't show the index or bookmarks by default. So maybe see if there's a menu option where you can turn that on.

Sure, I do realize that most creation takes place digitally these days and that somewhere it exists digitally -- but I did say "no digital version available", as in "made available for purchase by consumers".
:cheers:

That's exactly what they did..

Confirmed mine has bookmarks as well. Though, this copy is far from ideal. Glad I have the paper book copies here!

There is a website version, when I was a GM resident, I had access to the dealer service website which contained every service manual (in web format) from the mid-2000's to present.

So there is a digital version. Anyone can subscribe to GM's dealer services and get access to these digital versions.

There's no digital version you can purchase outright. There's only subscription based services. The $20 3 day pass isn't bad if you know specifically what info you need for one project, but anything longer is expensive and overkill. It's really aimed at service shops. Not DIYers.