Suggestion for all of the Grand Am'ers

I have noticed lately that a lot of the post have been referring to information that is in either the Haynes or Chilton Manuals. I would like to strongly suggest that any Grand Am owner (Any car for that mater) go out and purchase either one of the manuals. Most of the regular members seem to have one or the other that they will look at to help answer some of the questions asked here on the forum. i have found that is is very helpfull in making a new repair (something I have not attempted), After reading through the manual if I have any questions I'll then start a thread to ask. Most of the people on the Forum have had the experience of the repair and are able to offer a short cut ot two. Between the manual and the Forum I have been able to save alot of money by making my own repairs.
The $15.00 I spent for my Haynes Manual is well worth it and paid for itself with the first repair. It is my understanding that the Chilton and Haynes manuals are about the same for the information that they contain. Some prefer one over the other (private joke between Knifeblade and me), but the chioce is up to you.
I look at it like this...It's just another tool for the toolbox.

Like I say it is just a suggestion, I think others will agree,but we will always be here to help out if you have a manual or not. So don't hesitate to ask your questions, and we'll help you through your Grand Am issues.

Thanks,

Good call. It makes it easier for us to explain things too because the information is right there in front of them to see when they have a book to reference to.

:lol:

I use good ol' guesswork. I like the chance of the car not working right the first time I fire it.

With the GA's, and actually most any car starting in the 90's, they have become so complex and oddly engineered [from a backyard mechanic's view] a repair manual is necessary. If only to find the damn part half the time, sigh. A good manual, just like a good set of Torx bits is almost mandatory today.

Hey Knife...NO DIG???

Gimmee time, I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin' :sly:

i have a haynes manual but i only consult it if i have absolutely no idea. I like to go by common sense (it makes it a better learning experience) and it has yet to get me into any major trouble. Most of the time its a shot in the dark as to whether or not im even fixing the right thing. Sometimes im right, sometimes im wrong. But the manual is great for those pesky problems that Mario Andretti's pit crew cant even fix.

Ya know, GASE brings up a point about common sense. I do challenge the point, [though not GASE, seriously] that common sense in newer rides is not always adequate without some knowledge.

One tangent to consider is that manuals may even be detrimental at times~~~~~~~~~ In that they may overload you with information in some areas, sending you all over places that don't need visiting. :smokin: Thusly, some knowledge and some common sense, and IMO some wrench-time can at times be as useful, if not moreso, as a manual.

K, there's my philosophical bent on it all, LOL.