[ski_rush]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I have an 04 Malibu LT with 140k miles. It's going strong, but definitely due for maintenance. I want to flush all fluids and replace the brakes and rotors.

What is the best service manual that I can get?


Thanks,
SR

 

[BlairJ]

I've always bought both a Haynes and a Chilton's manual for every vehicle I've owned. Often they emphasize different things in their explanations, and have pictures from different angles. Every time I get my hands greasy, I'm glad I read both books first.

 

[BlairJ]

As a matter of fact, this morning I bought a NEW Haynes 2004-2007 Malibu manual from Amazon for $4.35 + s/h. Found a used Chilton 2004-2007 Malibu manual on Ebay for $19 including s/h. My local auto parts stores do not have these in stock yet.

 

[thx569]

The factory Helm's manual that all the dealers use is the best and costs the most. It's the one I buy for model specific GM cars I own.

If you are a mere weekend warrior the Chilton will do most days.

Experience says the Haynes is pure crap because it encompasses way too many model years in a condensed book and is not your car specific. Any manual that writes up 6 pages on tearing down your distributer but tells you your cruise control or your frontend alignment specs is too complicated, needs to be hanging in the outhouse and used appropriately. But that's just my opinion.

P

 

[05ls]

These two big bibles are the best. I have the ones for '05. Everything is in these...

http://cgi.ebay.ca/2004-Chevrolet-M...Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item2562827ade

fyi

 

[BlairJ]

Found one at
http://www.autorepairmanuals.biz/site/573683/product/GMP07Z
for $160 new. Wonder how often these come up used.

And then there are the offers for Factory Service Manuals on CD. They suggest you only print out the pages you need while working on your car. Anyone have experience with these CD manuals?