Chilton Reviews

This book was dismal. The information provided is frequently lacking in key points (ie: (paraphrase)"The eight cylinder engine is like the six cylinder engine, so just extrapolate". Furthermore, upon receipt of the Haynes manual covering the same vehicles, it became immediately apparent that the Chiltons manual had left out critical information. The wiring maps are incorrect, and/or missing details - not to mention other issues. A potential buyer would do better to track down the Haynes Dodge & Plymoth Vans manual - or the shop manuals.

I JUST WANTED TO READ A FEW PAGES OF THIS BOOK

1. Book does not cover all caravan configurations, i.e. AWD, 3.3 L info. 2. Attempted to use it to replace a 94, 3.3 AWD, Grand Caravan fuel pump. Book is trash. Not accurate at all. 3. Gave book to my kids to use as coloring book.

1.) This manual is next to useless, the publisher is trading on his reputation ?

2.) This manual has marginal utility, it is better than nothing.

3.) It is replete with errors, omissions and faulty captions.

Examples:

Page 3-129: the conspicuously absent main and rod bearing clearences

Page 1-34, fig 73: Incorrectly labled as the belt diagram for the 4.0L engine. The diagram is for the 3.0L engine with AC.

Page 1-47 to 1-49 Ignition timing 3.0L engine: Chilton's editor's think that you have to remove the water pump and timing chain cover to check/set the ignition timing ?

Page 1-52, item 3: "Unplug the single wire, inline spout connector near the distributor"...

1. spout should be SPOUT an acronym for spark out

2. The SPOUT is not located near the distributor. It is located (3.0L engine) above and to the left of the brake master cylinder, a foot or two from the distributor. The SPOUT functions as a manual switch to allow the basic engine timing to be set. A picture or drawing of the SPOUT would be real nice. Ah Shucks, what's a manual for anyway.

Front cover: The picture on the front cover does allow you to identify the Ford Aerostar van.

I was really dispointed at this book, it tries to cover everything, but at the end it covers nothing. Too many models to cover in just one book, too many subjects to cover in a single book, it is just a glance of everything. It barely lets you know a part exists, but doesn't tell you where it is or how to replace it.
I wanted to know where the crankshaft sensor is in my cavalier, I didn't find any pictures, they explain how to replace it in just 5 or 6 lines, any warnings, oh! sure I had trouble with this sensor.
The book doesn't explain the operation theory, and if you want to know something about Electronic Control Modules on these models, this is the wrong book.

The book include every Chevy ever made from 62-79. It is not written as abook about the ChevyII/Nova as the title would suggest.

Very little data about the Nova at all.

They have totally misled anyone who is purchasing it to work on their Nova.

What a waste of $20.00. I will not even try to resell it, would rather burn it, I am not the kind of guy who gets off on ripping someone off.

VERY POOR BOOK !!!!!!!!

how do i remove the motor mounts

there is nothing that shows where the wires go on the starter,and i really need to know

Be careful - this book covers limited models and only up through 198

I found this book totally worthless. While I am not a professional mechanic, I do have many hours of experience and this book was filled with mostly 'general information'. The electrical drawings are no where near accurate and caused me many hours of misdirection.
Years ago I vowed I'd never buy another Chilton's manual but I gave in. You can bet I'll never buy another now!