djjr50

I have done some researching about repair manuals and I know that there are 3 red dealer/manufacturer manuals that I should have. Those are really expensive now (on ebay now for $130 for all 3), and the thought of being able to reproduce pages after I get them dirty is alluring to me. Are these DVD's really the electronic versions of the physical paper manuals? And if anyone has one, does the content come in PDF format, or is it in some sort of proprietary player/reader? And I noticed that some DVD's say that you need to change the date on your computer... I would assume that I should stay away from these, right?

Here is an ebay auction of what I am interested in buying.

And here is a website that I saw linked in another forum

djjr50

I called Taylor Automotive (the vendors for these DVD manuals) and the guy answered two of my questions:

1-They do play in their proprietary reader/software, but you can print out everything.
2-You do have to set the date back on your computer for the software to work. He says that its because Ford hasnt finalized the disc (and wont until 2012).

That kinda seems weird to me but oh well. He also said that there is some interactivity (you can click on part numbers to get more info, etc). I want to be able to carry some stuff on my smartphone since it is ALWAYS on me, so maybe I can setup a computer and print-to-PDF (that might take a whole day) all of the sections I will need.

Anyone else with this DVD...please chime in. I am still trying to decide between the DVD and its limitations and the paper manuals and its price!

GATORB8

Just get a subscription to alldatadiy.com

spec_ops57

If this DVD is as good as it promises, I'd definitely rather go that route than alldatadiy.com. DVD will last forever(ish) instead of 12 months

GATORB8

A 5 year subscription at normal price is $25 cheaper than that DVD. You should be able to find a discount code as well. Plus you can access it on your smartphone.

djjr50

Can you print from alldatadiy.com?

GATORB8

Sure can, I print to pdf too.

They've got a couple sample vehicles here: http://www.alldatadiy.com/demo/index.html

Takes a little while to get used to how everything crossreferences, but it's pretty user friendly.

djjr50

Is the data the same as the Ford Service/Repair manuals, or is it closer to an abridged Haynes manual?

GATORB8

It's almost identical to the Ford Service Manual, it's just specialized to your exact model, i.e. my subscription is 5.4 4x4 only. Much better than a Haynes or Chiltons.

shadetreenovice

Does a wiring manual and a parts manual also come with the subscription of alldatadiy?