Wayne's Garage Owner's Manual
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That Mostly Forgotten Automobile Owner's Manual

Usually forgotten and overlooked in our glove compartment is a little book with a wealth of information on our car. Its called the "Owner's Manual".

Dog-ear your owner's manual, It's your car's bible! Knowing where to find information quickly can help in identifying causes when trouble arises. You may even be able to avoid a trip to the repair shop in the first place if you discover that your "problem" stemmed from not understanding your car's controls.

Besides critical information such as recommend fluids and maintenance schedules there is information on what all those warning lights mean and what to do when one pops up, how to use the floor jack, towing and loading capacity, how the anti-lock brakes operate, maybe even safety tips and ways to extend transmission life.

Sometimes there are pictures to identify all of the underhood fluid reservoirs and locations for the fuse of that system that has suddenly quit working. Some manuals give light bulb changing procedures which can really save you money and time.

If you find you've lost that important manual or maybe you bought the car used and it was already missing, not all is lost.

Most manufactures will provide you with an online version to later model cars.

Below is a list of links that may help obtain an online manual. In some cases, you can just search for a car's year, make and model, and then download the manual. Often, though, you'll need to register, and occasionally you'll need to provide a car's VIN, or vehicle identification number.

 

Links to Online Car Owner's Manuals by Manufacturer, as of 1/08

Manufacturer

VIN

Free

Notes

Acura

No

Yes

1990-present models

Buick

No

Yes

1993-present

Dodge No Yes 2004-present are downloadable, will link you to site to buy 2003 and earlier
Chrysler No Yes 2004-present are downloadable, will link you to site to buy 2003 and earlier

Cadillac

No

Yes

1993-present

Chevrolet

No

Yes

1993-present

Ford

No

Yes

1996-present are downloadable

GMC

No

Yes

1993-present

Honda

No

Yes

1990-present

Hummer

No

Yes

2003-present. Only H2 and H3 models

Hyundai

Yes

Yes

2003-present

Infiniti

No

Yes

Only 2006-present available online

Isuzu

No

No

Isuzu Web site directs you to this company for manual

Jaguar

Yes

Yes

2000-present models only

Jeep

No

Yes

2004-present are downloadable, will link you to buy 2003 and earlier

Kia

No

Yes

Look under "Glove Box Materials" to find Features and Functions Guides.

Land Rover

No

Yes

1996-present downloadable. Register, then click "Viewer Owner Info" at top.

Lincoln

No

Yes

1996-present

Mercedes

Yes

Yes

Dealer must register you as an owner to get the manual.

Mercury

No

Yes

1996-present

Mini

Yes

No

Must join the owner's lounge to obtain owner's manual

Nissan

No

Yes

Only 2006-2007 editions

Oldsmobile

No

Yes

1993-2004

Pontiac

No

Yes

1993-present

Saab

No

Yes

9-2, 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7 models only

Saturn

No

Yes

1993-present

Scion

No

Yes

Reference guides to nav and audio features only

Subaru

No

Yes

1998 models to present

      Source: Edmunds.com


If you don't find it here, check with the dealer. The dealership probably will not have the manual in stock but may be able to order it or can tell you where to go to order it.