Customer Reviews

Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager/Chrysler Town & Country 96-02 (Haynes Repair Manual)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Save your money on Chilton. They do not hold near the information, clarity and in depth detail, thus VALUE, that Haynes Repair Manuals do.
Having said that, I would like to address some complaints I've come across about both Haynes and Chilton's Manuals.
1.) If your manual suggests at a point to seek professional input it is because MOST NON mechanics don't possess the skill or tools or shop equipment to perform a certain procedure (be it correctly or safely). The publishers' lawyer insisted on the "seek professional input" so as not to take on legal liability for an unqualified person attempting to perform a critical step in their care care. The reason is valid. You can injure yourself and damage your vehicle as well as render your vehicle unsafe to be on the road.
2.) Prior to purchasing a repair manual, LOOK THROUGH IT. Almost every auto parts store in America sells Haynes and / or Chilton's. If the particular manual you need doesn't have the plastic removed, look for a manual that does and look through the sections. CAUTION most auto supply stores will get mad and make you buy anything you rip open. They're trying to sell information contained in the manual, not give it away. Some copies are USUALLY open and can be looked at. Does the manual seem logical, good pictures? Thorough? Then CHANCES ARE that brand will be a good choice for your repair. Also READ the cover front & back thoroughly. It will tell you if special vehicles aren't covered (AWD, Alternate Fuel Vehicles, etc) Know what vehicle you have so you get the RIGHT manual. The correct year, make, model, engine size.
3.) If you do encounter a problem in the middle of a repair, it's possible that it is YOUR not doing something correctly. Not the tool, or the repair manual. Go away from the car, get lunch or a cold glass of lemonade, read through the manual. Even start again in the morning.
4.) As automobiles become more sophisticated, there is truly less and less that a vehicle owner can do him or herself. It is a fact, you will need to take your vehicle into a dealership or well equipped shop for more things. In addition, used oil and other fluids are difficult to dispose of. DO NOT THROW DOWN YOUR DRAIN OR BURY IN YOUR BACKYARD!!!. Tires, batteries all have special disposal needs.
5.) There are some people WHO ARE NOT MECHANICAL. Buy them books, audio / video equipment, ties for Christmas. NOT A WRENCH SET!
6.) Neither Haynes nor Chilton are Professional Shop Manuals (these are available for hundreds of dollars).

As for the particular manual for the Haynes (30011)Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country from years 1996 through 2002:
This manual does NOT COVER All-Wheel Drive nor Alternative Fuel Models.
It compares favorably with other Haynes manuals for conciseness, clarity of both written instructions and photographs and is thorough. I used it step by step to replace horns, headlight bulbs and to go through a 30,000 mile check up and service. I also checked it's description for changing wiper blades, oil and oil filters, air filters and general repairs and found it both accurate and easy to understand.
I've been happy with Haynes manuals over the years and recommend all vehicle owners purchase one even if you don't expect to do any repair or service yourself. It helps to know the information, to be aware of how your car works and to talk in a reasonably intelligent manner (on your part anyway) when you take your vehicle in for service.
I'm happy with this purchase.
John Row

In a nutshell, don't ever buy chilton. they stink. they are always very generic, and never directed to the actual car you own. You simply can't cram 4 makes of dodge into the same book and expect a home mechanic to find it very useful. Haynes manuals have always been better. They show photos of the actual parts you're going to hold in your hand. the directions are to YOUR car, not some similar model. Buy Haynes. I don't know why auto parts stores even carry Chilton.

The Haynes book relies too much on showing the specifics for the 6-cylinder engines of the Caravan and Town&Country minivan, at the expense of the 4-cylinders. Most of the specific information shows the details for the 3.0L and 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines. Photos, illustrations, ect.

As a 2.4L owner, I am disappointed that they have not included more pages to cover the 4-cylinder models more thoroughly. Other than that, IMHO the Haynes book is a reasonable attempt to cover most of the mechanical issues and problems to deal with for these cars. If you have the 6-cylinder, I think you will like the book much better.

This book is like the others - Very Informative. It helps you with all aspects of working on the vehicles listed in the title. The instructions are very easy to follow. My husband likes these manuals because I can even figure out how to fix things sometimes so he doesn't have to take off work to fix the car. For the price you can't afford not to have one of these for each of the cars you own. Sure saves on mechanic bills!

I am not at this level yet but this book helps understand more about your car. We have a 2001 T&C. This book serves also for the T&C too. Very informative

Even though it is supposed to be used, book is in very great shape. Was well worth what little I paid for it. Arrived faster than expected.

I find that all the Haynes manuals are somewhat helpful but leave out much detail that would be needed in a true repair manual.
they waste space telling how to remove a door for example and don't have room to tell much more important info such as location of replacement items on the engine and other such items.
Also the index is very skimpy leaving it up to the user to hunt for sections that contain info (and often very little info.) about the item you are looking for!.

I received very good service from this seller. He was very prompt and the item was in very good condition and exactly as he advertised.

We fixed the rear vent window easily, clearly written, lots of pictures, worth the price.

As many books of this series the mechanical portion about engine, drivetrain and wheel assemblies is great. It could contain a more comprehensive body and electrical content.