Service Manual for 2002 Montana

[Wubs]

Neither Haynes nor Chilton publishes a service manual for a 2002 Montana.

Will the Haynes one for the 2001 Montana be applicable to my 2002, or must I shell out $115 + Shipping + Duty to Canada for an official GM one?

Thanks in advance!

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by Wubs

...Will the Haynes one for the 2001 Montana be applicable to my 2002, or must I shell out $115 + Shipping + Duty to Canada for an official GM one?...

Don't know if there were some subtle differences between 2001 and 2002. It really depends on what you want to do. If you want to keep the van a long time then maybe having the originals is the way to go. If you just want to fix a nagging problem and deal the van, the others might yield enough info to do that.

From what I've read in this forum the shop manuals are better than the aftermarket ones if you want more detail on how to fix this or that.

I haven't done so yet, but may buy a set of GM manuals so I know how some of this stuff comes apart.

Sometimes a mystery on how to take something apart without breaking it to be sure.

.

[cdru]

The 2001 should be applicable for most things in the 2002 model. I don't know of any major changes in the engine, transmission, or drivetrain that differ between the years.

I own both a Haynes manual as well as the official 3 volume shop manual set. Both have their advantages. For many tasks, I prefer the Haynes manual as it lists all the steps in order to complete a task while the shop manual often makes you skip around considerably. However, the shop manual is significantly more detailed, includes excellent wiring diagrams with wire colors and connector pinouts and locations, as well as detailed DTC troubleshooting.

If you want a shop manual, keep an eye out on eBay. I got my 98 shop manuals for $35 new and with a little bit of luck will get a set for my new (used) Cavalier for under $20 in a day or two.