General Haynes Manual for Panda

[Theleman]

I am thinking of ordering a copy of Haynes Manual for Panda.
But I read different reviews and opinions about it.

Some says they are happy with it, and find it excellent.
But others say that Haynes Manual is not like in the past. It is filled with unclear photos difficult to decipher, and quality of paper, binding and content is low.

What do you think? I feel it would still help newbie diyers like me.
Best price I could find for them was from eBay at £12.50 including shipping.

Only thing I am not too keen on about it is that it had combined other Panda models and also the 500 in one book. It makes me think that it does not give full rich information for my model? = Panda eco 1.1 active.

 

[DaveMcT]

The Panda and 500 are all based on the 169 floorpan/chassis so one manual can cover the lot. However things are changing so fast that any manual can only skim over the details.

IMO a copy of muticeuscan and appropriate connection leads is a better investment. It's a Windows PC program though also available for iPhone. I'm not sure if the latter has the full set of functions.

 

[Theleman]

I would have preferred idea of having a printed book beside me when working on the car, so easily and quickly refer to it looking into the car, and book at the same time.

 

[DaveMcT]

I would say that unless you are rebuilding the engine or gearbox there is really not much point in having the Haynes manual. Most of what you need is within the forum. Use the Advanced Search or Google to whittle down the results.


The car is a simple thing and a set of fastener torque settings is good enough. https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/bolts/Metric-Recommended-Torque.aspx


This should help with wring but to date I have not needed to look that closely. http://44.imkeroemermann.nl/panda-wiring-diagrams.html

 

[Theleman]

Indeed, this Fiat forum is great. Lots of gem info, advice and knowhows with helpful forum members.

Yes, you are right. I will not bother ordering a Haynes Manual.

 

[koalar]

borrow it from the library when needed

 

[Theleman]

borrow it from the library when needed

Great idea. Going up to the town this Saturday morning. Will drop by at the Library and try to borrow it.

 

[portland_bill]

I have the eLearn, Fiat workshop manual on a CD, and the Haynes.
Having both has been useful.

The Haynes is very good, once you're past the cheapness of it compared to older manuals. It does still contain most of what you need.
A hard copy is also useful to read/browse and have with you at time of repair. And can be perused any time to gain background understanding.

The eLearn sometimes contains more detail, but can also be cumbersome to use, and surprisingly somethings are either missing or difficult to find.

If the library has one, that's good, but they rarely lend such things, they are 'reference only'. Might be difficult making notes to take home, but good to see if you really want one.

 

[Theleman]

Great post pb. Thanks.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I have the eLearn, Fiat workshop manual on a CD, and the Haynes.
Having both has been useful.

The Haynes is very good, once you're past the cheapness of it compared to older manuals. It does still contain most of what you need.
A hard copy is also useful to read/browse and have with you at time of repair. And can be perused any time to gain background understanding.

The eLearn sometimes contains more detail, but can also be cumbersome to use, and surprisingly somethings are either missing or difficult to find.

If the library has one, that's good, but they rarely lend such things, they are 'reference only'. Might be difficult making notes to take home, but good to see if you really want one.

I find the modern "soft cover" Haynes manuals are not as good as the older ones used to be and don't go into anything like the depth (for instance gearbox strip down and rebuild) that the old ones used to. Mind you there's not the scope to do this type of thing nowadays due to the special tooling and parts availability compared to the old gearboxes. I would also like to see more detail on electronic diagnostic information - sensor values etc. However I always buy the relevant manual, if available, when we add a vehicle to the "family fleet". There are so many things it does cover, like how to get at an awkward door lock mechanism etc. that, not withstanding the shortcomings, I still consider it an invaluable addition. When combined with information available on the 'net, and this forum in particular, I find I can usually find an answer to any of the problems.

 

[Theleman]

Yes I used to have a copy of Haynes Manual for Mercedes 190D in 2006.

The book was bible for the car and high quality.

But now, I read poor reviews on the Haynes Manuals, and not sure to buy or not.

I will be keep watching ebay and amazon, and if cheap used copy pops up for sale, then will buy it then.

Before that, there are plenty info online and forums, so will rely on those first.

As you say, it will still be valuable reference especially for newbie diyer like me.

 

[DaveMcT]

This will contain stuff we probably don't have over here (fuel filler carbon filters etc) but for the money....
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30052469112&searchurl=tn%3Dfiat%2Bpanda%2Bworkshop%2Bmanual%26sortby%3D17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title1

Oops wrong model. How about this one
https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Bo...nual&sortby=17&cm_sp=snippet-_-srp1-_-title20

 

[portland_bill]

That's intriguing that a US seller is selling that book, as it is for the UK vehicles. It will not cover any engine specific to the US.

With regard to used ones on Ebay, they usually carry a high postage cost, whereas new ones are usually sold by bookstores, and have a deal with Royal Mail for lower postage, as do most magazine subscriptions. So often cheaper new.

 

[DaveMcT]

That link to the correct book was priced a $839 - yes really! The seller has obviously spotted the error. So no joke anymore.

 

[Theleman]

hmmm, this Haynes Manual for Fiat Panda seems not good value for money, because it combined so many different models even diesel engine cars in one book.

It would be still better than nothing, but I wouldn't pay more than a fiver including postage.

If it is not for UK spec. cars, then it isn't worth anything I am afraid.

 

[portland_bill]

hmmm, this Haynes Manual for Fiat Panda seems not good value for money, because it combined so many different models even diesel engine cars in one book.

It would be still better than nothing, but I wouldn't pay more than a fiver including postage.

If it is not for UK spec. cars, then it isn't worth anything I am afraid.

The Haynes is only for UK/European cars. The link above took me to a US seller, selling the UK book.

Cheapest currently on Ebay, £12.95.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-500...423001&hash=item2eebe6b387:g:VowAAOSw8lpZEZu4
I find the Haynes very useful.

Download the Fiat one from this site and create your own CD.

As a thought, if we don't buy the Haynes, they'll stop producing, and then we're completely stuffed.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

As a thought, if we don't buy the Haynes, they'll stop producing, and then we're completely stuffed.

For all it's short comings the Haynes manual is still pretty good and I absolutely agree with you PB, we'd be much the poorer without it.

I buy from Halfords with my trade card and get a very good price. Mostly it's Halfords branded goods that attract the big discounts with the card but the Haynes manuals seem to attract it too.

 

[rmjbn1]

+1, I used to get one every time I got a used car, then muddled by without one for my last car, relying on owners' forums & youtube until I suddenly needed to do quite a bit of maintenance, and I found it a huge help. Just having the easy reference and wealth of pictures makes it a good investment I think. I don't have one for the Panda yet, but if rolleyes:when) the time comes when she needs some work, I think I'll grab a copy.

And RIP John Haynes, who did so much to help the rest of us keep our ageing cars providing many extra happy miles! Must pay a visit to the Haynes museum near Yeovil one day.

 

[Theleman]

Some critical negative review points on Amazon for Haynes Manual for Fiat Panda are,

1. Photos in the manual are not clear with no contrast, and hard to see.

2. Poor quality printing and paper.

3. Information is very shallow - doesn't cover deep and detailed info on how to do more technical services.

4. I mentioned this point in earlier posts - but was interesting to see the same point from Amazon reader reviews - it has combined several different model of Fiats such as 500, Pandas of different size of engines as well as both petrol and diesel engines in 320 page manual, which implies not rich and detailed information had been printed for a specific model of car. This was my initial worry about the manual just by looking at the title.

But then there are so many positive reviewers and readers on the manual too, so it is a difficult one.

With so much information on internet and youtube especially and Fiat forum, I was under impression, maybe this manual is not absolute must for doing basic service for Fiat Pandas?

 

[DaveMcT]

Jobs done on my Pandas over the last 2 years for 1.2 and 9 months on the 100HP.
New exhaust system 1.2
Replaced alternator 1.2
Replaced battery 1.2
Replaced clutch hydraulics 100HP
Rebuilt front end after a deer impact smahed the radiator support panel and bumper 100HP
Replaced front suspension bottom arms 100HP
Replaced steering track rods inner and outer 100HP
Change brake hoses for braided 100HP
Swapped rear axle for a 500 axle 1.2
Removed and refitted 100HP axle after having it zinc metal sprayed
Replaced wheel bearings all around (to be honest the front was ok but whatever) 100HP

I dont have a Haynes manual.

It would be handy for serious engine work but if they are to their usual standard the only really useful pages will be the list of torque settings and cylinder head bolts sequence.