General Haynes Manual for Panda

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

RIP John Haynes[/URL], 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.

Me too. RIP John Haynes. We made a day out of it on one of our treks down to Barnstaple a few years ago. It was very well worth it. I'd like to go on one of the days when they're driving stuff around but wonder if I'd enjoy it because of the crowds. It was quite quiet the day we went.

 

[portland_bill]

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.

The photos are poorer than ones in the past. Often they make little sense, until you get to the car and what you see matches the pic well enough to help a lot. So not to worry about that.

2. Poor quality printing and paper.

Despite the lower quality paper, it will still outlast the car. You are already baulking at the cost, it would be a lot more if you want it on quality paper.

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

I've not found it wanting yet. However, it is expected that the user will have some level of competence.

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?

Most Haynes manuals have tried to cover as much of a vehicle range as possible. The Haynes Panda/500 covers 1.2 and diesel very well in good detail, and the body sections cover both 4-door Panda and 2-door 500 well where necessary.

But no-one here is forcing you to buy one.

 

[Theleman]

But no-one here is forcing you to buy one.

I know. Just trying to see if the manual is worth buying for practical purposes.
Having been trying to get rid of all paper books in the house, so unless it is real gem of information, we are trying to avoid buying any more paper copy books.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I know. Just trying to see if the manual is worth buying for practical purposes.
Having been trying to get rid of all paper books in the house, so unless it is real gem of information, we are trying to avoid buying any more paper copy books.

Of course I'm "old school" but trying to work from information on my laptop, often spread over several pages, with dirty oily fingers - absolute nightmare. Give me a paper manual every time.

If it's how much they cost that's of concern there are usually some "rough" used copies turning up on Gumtree or ebay if you're prepared to search for them. I like a new copy, but after a year or so they invariably look pretty grotty! Autojumbles are always worth a look, and just good fun too!

 

[rmjbn1]

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?

Having confidence to tackle jobs is a big part of carrying out your own car maintenance, and everyone's different in this respect. For basic/routine maintenance, personally I wouldn't bother with a Haynes manual. The regular contributors have made this forum a better resource for this in my opinion, and there are useful instructional videos out there.

However, if changing fluids, filters, plugs & brake pads/shoes is new to you, then I think a manual would offer reassuring guidance through these procedures. If taking first steps in diy maintenance, it's good to start with a simple job you feel you can manage. This will help you gain greater familiarity with your car and confidence to tackle that next job.

I grew up 'helping' my dad service our family cars, so I'm comfortable doing these jobs. I have zero training as a mechanic or engineer, and I have found Haynes manuals helped me when faced with jobs outside my experience, such as stripping brakes, suspension & steering connections. Others with more experience or knowledge maybe wouldn't feel the need for a manual.

 

[Theleman]

Yes, it will help me I think.

I have replaced battery, been checking oil level and topped it up, top up wind screen wash, and changed tyres a few times, but that is it.

Now I am planning to do a wee bit more - planning to replace this weekend weather permitting
Air Filter
Spark Plugs

Planning to work on (in the near future),
rear suspension
brakes

Will do
oil and filter change
coolant flush and replacing

And tackle replacing exhaust

The manual will come handy. I am not complaining about the price either. I just was being cautious, if it is not going to be much help or use, then really nothing is worth even a pound, I feel. And I was not sure whether it would be much use or not due to the negative reviews.

But when I read the positive opinions about it, I feel it it worth getting it.
Yes, I just wanted to hear more positive opinions about it before buying it.

 

[DaveMcT]

You don't really need a manual for any of that stuff. The brakes are simple and low cost to replace all wearing parts. Don't forget to clean off all rust on the rear axle spring pans and treat with chain saw oil thinned with white spirit.

If you need to replace brake hoses use the correct flare nut spanner but DO NOT expect the flare nuts to turn on the metal pipes. Cut the old hose and spin it off while holding the nut static. The hose retaining clips slide out with a pry bar.

You can then warm the seized flare nut with a gas lighter to soften the plastic coating and the nut will spin free. Clean up the crud underneath and coat with a good quality copper grease to protect the aluminium brake pipe.