manual or shop reference book?

[Pothole]

I'm a new CTD owner (first diesel) and intend to do the regular maintenance and small repairs to my '05. I also drive in very remote areas (central Idaho, BC, Baja) and want to get proficient with diagnosis and repair. I was wondering about getting a shop manual to shorten the learning curve. All I'm finding is your standard Haynes/Chilton manual. Is there something better out there?



This is a great site and I have learned alot just poking around. This site helped convince me that the CTD was the way to go.

 

[JApol]

People say that there are other places around for free. But buying the same repair manual that the techs use from Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage is one of the best purchases I have made for the truck.

 

[jelag]

I carry a small note book computer when ever we travel... . loaded on that laptop is the repair CD for my truck..... Very handy to say the least...

 

[Pothole]

Thanks for the tip. I didn't see those on Geno's website. Kinda pricey though.

 

[AHolt]

I bought shop manuals on ebay.

Three books 1500, 2500, 3500.

Electrical, Body, motor trans.

All three books come in set.

I paid $75. 00 if you buy from chrysler, $375.

 

[04blackcherry]

Get a phone that can log on to the internet and use the TDR. I bought the factory manual and the Haynes Manual. I get better info with real world experience from the people on the TDR. You might still need the manuals when you go to fix the problem. It's all good info. Once a problem comes up, you'll have a number of resources to pull from. I'm also a first time diesel owner. I got lucky and found the TDR after I bought my truck and while looking for what I found out was most likely a bad lift pump. I joined up right away.

 

[Pothole]

I agree that the TDR is an awesome resource and I plan on taking advantage of my membership. I spend a couple months a year in Baja fishing and diving and I need reference material I can carry with me. Internet service is spotty down there.



Just bought a cd off Ebay that is supposed to be the same program used by Dodge techs. Figured it was worth the $20.

 

[bcbender]

Search around on the internet, I found a free copy for my 04, just took a lot of looking,

 

[JoeLeonard]

Nice set of manuals available

I have a nice used set of 05 Service Manuals available for $200 plus shipping. All 4 volumes are in very nice condition with no issues. Please call me at 530 554-4528, if these are of interest. I hope you get as much value from the TDR forum as we do. Its a great source of info about our trucks.

 

[LHirshman]

I have a 2005 and I purchased the CD from the dealer.

Let me know if you would like a copy.

 

[02vito]

I recommend you go with the factory service manual on CD. Unfortunately, I have found the factory manual to be deficient in the area of the wiring schematic for the Cummins ECU, so I had to supplement the factory info with Alldata, believe it or not.

 

[MxShawn]

I found the shop manual on a cd on amazon for $10 plus shipping... . Definitely worth looking into. . My dad has the book for his 99 and they are identical formats. .