TechAuthority.com CD ROM Service Manual Question?

[KOwens]

Hey TDR gurus,

Just cracked open my new (Issue 84) TDR and discovered I can buy a CD ROM "SERVICE" manual for my 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 diesel.

Before I click "BUY" on TechAuthority's website, I thought I'd ask you folks how you like the CD ROM format and how thorough the information is...compared to the old-school, book-style service manuals from years gone by that I love so much. I'm guessing since I'm just learning about the CD ROM, that means some of you have been using them for some time.

So what do you think...worth the $135?

I sure hope so...and I think being able to search the file for info using the computer might actually save time...but I will not be able to dog ear pages anymore! Man-o-man do I miss having a manual to check out when I have questions about my truck...and it is getting to the age where I will need to do more service related activities...so I hope this pans out.

Anyway, thanks for the info...hope to hear from you soon.

Kevin

 

[Too Tall]

I just received the CD from Tech authority for the 2014. It's looks like someone created a copy from an original. The CD is the same as you'd buy at Best Buy. I made exact copies including the label.

The material inside is just OK. It's not searchable which is my biggest beef. It's in windows html format, not a pdf. By the time you finish with the taxes and handling ect, I paid around 165 for it. It's got some good stuff but not what I was hoping for 165 bucks. It's probably the best we can get however.

I'd do it again but it could be better.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I just received the CD from Tech authority for the 2014. It's looks like someone created a copy from an original. The CD is the same as you'd buy at Best Buy. I made exact copies including the label.

The material inside is just OK. It's not searchable which is my biggest beef. It's in windows html format, not a pdf. By the time you finish with the taxes and handling ect, I paid around 165 for it. It's got some good stuff but not what I was hoping for 165 bucks. It's probably the best we can get however.

I'd do it again but it could be better.

I don't know about the 2010 version. My 2005 Service CD was in .pdf format and easy to use. My 2014 CD, not so easy and it does not contain the wiring diagrams. For those, you need to spend more money for a wiring diagram CD.

They seem to be trying to discourage servicing your truck without dealer involvement.

 

[tmcIlwain]

I just received the CD from Tech authority for the 2014....

How long did it take to get it? I ordered mine on 5/1 and still waiting...

Tom

 

[KOwens]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I was hoping for a "complete" service manual with wiring diagrams...and a searchable .pdf would have been nice, too.

Oh well, if that's the best I can do...then so be it...I need some kind of manual to be useful in the garage!

 

[Too Tall]

How long did it take to get it? I ordered mine on 5/1 and still waiting...

Tom

You should see it any day now. Seemed like 2 to 3 weeks max.

 

[tmcIlwain]

You should see it any day now. Seemed like 2 to 3 weeks max.

Did it come via USPS or UPS etc?

About to start a trip and mail already being forwarded. If USPS, sure hope it's first class to get forwarded!

 

[Dieselnerd]

Did it come via USPS or UPS etc?

About to start a trip and mail already being forwarded. If USPS, sure hope it's first class to get forwarded!

Mine came by UPS and it was over $16 for a tiny package. When I ordered they said it was coming via UPS but as I recall, they didn't provide a tracking number. It took longer than most things that come via UPS. Don't remember exactly but it was close to 2 weeks.

 

[Badunit]

The material for 2014 seems to be of the same caliber as the older printed and pdf manuals (with the exception of the missing wiring diagrams). I compared a lot of sections to my 2003 manual and it was pretty much the same stuff, just much harder to use and not searchable. I didn't compare every section, though.

The formatting of the new manual makes it seem like it has less information. After clicking and clicking to navigate down through the structure to get to an html page, you might find a short, inane, introductory paragraph. After some more clicking to get to another page there might be another paragraph, and so on. In the old manuals, those paragraphs would all be on a single page with lots of other paragraphs and diagrams and images and it was easy to navigate and read. The text formatting was better before, too.

 

[Too Tall]

Did it come via USPS or UPS etc?

About to start a trip and mail already being forwarded. If USPS, sure hope it's first class to get forwarded!

UPS Ground 12.95 to ship.

 

[Too Tall]

Mine came by UPS and it was over $16 for a tiny package. When I ordered they said it was coming via UPS but as I recall, they didn't provide a tracking number. It took longer than most things that come via UPS. Don't remember exactly but it was close to 2 weeks.

Yes, compared to most internet services, it was real slow. I found it at the door steps. the CD and label is very amateurish and you can search the text like a pdf. Also, not Apple compatible.