I just got my Haynes manual from Amazon (talk about a ripoff).

Anyway, I think Haynes content policy is way off the majority of users needs.

Who in their right mind contemplates a complete engine overhaul with crank grinding, cylinder boring and honing etc.?

On the other hand, Haynes tells us that a sunroof is a complicated contraption which is to be left in the hands of experts.

Where I would really have liked tons of pictures, in the how to remove interior trim to draw cables etc. department, all we get is a few words about not to use exessive force.

The wiring diagrams section is a joke.

Let's face it, what do DIY's do with their cars today?

Change the oil and brakes, and install different kinds of ICE, lamps etc. and to do the latter without wrecking the interior, you need the little secrets about where the last stubborn clip hides. This you DON't get from Haynes.

I've always found Haynes to be a nightmare - I'm hopeless with most DIY efforts and not ashamed to admit it.

I hate it when Haynes tell you to loosen nut A... then show you a closeup of said nut, with a whopping great arrow next to it... but doesn't show you where on the car the nut is! /rant

Totally agree... was contemplating getting the fabia one for my re-build but since getting the one for my golf and seeing how useless it is i havnt bothered.

How to remove dash and trim etc is exactly what we need to know.

i've had a quick gander through my new fabia hanynes book, and it seems there's a few errors in there

i've had a quick gander through my new fabia hanynes book, and it seems there's a few errors in there

Yes noticed some too, as noted before these manuals are not the same these days - poor picture quality etc and yes the wiring diagrams are poor

:eek: Well I wont be buying one then.

They used to be useful, but they are missing the point these days.

i've had a quick gander through my new fabia hanynes book, and it seems there's a few errors in there

Bang goes another idea for Christmas... :thumbdwn:

Mine arrived last night. Could sum it up in three words really - "Bag of sh*te".

Crappy little pics and any remotely tricky interior removal is just glossed over. Not a patch on what they were a few years ago.

......

I hate it when Haynes tell you to loosen nut A... then show you a closeup of said nut, with a whopping great arrow next to it... but doesn't show you where on the car the nut is! /rant

x2

I hate it when Haynes tell you to loosen nut A... then show you a closeup of said nut, with a whopping great arrow next to it... but doesn't show you where on the car the nut is! /rant

Yep I agree with this - might help if the pics were in colour as that might give away some clues about location. Have to say I'm surprised by this thread though - the Mk3 Mondeo one I have seems to be very comprehensive and I've used it to help out a few people and find information out. There are sections which are glossed over, eg fixing heated seat problems, but tbh, that's not something I'd attempt as a DIYer anyway

Chris

I believe the Haynes company were sold in recent years by the original family that owned it, that could go some way to explaining things?

I believe the Haynes company were sold in recent years by the original family that owned it, that could go some way to explaining things?

:iagree: Would explain why the range of Haynes books has expanded to include things like Sex Owners Workshop Manual (Have a look at the inner rear cover of the Fabia manual)

OK

Not got my vRS yet - but from the wealth of info and members photos on this forum why doesn't Briskoda (or some poor soul with Bags of time on their hands) create a 'Manual' forum, split into relevant sections ?

:( My parents have just bought be one for crimbo:(

I suppose there must be something in there that is decent.

I have to say tho that the one I have for my (ex) Polo lacks in some areas but was ok for what I used it for.

Roll on 25th Dec for me to find out:O

If you understand german, have a look at "so wirds gemacht" for the Fabia.

I find it very informative, and with lots of pictures.

OK

Not got my vRS yet - but from the wealth of info and members photos on this forum why doesn't Briskoda (or some poor soul with Bags of time on their hands) create a 'Manual' forum, split into relevant sections ?

One of the main reasons for the strength and growth of the Briskoda community has been the appalling lack of documentation on the cars. Unfortunately, creating a manual is too time-consuming for those of us with day jobs. It is also very difficult to ensure that all of the material you incorporate is copyright cleared.

Sad to hear the manuals have gone down hill, although theres not many jobs on a car where I would need a manual to tell me how to do it, they have always been good for references, measurements, figures etc etc. Not been many cars Ive owned where I havent had a haynes manual sat around for.

Originally just publishing car manuals, Haynes seems to have diversified into many other areas of interest to anyone who is capable of practical work.

I've just read their "Build your own Computer" 2nd edition, and can only describe it as an excellent book. The text is very informative and the graphics are superb! Perhaps the car side of the business is suffering because they are concentrating on other areas.

I think I have a Haynes manual for every car I've owned, and that's quite a few, but I've taken on board the comments in this thread and have cancelled my outstanding order for the Fabia manual.

One of the main reasons for the strength and growth of the Briskoda community has been the appalling lack of documentation on the cars. Unfortunately, creating a manual is too time-consuming for those of us with day jobs. It is also very difficult to ensure that all of the material you incorporate is copyright cleared.

I had two manuals for the Fiat Punto, one from Haynes and one that was done with co-operation from Fiat themselves. I did ask at a dealer once if Skoda did some sort of manual, they said they had CD which is only given to dealers, so it looks like Skoda want you to run down to the dealer all the time. If you note the acknowledgements in the Haynes Fabia manual, Skoda had no input or association at all.

. If you note the acknowledgements in the Haynes Fabia manual, Skoda had no input or association at all.

no surprises there then?

Boo-hoo! I was looking forward to my Mum bringing the Haynes manual back tomorrow nite!

Now you rotten lot have gone and spoilt it all for me!!

(goes away to sulk.......)

I think the Haynes slide in manual quality is down to the lower number of people who work on their own cars, particularly those doing really in depth work like rebuilding an engine. I have made use of the rebuild sections previously, although these days it is almost always cheaper, and pretty safe, to go and buy a second hand engine.

There was a time when it showed you, in detail, how to rebuild the gearbox or gave you the full wiring diagram. Alas these days the modern manuals are simplistic in their approach and use the words 'take it to the dealer' when the going gets tough.

official workshop manuals are the way to go, but it sounds like these aren't (easily) available from Skoda. Going rates for the official manufacturer's manuals range £70-£200 for a set.

Confucious he say "Haynes manual tell you everything apart from what you need to know!"

I wrote to them years ago suggesting a simplified version of the manual with more on the stuff that usually needs fixing and less on making an engine from base metal. Needless to say I was dismissed out of hand. I remember manuals being available in the seventies which were much clearer ( not Haynes) but they disappeared from sale.

And what about the miserable pictures?

It seems like they are that bad on purpose.

Have to agree with franv, the workshop manuals are very good, I've had a RAVE CD when I was working a a Rover, very usefull and plenty of pictures.

I found even the haynes for my polo is fairly useless at time, leaving nothing else but to work it out yourself, or ask a friend.

Maybe they should change to "waste of money, best calling a friend manuals?"