Jeep Wrangler (1987 - 2017) Written from hands-on experience gained from the complete strip-down and rebuild of a Jeep Wrangler, Haynes can help you understand, care for and repair your Jeep Wrangler. We do it ourselves to help you do-it-yourself, and whatever your mechanical ability, the practical step-by-step explanations, linked to over 900 photos, will help you get the job done right. Regular servicing and maintenance of your Jeep Wrangler can help maintain its resale value, save you money, and make it safer to drive. Step-by-step maintenance and repairs guides for your vehicle in two formats.
For my '13, I think it's worth it, but only if you are really a DIY kind of person. The images are CAD drawn and not photographs. It includes a lot of information and some wiring, but the actual wiring diagram including ground locations is not available on the CD. I like having the information available when I want it. I don't use it often, but it has payed for itself in the last 2+ years I've had this JKU. Even when it ended up letting me know that I couldn't do what I wanted. I was hoping to use the steering wheel horn switch to operate a relay to bypass the CAN bus, but it turns out the horn is wired through the speed control and through the clockspring.
No joy there for my project, but at least I didn't spend any time poking around in the wiring harness either. I have extensively modified my Jeep, I don't really trust dealership mechanics, and doing all my own work is the only way I know exactly what has and hasn't been done. You can read all kinds of folks cryin' the blues about what their dealer did to their Jeep, I don't worry about that and having the shop manual is the only way I can keep my Jeep out of the shop. Off Pavement, thanks for the response. I consider myself a DIY kinda of guy. I think getting something like this will enable me to increase my repertoire of maintenance/service items I'd be able to do without taking it to the shop. Like you, I have no fun going to and from the dealer.
I have a motorcycle rebuild project as well and here is a diagram from its service manual. Are the diagrams in the Jeep manual similar?
I don't need to you to provide an example, but letting me know it is similar to this will allow me to get an idea of what I can expect. Thanks again for your time. If an exploded image is useful, yes they are included. The CAD drawings often show the proper placement of special tools needed and always includes a list of special tools recommended. I found that Chrysler special tools are pricy so look elsewhere.
For ball joints the manual specifies a special tool (it is an angled 'installer/remover') used with a ball joint press for the JK's offset ball joint location. People use washers, cut pipes, and all kinds of stuff to accomplish the same thing. I bought the proper tool for $20 while the dealer wanted over $100. I have the TA factory service manual (FSM) for my 2014. I am a DIY guy and will avoid taking my car to the dealership if at all possible. I have had FSMs for all my previous cars, mostly Nissans & Subarus. I think it is a good resource to have, but the Jeep FSM is the worst of any manual I have had.
Here's why: 1) While there are drawings of components & assemblies, they are not full exploded views like you have pictured. My Nissan & Subaru manuals all had nice complete exploded views with notes & torques specified. The Jeep manual has mostly drawings of assembled components to go along with written instructions, and you need to read through the instructions to find torques, instead of just looking at the exploded views. 2) The Jeep FSM requires that you 'drill down' through multiple levels to find what you want, more so than other electronic manuals I have had. For example, if you want to find out how to R&R a front stabilizer end link, you can't just go to the Front Suspension section to read all about it. For removal, you need to click Front Suspension - Front - Link Stabilizer Bar - Removal - then click to actually open the file on-line. For installation, you need to click Front Suspension - Front - Link Stabilizer Bar - Installation - then click to actually open the file on-line.
So, it is definitely more cumbersome to use than other electronic FSMs. 3) The CD does not contain pdf files like my other FSMs. You need to be connected to the internet in order to view the files. The documents are not actually on the CD, the CD just allows you access to the files on line. A friend at work has a XTerra Pro4X, and I am very jealous of his FSM.
It's so easy to use, has tons of exploded views, and will work off-line. Despite all I have said above, if you intend to work on your own Jeep, you should definitely buy the FSM from TechAuthority. While not the best layed out FSM out there, it will provide all the info you need to work on your Jeep. I have my entire FSM printed out and keep all the volumes right in the garage for easy off-line reference. Off Pavement, jac04, lee indy, Thanks for your responses. All good advice. I'm bummed that they are not PDFs, but I think I would also print those pages out like you and have them for off-line reference.
Thanks for your reviews. Lee, I prefer online videos and write-ups as well. They are more fun to read and since they are mostly written by guys like us (DIY), they tend to be really helpful. Specifically I am wanting to do work on the transmission fluid change and I looked hard and good for videos and write-ups but I didn't find anything. Not much out there for the Jeep JKs with the 'new' W5A580 auto trannys, hence my dilemma. Trust me, I don't want to pay the $$$$ but it looks like I'm out of luck on this one. I may just have to do the write-up for this one so others can use it and not have to fork over the cash.
$134.99 seems pretty spendy IMO. I appreciate all your input! This helps me in my decision making process.
I'll probably bite the bullet and get it. It should pay for itself after a few services. IMO, it is worth the price of admission but keep in mind it seems to be created more for the tech that knows the basics and just needs a reminder of some of the details.
It does not include step-by-step instructions for disassembly and assembly with photos for each step and discussion about the gotchas; the things you might want if you are a newbie. It's more of a reference than a 'How To Guide'. Some of the outstanding write-ups created by members on this forum provide better guidance from that perspective.
IMO, it is worth the price of admission but keep in mind it seems to be created more for the tech that knows the basics and.this forum provide better guidance from that perspective. Thanks for your input, this is what I was hoping for. I've looked on this forum and others for a write-up on this tranny in the JK but I'm UTL (unable to locate). I spent some time underneath my Jeep yesterday, did my transfer case fluid change, and was looking at the transmission. It LOOKS pretty straight forward but the exhaust is routed directly beneath the pan and I don't know if there will be any surprises getting the filter out.I could just go for it and see what happens.
I bought the TechAuthority FSM for my 2012 JK-correct me if I am wrong, buy i'm not real happy with the depth of information-seems very much lacking and a PIA to use compared to the printed FSM manuals I had for my old Cherokee. I have done a lot of work on the XJ with those manuals. My guess is that they don't sell the full FSM to the general public-even a seasoned mechanic needs a good instruction manual for diagnostics and repair. I can't believe they don't have a more detailed manual at the service departments. I bought the TechAuthority FSM for my 2012 JK-correct me if I am wrong, buy i'm not real happy with the depth of information-seems very much lacking and a PIA to use compared to the printed FSM manuals I had for my old Cherokee. I have done a lot of work on the XJ with those manuals.
My guess is that they don't sell the full FSM to the general public-even a seasoned mechanic needs a good instruction manual for diagnostics and repair. I can't believe they don't have a more detailed manual at the service departments. Thanks for your input! Not sure what Jeep is doing on this one:/. Tech manuals are a must have. The problem with this I believe you need to have Internet connection. The other thing is when you upgrade Computer Operating System is will most likely make the tech manual unuseable and you have to get a patch from Tech Authority.
The main part of the manual is constructed of standard xml and HTML files which should work on any (windows) machine. The start up file is a simple BAT file which again should work on any machine. You need to use internet explorer 6 or better. If you have less than 6 you will have to patch it (patch included) If you have any issues you can simply start it manually by going to the COMMON HTML folder, right click on DEFAULT.HTM and select OPEN WITH INTERNET EXPLORER The manual will also run directly off your hard drive which is a heck of a lot faster. Just copy the contents from the disc to a folder of its own. Open the system manually as noted above, then save that first page of the manual to your favorite bookmarks.
From there after all you need to do to get to the manual is open IE and hit the bookmark. Whether or not you believe its worth the 200 you will pay for it is up to you.
Personally speaking, the answer is. The main part of the manual is constructed of standard xml and HTML files which should work on any (windows) machine. The start up file is a simple BAT file which again should work on any machine.
You need to use internet explorer 6 or better. If you have less than 6 you will have to patch it (patch included) If you have any issues you can simply start it manually by going to the COMMON HTML folder, right click on DEFAULT.HTM and select OPEN WITH INTERNET EXPLORER The manual will also run directly off your hard drive which is a heck of a lot faster. Just copy the contents from the disc to a folder of its own.
Open the system manually as noted above, then save that first page of the manual to your favorite bookmarks. From there after all you need to do to get to the manual is open IE and hit the bookmark.
Whether or not you believe its worth the 200 you will pay for it is up to you. Personally speaking, the answer is. I'd actually have to agree. These Tech Manuals are limited as to what they tell ya. I've had tech manuals for an Izusu Rodeo and it had everything in it. Personally don't think the Tech Manuals are worth anymore then $35.00.
I'd actually have to agree. These Tech Manuals are limited as to what they tell ya. I've had tech manuals for an Izusu Rodeo and it had everything in it.
Personally don't think the Tech Manuals are worth anymore then $35.00 Yeah. That's the comparison I'm making. The service manual to my old vehicle was a 2 volume set at about 2000 pages a piece and it had EVERYTHING. There is absolutely nothing like this for the jeep and the entire contents of this jeep disk would probably fit in the first 300 or so pages of my previous service manual. Pretty disappointing.
I miss paper manuals too! However, I've been using for years. Have had subscriptions for 5 different vehicles and successful repairing most problems with it. Yes, you do have to have internet. And yes, you do have to know something about what your doing as this isn't a step-by-step guide; more like dealer service manuals where the tech's are already trained in repairs, just have to have a little guidance for a particular problem. No, you can't just click and copy; I use print screen and 'word' to produce saved copies when I know I need to have it in-hand as I do a repair job.
2017 Jeep Wrangler Service Manual
It's $30 a year with a 4-year option for $45. It contains TSBs, recalls, schematics, and pictorials. Relatively easy navigation once you figure out how the embedding works. My latest project is AT fluid and filter change; copied and pasted to word doc for that piece of paper in hand to guide me as I go.
Check it out! I believe you will find it useful. No, I don't work for them or have any affiliation! I just got a new Wrangler- first one- what’s the first thing I’m interested in getting?
A quality service manual. Understandably it shouldn’t require maintenance for a while, but I want to know and be prepared when it does.
My previous car was an 07 Dodge Caliber- a few years after it was brand new, it needed typical maintenance. After seeing what the stealership service centers wanted and even local mechanics for routine stuff like brakes and struts- I decided to start DIY- ing my own cars as much as I could. Minimal cost for parts and zero for labor 😉 Back then, I was actually able to get a free PDF of the authentic MOPAR service manual online - and that thing not only taught me a few things I’d never known about working on my own car, but was VERY detailed. Since then, the manufacturers have obviously gotten wiser to these leaked PDF service manuals because now it’s all on proprietary CD’s or you have to subscribe to some limited usage timespan online service. I’ve considered ALLdata because it’s cheap, but looking at their samples, I’m Not very impressed.
The printed Haynes manual seems to cover every Wrangler from 1987-2017 - in one manual! That seems wrong somehow. How in depth can it really be to my specific model? So, I’ll probably pay the $135 for the real deal, and since I’m on a Mac- I’ll run windows through the mac’s built in boot camp.