So Why Don't You Have A Manual?
 

One of the most perplexing aspects of hanging out in these forums for me is the apparent lack of appreciation some owners have towards the importance of owning a service manual for their particular ride.

It was the same way in a motorcycle forum I used to frequent back when that was my way of getting around. Guys (I say guys, because most gals who posted knew better:)) would try the most complicated procedures but then have to ask about torque values, or what color some wire was, when full-color wiring diagrams and torque values were as handy as a nearby manual. Why didn't they own one? I wish I knew.

Maybe there's two kinds of people in the world, manual readers and non-manual readers. Whenever I'd buy a new car, I'd always come home and excitedly go over the owner's manual and the maintenance schedule cover to cover. Even if it was only to learn how set the digital clock, I came away from the experience knowing something that I hadn't known before. And that made me feel good. Now, I'll admit that those owner's manuals are pretty lame, but that's not what I'm talking about here. I'm talking about a repair manual, like the kind that Haynes, Chilton and Cylmer put out.

It can't be the cost. They cost maybe $30 bucks. One oil change or an alternator belt adjustment that you do yourself pays for the book right there. The rest is gravy. And if you're the adventurous type and doing major surgery, then the savings are truly impressive. But why would you even attempt something like that without a manual?

Maybe some folks think that they don't need one, because if something goes wrong with their car, they'll just take it to their shop/local mechanic/boyfriend/pool cleaner/Uncle Vinnie/cat/x-father-in-law who'll do the work for them. So they don't need no stinkin' manual!

But think again. If you take your car to a shop, wouldn't it be great to be able to speak intelligently about what symptoms your beast is exhibiting and what part or parts you're likely to need? You'll be much more likely to get a fair shake if you walk in saying, "Sounds like I'll be needing new propeller shaft bearings" then "I dunno, it sounds something like 'thwunk, thwunk, thwunk...'" A manual can help you figure that stuff out.

And if you have your girlfriend/cat/layer or whoever working on your car for you, wouldn't it be nice if they had all the info that they needed at their fingertips? I mean, it's your nuts they're going to be torquing, after all:) and you're the one who's going to be living with the results of their work, both the good and the bad.

I don't want anyone out there thinking that this rant is in response to too many questions. No, I love questions, and getting opinions on diagnostics and nice little shortcuts. That's what keeps this place growing and interesting, for me, at least. No, I'm just thinking of all you guys and gals out there who apparently don't have a manual of your own in your bag of tricks and could really benefit by getting one. Believe me, the way some of these manuals are written, you're still going to have plenty of questions:)

So I'd appreciate it if you don't have a manual to take a moment and seriously consider getting one. Cast around on the web for one to fit your particular year and flavor of vehicle. I got mine here, but I don't own stock in the company or anything:

http://www.books4cars.com/index.php?...+to+inactivity.

They may not have what you need. If they don't, keep looking, ask around. Eventually you can find one, either on-line or in your local AutoZone or Kragens. I think you'll find it interesting reading on those long, cold Winter nights...and more than interesting if you plan on doing any of the work yourself.

I've been using an on-line manuel and printing the sections when I need them. When I first purchased my Monty, I asked about a FSM. The dealer wanted around $150! I've used a Haynes on an old '71 Monte Carlo, but for every other rig I always buy the FSM. In your experience, are the Haynes, and the like, comparable to the FSM?

Totally agree man. Nice post.

Sticky it!

No, Mr. Z, I'm not talking about everyone getting a Factory Service Manual for themselves, although if you can afford one they are certainly an excellent reference. But I'm trying to be reasonable here; everyone can afford $30 bucks or so. That's a couple of gallons of gas (Soon to be one gallon of gas :(). And for a fraction of the cost of a FSM you can still get one made by the Chilton/Haynes/Clymers folks that is still pretty darned informative. It's kind of like getting a Cliff Notes version of A Tale of Two Cities; you get most of the plot and miss a bunch of the dialogue but can still do good enough to pass the test without having to read the original: In both versions the guy's head still comes off.

A good wiring diagram alone makes it worthwhile to my way of thinking, and you'll get a lot more than that even in one of those "commercial" manuals.

I completely agree with you Mothman. A basic outline can do wonders for your comprehension when it comes to the layout of a vehicle.

I wasn't suggesting that everyone run out a purchase a FSM, but with technology these days, at least use an on-line manuel...and it won't cost you a dime.

I agree completely - so could you help?
 

I bought my 2002 Montero Sport LTD about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I marched into Autozone two days later looking for a Chilton's, Haynes, whatever. All they had was something for 1983-1996 models. This seems to be the most popular Haynes-type book out there.

I do see on the above mentioned books4cars.com you have the choice of either the owners manual (which I already have) or the full-blown shopmanual for $230!

Does anybody know of something in between those two extremes?

Also, where would i find the online manuals that have been discussed? I could google, but you folks probably already know the best sites.

Thanks, looking forward to owning this vehicle and learning morfe about it!

Ken

Uh, looks like somebody just asked the same question, and there are some great answers on the thread https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=38823

kennyfenderjazz, as you found out the hard way and I found out only after my little finger-wagging exercise above, the wonderful folks at Chilton's, Haynes and Clymers apparently have a thing against the Montero Sport model. Specifically, there appears to be no inexpensive dead tree version available. My apologies.

Haynes makes one for the Montero for the latter years, which I would recommend under the weak tea flag of "It's better than nothing" and covers many of the same items shared in both vehicles.

Of course, having a manual doesn't have to mean owning a paper version. There are on-line ones available, as any search of these forums will reveal. Like this source here: http://www.pajero4x4.ru/piii/

My larger point still stands: references are available and it can only makes sense to take advantage of all the help — both published and unpublished — that's out there.

Now if only Clymers, Haynes & Chiltons thought the same way...:).

1995 mitsubishi montero.
 

The person that I.purchased the vehicle from did not have the owners manual.

Thank you jazz fender

please excuse my slow responses. As you see I am a jr member. I will get the hang of this.

That's some serious post moth man. Thank you.so much.

any suggestions on how to correct A C vent problem? Air comes out very weak?

1986 montero
 

even I have a Chilton's for my '86 montero...although I just got the book...from amazon..delivered in one day for approx $45ish...the book was new...the montero, well, duh! I bought it new in 1987:D. Montero is tough as nails with new parts sprinkled around the engine. Looking for a new owner, preferrably someone who appreciates its ability to barrel through mud or anything!

1995 mitsubishi montero ls owners manual
 

Good Afternoon Fellow Mitsubishi owners,

I am willing to pay for the owners manual for the 1995 mitsubishi montero LS. I am trying to find out what the fuse that keeps blowing out on the top fuse box amp 10 is used for. Trying to get fuse box diagram, of top fuses, description of fuses is not in top cover of fuse box .

I just need address to send money order and name and of course
a reasonable amount.

Thanks


Motor Man 01:)

Got to run now , also would appreciate it if someone could tell me why my a/c blows out the vents so weak?

I hear the fan blower going but air coming out is very weak. What Gives?

Any ideas.


Thanks

Motor Man got to fly, sign back on later.
Got to r

Thanks for that link!

I do maintenance himself. Yes, of course literature repair is necessary for all.

I just found this link that has a number of FSM in pdf format free and ready to be downloaded...

Enjoy

http://www.mitsubishilinks.com/

Set of FSM's
 

I have a complete 4 volume set of factory service manuals for the 2002 (and subsequent years) full-size Monty if anyone is interested. I had to part with her, as my family is now too large to effectively fit if we had any luggage. My wife kids cried when we left it at the Honda dealer (oddyssey touring). We drove it to Alaska, stayed 5 years, and drove it back. Great vehicle! won't forget that one...

Sorry to hear you had to give up the Monty.
What are you asking for the FSM set?

1995 montero ls
 

The reason I don't have a manuel is because I brought the car used off craigs list. This is one awesome machine. Wish I had it new. Love it. Just wish I had owners manual to help explain some buttons and features. If anyone has one please name your reasonable price and payment directions

Thanks

Motor man 01

Sorry for the late reply, $100 for the set.

Thanks to ukrcan
 

Thanks to ukrcan for posting the link to the downloadable service manuals.

Thanks ukrcan! This was hard for me to find using google.

I had a lot of trouble finding any kind of manual for my 01 Montero. I came across one on CD on Ebay and bought it. It is large! 3340 pages but much to my dismay, it still leaves a lot of unanswered questions, so thats why I am here.

Not to beat this topic to death, but I did find a whole bunch of FSMs on Scribd.com
For example, this 1997-99 Montero Sport FSM... 1335 pages of free info. You might have to create and account. I think I may have had to upload something for "trade".. Hard to locate certain topics, but I was able to find what I needed in here.

1997-99 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Repair Manual PDF

Chilton / Haynes also do not publish a printed version of the 01 Montero LTD. Since I didn't want to shell out $300 for the FSW, I signed up for the Chilton DIY online manual. Chilton promised full-color photos, step-by-step detailed instructions, and videos for $30 a year. The only truth to their statement was the fees. There was no video or photos - just line drawings. Worst - there were steps missing. For replacing a front wheel bearing, it went from removing the tire and brakes and then bam! the hub is in a vice on a bench. I wish mine woulda done that. To take that big nut off the axle, I had to get an 8-foot bar from my cyclone fence, attach it to a breaker bar and still jump up and down on it. (Wonder how many ft / lbs that was)

Anyways - Dont waste your money on Chilton DIY

Hello,

I am looking for an owners manual for the '97 Montero Sport. Couldn't find one from links in this thread.

???

Thanks
Jim

I just for my 95' Montero LS. Luckily it came with the entire manual. Happy! :D

I just realized my "Sport" is not a sport at all but the Montero LS. (egg onn face)

So, I have a '97 sport manual for sale, bought off of books4cars.

Jim

where did u find the online manual for the 02 montero because all i can find is 03 model repair manual

Besides the minor body style changes, the only major mechanical difference between the '02 and '03 is that the later model Gen. III Monteros are fitted with traction control. You can look at the differences between the models on the forum below. I've been using the '03 manuel for years and it has always seemed spot on.

Check out the threads on:

Tech Database
and
Tech Bible

Outer Limits 4x4 Board • View forum - Mitsubishi

Here is a link to the FSM that I use. HTH

http://www.pajero4x4.ru/piii/

I have just bought a 1997 montero LS 4wd.. I am having intermittent starting issues.. don't get me wrong it always starts but some times you need to turn key several times.. sometimes it takes a minute.. sometimes it starts right up..i was doing a jump start at beginning and a jump always started it right away..now i just kind of fool around with it till it starts..it has new alt and starter.. the battery looks new but has zero info/markings on it so i think it was bought at the local flee market (lol).. I did not get a owners manual with it and would like one (if anyone has an extra or link to an online owner manual lease contact me) I will be buying a haynes but till next month i am little short on cash.. I looked at the fuse box in the engine compartment and I think that a fuse is missing as there is a wire with 2 clips in one of the places a fuse would go.. but since i do not have diagram i cannot figure out which/what it is for.. any all help is appreciated.. I am not mechanically inclined but can read and follow directions fairly well.. thanks Scott

Sorry to take so long to respond. Actually mine had the same issue. A simple replacement of the ignition switch should cure your issue. Take you 20min to replace. Pretty simple.

Thanks will buy part and let you know how it goes 😀

Mr. Z,

Hello,
The link http://www.pajero4x4.ru/piii/ you have provided has been as you said 'spot on'. All the links on that page worked except for the Antilock Brakeing System (ABS) or GR00006700-35b.pdf. I tried all I could think of to try to open the file even a different program but received an error message that read cannot open file because it is corrupted or problem with file format. And wouldn't you know it, this is the section I need.
Being a junior member please pardon me if I am going about this the wrong way but.....HELP!! Is there another site I can get this info from without having to pay for it?

Thank you in advance for any info and/or advice you ( or any other member ) may give.

Go to http://www.mitsubishilinks.com/ and grab the Montero_fsm_2003 file. It has all the ABS info as well as all the sections for service.

Thank you.

New to the forum, New 2003 Monty owner... I've used the links here to dload the FSM, anyone have any links for the Owner's Manual in PDF?