After browsing the forum for the last few weeks it has come to my attention that a lot of members here don't have the foggiest idea how to fix their own car, or where to begin. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, as I myself was like this at one point in my life, so I thought I would create a post for all you DIYer's and NOOBS out there who don't know where to start.
If you've ever been in the auto repair industry or worked as a mechanic, there is a 99% likelihood that you know about AllData. And if you've never worked in this industry, you probably don't have a clue what AllData is.
Every car manufacturer writes an in-depth comprehensive repair manual for each car they make that their technicians have access to. This manual gives them step-by-step instructions on how to fix the car, including drawings of the engine, parts, etc... to help you identify what you are working on. It also provides the torque specifications on various bolts, tightening patterns, tolerances, ohm ratings, etc...
As private car repair facilities are not linked to Subaru, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, etc... where they have direct access to these manuals, they go to a third party source like All-Data to get what they need.
AllData is a company that works directly with the dealers to create a single, massive library of nearly every car on earth with every factory manual ever created. They tell you exactly how to fix your car, how to diagnose it, how to test it, etc... And BEST OF ALL - they now offer their services to individuals, not just repair shops. Also -
AllData is WAY easier to navigate than the factory repair manual posted as a sticky to this very forum.
For only $26.95 you can purchase a 1-year subscription to AllDataDIY which gives you full access to the factory data for 1 vehicle. Additional vehicles can be added for about $18, and you can get a 5-year pass for just a little bit more than the 1 year. Think back to the Chilton's Manuals you used to buy at the auto repair store - this is nothing like that - it's a complete professional guide rather than an amateurs guidebook.
Whenever I have a problem or need guidance in doing a repair, AllData is my #1 go-to place for information. There is nothing magical about learning to be a mechanic, there is simply the desire to learn. So if you have that desire I highly encourage you to spend the $27 and purchase your own subscription - you'll wonder how you ever got by without it.
I am not affiliated with AllData in any way - I simply love their service and used it when I was both a mechanic and a service writer in the repair business. It's an amazing tool that nearly all professional mechanics use, so if you want to repair your car like the pros then bite the bullet and buy it. It's a purchase you will never regret!
