Are charm repair manuals any good?

[theblet]

Charm manuals are free online. Anyone know if they are accurate?

Free Car Service Manuals from Operation CHARM — No strings attached!

Operation CHARM provides completely free repair/service/workshop manuals for over 50,000 models of cars and trucks manufactured 1982-2013. No sign-up or paywall.

charm.li

Thanks

 

[mikeru82]

I haven't heard of these. I'm very familiar with 3rd gen Honda Preludes so I checked out the Charms manual for those. It's definitely not just a copy of the factory manuals, but it does use the same diagrams that are in the factory manuals. And the information contained looks to be accurate. I can't say for sure that the 5th gen Ram 1500 manuals are accurate. But judging by the accuracy of the 3rd gen Prelude manuals I'd give them a try.

 

[Jimmy07]

Only up to 2013 Ram, and quickly browsing through, it’s just an over complicated series of clicks to browse through the factory owners manual. No real service info like you’d find through tech authority.

 

[mikeru82]

I agree about the complicated series of clicks, but I didn't have any trouble navigating through the Prelude manual to see how to replace the head gasket. It even includes torque specs for all fasteners. I am not familiar with tech authority so I can't make a comparison to that. But I would rate this much better than trying to use a Haynes or Chilton manual (high bar, I know LOL).

 

[kapinallinen2]

I compared the 2013 5.7L rocker arm removal and installation to 2019 in ALLdata diy.
It was accurate enough, torque spec. was different by 1 pound foot.
So, if you need repair info for 2013 or older vehicle then you should be good to go.
A no go for our current vehicles with all the electronics.

 

[Willwork4truck]

I have very little "charm" so maybe I need one.

 

[theblet]

Was looking at this for my 2012 Jeep grand Cherokee. Might be changing the drive shaft soon and need the torque specs. Thanks all

 

[theblet]

I also just changed the thermostat and it seems pretty accurate

 

[Janeraley]

Charm manuals can be handy for quick reference, but they’re not always the most accurate. I’ve found errors in some diagrams and specs, which could be frustrating. For thorough repairs, I’d go with a paid option like workshopmanuals.org car repair manuals if possible.