The original factory "shop manual" for DSMs is actually two manuals: a mechanical book and an electrical book. These items are almost always purchased together, so a "shop manual" usually means both books.

Manuals for the 1G (91 & part of 93) and 2G (96 & part of 98), as well as the $2 Tech manual, Club DSM archives, and rare transmission rebuild and Galant service manual information are now available on CD from Vineet Singh.  [Note that you must own a paper copy of the manual in order to legally use a digitized copy.]  For more information visit Vineet's DSM Backup Manual Homepage. The CD costs about $30 shipped in the U.S.A.

For those that prefer hard copy, paper copies of shop manuals are available from both Chrysler and Mitsubishi for most makes and models of DSM cars.For some models & years the manuals may be difficult to get quickly, as the manufacturers are putting them increasingly on backorder. Some makes and models were once reported as discontinued, but Tom Stangl was able to order 1990 and 1992 Talon and Laser manuals in May of 1999, so they could still be around. According to another DSMer, the shop manual cost was about $70 $USD. Ordering experiences vary but most people report no difficulties.

While opinions vary, most people find the factory shop manuals to be equal to or better than the aftermarket manuals such as Chiltons, Haynes, etc.  The factory manual is quite detailed and contains comprehensive information about all aspects of vehicle service and repair.  However, some enthusiastic mechanics find it helpful to have both the factory manual and another brand, since the two resources tend to complement one another to some degree.

To order a paper shop manual, try these vendors:

• Chrysler Service Manuals c/o Dyment Distributions, OH [800-626-1523, 216-572-0725]. If that 800 number doesn't work, try 800-890-4038. Canadians can locate Dyment at 210 Wicksteed (between Bayview and Leslie) in Toronto; their number is (416) 421-2920;
• The DaimlerChrysler TechAuthority web site, which offers on-line ordering for most available DSM manuals directly from DaimlerChrysler;
• your local Chrysler or Mitsubishi dealership. If there is not one in your area, vendors such as Tallahassee Mitsubishi will take orders by telephone;
• check for previously owned copies on eBay.

If the shop manual doesn't suit for some reason, click here for some information on the Chilton's manual, brought to you by Edmunds.  Additionally, both the Haynes and Chilton's manuals for 1G cars are available from Amazon.com, an online bookseller, for roughly $20 each plus shipping. Still another option is the Alldata/Popular Mechanics Automotive Repair CD-ROMs, which include the TSBs. They are available from Alldata for about $25.

It must be noted that opinions on the aftermarket manuals vary - most people recognize that the Haynes manual is superior in some respects, while the Chilton's is better in other areas.

The Last Word: Getting the CD should be fine, as nobody will care now about possible copyright violations on the factory manuals. Notice I said "should".

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Where do I get the 'special tools' listed in the shop manual?

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The vendor most-often mentioned for the special tools is Miller Special Tools. They are listed in the front or back of every shop manual.

A quick search of the Club DSM archives for "Miller tools" reveals that their phone number is/was 800-801-5420, and that there is another vendor (OTC) at 800-533-5338 that supposedly also carries the special tools.

Miller Special Tools is also listed on the vendors page at http://vendors.dsm.org.

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Maintained by Sean Costall. Changes and suggestions are welcomed!  If you have any information on the answers to any of these questions or wish additional questions, please mail me.

This page is an extension of Club DSM .