My Saabs are a bit like that too. Repair "manuals" went to CD back around 2000 or so, but they were very expensive. Second=hand CDs being sold off by friendly dealers was the way to go. Then they went to subscription services & on-line access.

Can't even add foglights easily, because they have to be "enabled" through the security system, and that means the dealer's computer has to phone home to the mothership. Especially amusing when the dealers & the mothership don't exist any more. As these new cars age into the "DIY repair" stage, we have to hope that the on-line resources like these forums will keep up.

 

Me thinks you doth protest (and presume) too much; factory service manuals are not required to do it correctly the first time, and there is no guessing involved.

 

I doubt small shops will pay $1000/yr and they will create an uproar.

I recollect that legally manufacturers are required to provide access repair information. There was a law passed, but I don't remember precise details and whether this service would satisfy letter and intent of the law.

Supposedly Haynes develops their own service manual information, but I bet they peek at the shop manuals. Much of info in their manuals would require access to the proposed cloud service.

I agree this is likely future to be faced. They have tried in the past to retain proprietary ownership of service manuals but don't seem to have been successful.

good luck

 

I have a feeling I've bought my last new car. If I have to bring it to the dealership for repairs/maintenance, that's not going to work for me. They will really have you where they want you, with no other choice but pay up for whatever they claim the problem is. I like the new Accords, and had a thought or two about buying one, but no way now, unless there is another way besides Helm. I suppose there will be no more Alldata type service either?

 

I really don't understand the leap of logic which says the lack of a published and printed manual equates to the dealership franchises an effective monopoly on repairs for a new(ish), or even not so new, car. For warranty work, the best bet is the dealership, and beyond that, local independent mechanics and/or DIY is, and always will be a viable option.

 

So where will I get torque specs, maintenance/repair procedures and troubleshooting information? I'm not a mechanic, and don't know all this stuff off the top of my head, so the Helm manual is very valuable to me. How will it be a viable option without the information costing me an arm or leg? The Helm manual was $118 (with V6 supplement), but at least it was a one-time expense.

 

From what I seen of some of the info. for the 2013/2014 Accord and a few other models, I don't believe Honda is trying to monopolize any repair info. The service manual information is more similar to the previous versions. However, for electrical circuits; the information is now more distinctly separated by the sub-models, plus the format and type of information has changed to Honda's Next Generation electrical wiring diagrams in an electronic format. For example, you can hover and/or click on certain diagrams for more information, etc.

The volume of information is greater than previously.

 

Following link came up when I googled:

Honda Accord 2013 Service And Repair Manual - edoqs

I did not download. I don't know the website, but looks OK FWTW!

good luck

 

Thanks guys. I didn't sign up, to get prices, but it's nice to know I can get the information somewhere. I always liked the Helm manuals because they were easy for a simpleton like me to understand. I had bought a service manual for a Toyota before (not from Helm) and it was harder for me to understand. I guess there's hope I will buy new again.

 

Various links reports Mechplay as a scam. We may want to possibly take that link out to protect forum members if it is not verified as legit.

Ripoff Report | MECHPLAY Complaint Review Wilmington, Delaware: 1063270

Mechplay.net Review

Mechplay.net offers a free trial that charges you $35 if you don't cancel. - Imgur