I had the same feeling when I read "the fine print" just before buying the Haynes Autofix. This confirmed my suspicion and you saved me and others some money. Thank you, much appreciated!
Even as a 23 Year old "tech generation" kid, i still prefer the paper book infront of me when working on my car. Gutted when i went on haynes to buy a manual for my bmw e92 and was greeted with this auto fix
Watching this after purchase. This analysis is accurate. In my case, I wanted to have some basic diagnostic procedures for VW/Seat vehicles - there are some useful aspects but also gaps. For example, I plug in a code 17519 which leads me to a list of associated components. It asks me to "Please begin testing these by clicking on a component and following the instructions" but it doesn't hint at what makes sense to start with: Engine management : Magneti Marelli, 4MV, (11/2004 - ) (Worldwide) A1 Injector 1 A1 Injector 2 A1 Injector 3 A1 Injector 4 H1 EGR control valve with position sensor 1 L4 MAP and air temperature sensor 1 M3 Fuel pump 1 T1 Coolant temperature sensor 1 U1 Oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter 1 If each fault points to multiple components and each component has multiple tests, you'll be standing there a long time doing diagnosis. In real life, you'd want common complaints to be associated with common failures, plus you'd want some better guides than currently available. As it currently stands and compared to the old manual, the tool is still worth something, maybe £10
V useful and enlightening argument for not bothering with Autofix. Was thinking of getting one for my XC60 but hesitated because the money back guarantee expires as soon as you access the manual - to find its not what you need!. Thanks very much for helping me to avoid wasting my money! I wonder if Haynes look at these reviews of their products?
Each car i have owned always purchased a 2nd hand haynes manual was going to buy one for my new Volvo can only buy the online manual was thinking about it but like other people have said the website is vague and did a search on youtube found this video thanks alot will not be bothering will by watching other people servicing there Volvo's and get more info off them.
Thank you for you review of this Autofix Manual. Like you I have been a fan of the original manuals and even some of the later ones once you get used to their later chapter and ref systems lol. Like any business they have to try and make a profit at the end of the day and a lot of manufacturer's as you say are not always forthcoming with sharing information unless its under licence. However I would rather be told/warned from the outset that the manual or information I need may not be included in the autofix manual. As for Haynes omitting Lighting and body related items well that's just silly and should be included regardless.
I needed the torque settings and a bit of other stuff but agree it's a sad day. One point worth noting if you search for voucher codes you can get up to 30% off. Might make the value for money a little easier to bear.
Thanks for this! Got to replace a turbo on my astra k and was shocked that haynes have this garbage and not the old school manuals which were so useful.
Hi, I totally agree. Then it would be important to get the tool measures which are not shown, (for instance this screw need a 13mm socket). I i buy this manuals I need it to be specific, not generic. Last but not least, it's too much expensive being it generic and online only.
I just bought Revue Technique Auto magazine (pdf for 32€, they also offer pdf+printed book for 42€) for Citroen C3 and it's like old Haynes, just all in french. Still worth it when I'm not able to get anything else. A bit of translating is ok when you get the exact information
But they seem to make it specific for the year and engine so you can't have all info for the model with all engines in one like in Haynes. Only good if you already have the car or know which engine you will have.
Interesting to get a contrary viewpoint! I have an old ('96) Ford Courrier. I have the Haynes Ford Fiesta manual, and its supposed French equivalent RevueTechnique (paper)I use the Haynes, I glance occasionally at the RT which I characterise as being useful for when you need to do some welding (which is never).
Thought I was going mad. Kept looking around the Haynes site for Bravo 2 paper manual, only to be given the option for AutoFix. Didn't give me the best feeling. Quick web search brought up this vid. Thanks for recording and sharing. Like others, I'm pretty sure you've saved me £'s and further annoyance.
What is the best home idiots diagnostic tool for a non mechanic? So you know what is wrong before you take it to the garage or to be able to rectify non critical codes? Thanks
I miss the old complete Haynes Manuals i buy "Ford Fiesta Petrol & Diesel (2008-2012) Haynes Online Manual" and its very coll. And im about to buy the one for 2020 Fiesta and wen i see its a AutoFix "generic" i get disapointed.
Any professional out there who actually uses these? No hands go up... I'm sure we'd all love to have access to the stuff professionals have access to. Thanks for this heads-up.
I just purchased my first Haynes online manual. BIG time disappointment 🤢 Nothing at all like the old style printed manual books. £26 thrown out the window - I'll never buy one again - for sure ☹
I just got a full refund on one of these for my car. I was caught out, thought it'd be a comprehensive manual instead you get extremely basic information which is just generic for all cars. With a quick internet search you'll find better, more in-depth information. As for the wiring/fault code info you can buy a workshop manual for your car from places like eBay for around £7 and for my car contain over 4000 pages of info.
Well, despite your warnings I ordered a Haynes autofix manual for my BMW X1 and you are right, It is waisted money. Half the manual is about generic actions to take and NOT about the X1.
You are dead on. I regrettably purchased the AutoFix product, due to there not being a printed version for my car. There is a grand total of ONE guides for my car. The rest are generic tutorials that are less useful than youtube. I remember the printed manuals had a guide for changing every damn bolt in the car. I feel swindled...
Sounds like Haynes is trying to stay relevant and still make money in a digital age at the expense of people like me who recall the manuals of old as being "gospel" and would have fallen for this. What really annoys me is that Haynes was filling a huge void, and now no one is. As a rank amateur, I just can't get hold of workshop manuals for the cars I need to maintain, and I can't afford an AllData subscription for the infrequent amount of access I need to that data. There's actually an opportunity for AllData to sell "one month access" to people like me (and yes, I know about their DIY thing but that doesn't appear to be available to me in the UK, I was told to move along). I'd really like to know if anyone knows the best place to find workshop manuals for simple things like Ford Fiesta, Kia Sportage, and Vauxhall Corsa D (etc, bound to be more in the future)
Haynes imho have lost their place as the go to for the home mechanic. They need to appreciate that thorough well layed out manuals that reflect what is right infront of you is what earned them the trusted place they had. The emphasis being on had!!
Yes I'm trying to get my money back now.....feel I have wanted £26 on the auto fix manual. Its poor and it doesn't even properly cover basic jobs like removing trim to access light clusters...its so basic or its a full on wiring diagram with convoluted menus even for fuses... its not user friendly and its not for very interested owners trying to learn. My mechanic wouldn't use this and that's the whole point!! Misses vital step by step info and important info for the keen owner....Its rubbish and its not a patch on the trusted older printed haynes manuals......it seems a half hearted copy and paste job from other technical manuals and not aimed at a general overview which inspires confidence....you get more useful info from the owners manual.......I will contact the car manufacturer and can suss out most of the simpler jobs myself
i totally agree this is for the money is a rip off I'm in dispute with Haynes for i do all my own work and the other manual were brill for torque specs etc these are a total wast of my money and time come on Haynes get it sorted waiting on answer from Haynes
I've just wasted 26 quid for a honda HRV diesel manual. It's full of pic of spurious cars, not the honda. It's 26 quid for torque settings and a few pics of wiring but nothing else. Waste of money. Never buy again
I've just checked on my Honda and all I get is minor leakage detected. No diagram. Nothing. No showing where it is. I think they should be sorting it so it is what it says it is instead of pulling the wool over folks eyes. The Merc is shown on mine as well. Half the info will be the same in everyone, it's basic and for that price it's a con. To be fair. It's shit
Edit: they gave me a full refund, this must be one of the worst products they've ever done. I should have watched this first, first thing is there is some useful information in it BUT the software seems to have been designed as a quick college project by a 16 year old with no concept of usability or experience of working on a car. It's like a weird rabbit warren, take a guess where we might have hidden this information (if we actually have it that is). To be honest I kind of gave up in a mental fury and kicked myself for wasting money. Also it seems badly researched however I'm not 100% sure if some things I criticised on a previous edit are actually incorrect but I've lost confidence , the general bits are infuriating and they should be marked clearly as non specific, it isn't always easy to tell at first glance so time is wasted, I'm not a child and I do know how a car works. I just need a basic layout of various things to make it easier to do a job on a specific car that I haven't done before. It's very like a pirated CDR/download of stuff sold on eBay for a fiver just less comprehensive and presented in a swish looking but difficult interface.
Haynes electronic manual pretty crap, like you say nothing on the body items. Have VW T6, wiyh fault indicating on the dash that side sliding door is not closed- it is- try looking for it in search etc is useless, get to something likd an S114 unit to test pins etc, search fir S114 in location directory= no result. So if i cant find where S1q4 is hiw can i test it. Utter crap manuals, 3 times i havs tried to fix things and only once have managed. Good luck to all who buy, you will need it.
They dont seem to have gone near my car model They are trading on the good name of the past and have got very lazy with autofix.... they cant even show the right (major) trim parts and have ruined the good feeling of seeing pictures you can relate to. they issue a disclaimer but you wont realise how bad it is until viewing. There is no information I needed now and no satisfaction. I actually feel cheated Dont bother unless you can get the proper stripdown book manual
Wish I had found this video before buying my manual. Absolute waste of £24. Had a discount, but would never buy any of these manuals again. Big Time ripoff from what used to be a reputable company
This review is far too kind to Haynes Autofix. This is a complete scam. Purchase a manual for a Golf ect and they show you other cars, not relevant to what you purchased. Wasted £26.00. Stay clear of Haynes.
They have ruined themselves as a reputable automotive maintenance manual company. the Autofix editions are nothing but copy and paste of generic systems. I changed the turbocharger on a 2014 Astra, And all it had was about a paragraph of useless info with copy and paste of that same picture of safety goggles & those green gloves 😂😂 Autofix cancelled and got a refund after seeing how useless to me the manual was, Pure crap...... RUclips is free, Better puttjng the £26 towards parts or new tools
I had the same feeling when I read "the fine print" just before buying the Haynes Autofix. This confirmed my suspicion and you saved me and others some money. Thank you, much appreciated!
Even as a 23 Year old "tech generation" kid, i still prefer the paper book infront of me when working on my car. Gutted when i went on haynes to buy a manual for my bmw e92 and was greeted with this auto fix
Thank you so much for confirming my suspicions and saving me wasting my money. Such a shame as the old Haynes manuals are excellent.
Very informative and probably just saved me from (arguably) wasting £26 - Cheers 🙂
Watching this after purchase. This analysis is accurate. In my case, I wanted to have some basic diagnostic procedures for VW/Seat vehicles - there are some useful aspects but also gaps. For example, I plug in a code 17519 which leads me to a list of associated components. It asks me to "Please begin testing these by clicking on a component and following the instructions" but it doesn't hint at what makes sense to start with:
Engine management : Magneti Marelli, 4MV, (11/2004 - ) (Worldwide)
A1 Injector 1
A1 Injector 2
A1 Injector 3
A1 Injector 4
H1 EGR control valve with position sensor 1
L4 MAP and air temperature sensor 1
M3 Fuel pump 1
T1 Coolant temperature sensor 1
U1 Oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter 1
If each fault points to multiple components and each component has multiple tests, you'll be standing there a long time doing diagnosis. In real life, you'd want common complaints to be associated with common failures, plus you'd want some better guides than currently available.
As it currently stands and compared to the old manual, the tool is still worth something, maybe £10
V useful and enlightening argument for not bothering with Autofix. Was thinking of getting one for my XC60 but hesitated because the money back guarantee expires as soon as you access the manual - to find its not what you need!. Thanks very much for helping me to avoid wasting my money! I wonder if Haynes look at these reviews of their products?
Thank you for taking the time to make this. It's a fair and critical review!
Each car i have owned always purchased a 2nd hand haynes manual was going to buy one for my new Volvo can only buy the online manual was thinking about it but like other people have said the website is vague and did a search on youtube found this video thanks alot will not be bothering will by watching other people servicing there Volvo's and get more info off them.
Thank you for you review of this Autofix Manual. Like you I have been a fan of the original manuals and even some of the later ones once you get used to their later chapter and ref systems lol. Like any business they have to try and make a profit at the end of the day and a lot of manufacturer's as you say are not always forthcoming with sharing information unless its under licence. However I would rather be told/warned from the outset that the manual or information I need may not be included in the autofix manual. As for Haynes omitting Lighting and body related items well that's just silly and should be included regardless.
I needed the torque settings and a bit of other stuff but agree it's a sad day. One point worth noting if you search for voucher codes you can get up to 30% off. Might make the value for money a little easier to bear.
Thanks for this was considering buying but got a bad feeling about the disclaimers by Haynes. So will be avoiding for the moment at least.
Thanks for this! Got to replace a turbo on my astra k and was shocked that haynes have this garbage and not the old school manuals which were so useful.
After I bought my manual got same problem too.
Hi, I totally agree. Then it would be important to get the tool measures which are not shown, (for instance this screw need a 13mm socket).
I i buy this manuals I need it to be specific, not generic. Last but not least, it's too much expensive being it generic and online only.
Great thanks, I had a feeling it was going to be rubbish. As a complete novice I wanted step by step!
I just bought Revue Technique Auto magazine (pdf for 32€, they also offer pdf+printed book for 42€) for Citroen C3 and it's like old Haynes, just all in french. Still worth it when I'm not able to get anything else. A bit of translating is ok when you get the exact information
But they seem to make it specific for the year and engine so you can't have all info for the model with all engines in one like in Haynes. Only good if you already have the car or know which engine you will have.
Interesting to get a contrary viewpoint! I have an old ('96) Ford Courrier. I have the Haynes Ford Fiesta manual, and its supposed French equivalent RevueTechnique (paper)I use the Haynes, I glance occasionally at the RT which I characterise as being useful for when you need to do some welding (which is never).
Those french manuals used to be great but I went on there to look for my modern car and guess what? It links to this same Haynes rubbish
I Just want to add that their customer service is very good and processed me a no quibble refund
Thought I was going mad. Kept looking around the Haynes site for Bravo 2 paper manual, only to be given the option for AutoFix. Didn't give me the best feeling. Quick web search brought up this vid. Thanks for recording and sharing. Like others, I'm pretty sure you've saved me £'s and further annoyance.
Great video thanks for the insight, saved me spending money on a digital version! Cheers Ese from New Zealand
Inaccuracies in schematic drawings is a major issue I feel. 'general diagrams ' are of no use to myself. Thankyou for highlighting.
These are great, Rossy, keep them coming 👍
8.6k views! Fair play, mate, RoSsTech Engineering's come a long way
Great video - I very quickly realised that there is no way I am buying autofix for my 2006 combo van.
I don't understand why the torque specs are so different even on bolts that should be symmetrical ? thank you for your review ! it saved me 30€ :)
What is the best home idiots diagnostic tool for a non mechanic? So you know what is wrong before you take it to the garage or to be able to rectify non critical codes?
Thanks
Thank you so much for this video, you saved me money and a lot of time,😊
I miss the old complete Haynes Manuals i buy "Ford Fiesta Petrol & Diesel (2008-2012) Haynes Online Manual" and its very coll. And im about to buy the one for 2020 Fiesta and wen i see its a AutoFix "generic" i get disapointed.
Where’s the place to find a decent workshop manual these days,I need one for a Seat Altea ?
Any professional out there who actually uses these? No hands go up...
I'm sure we'd all love to have access to the stuff professionals have access to.
Thanks for this heads-up.
Thanks for the video
Thankyou I almost bought one. Do you recommend a good home mechanic manual.
I just purchased my first Haynes online manual.
BIG time disappointment 🤢
Nothing at all like the old style printed manual books.
£26 thrown out the window - I'll never buy one again - for sure ☹
I just got a full refund on one of these for my car. I was caught out, thought it'd be a comprehensive manual instead you get extremely basic information which is just generic for all cars. With a quick internet search you'll find better, more in-depth information. As for the wiring/fault code info you can buy a workshop manual for your car from places like eBay for around £7 and for my car contain over 4000 pages of info.
1:50 Spot on.
Well, despite your warnings I ordered a Haynes autofix manual for my BMW X1 and you are right, It is waisted money. Half the manual is about generic actions to take and NOT about the X1.
You are dead on. I regrettably purchased the AutoFix product, due to there not being a printed version for my car. There is a grand total of ONE guides for my car. The rest are generic tutorials that are less useful than youtube. I remember the printed manuals had a guide for changing every damn bolt in the car. I feel swindled...
Is there an alterntive to Haynes?
Sounds like Haynes is trying to stay relevant and still make money in a digital age at the expense of people like me who recall the manuals of old as being "gospel" and would have fallen for this. What really annoys me is that Haynes was filling a huge void, and now no one is. As a rank amateur, I just can't get hold of workshop manuals for the cars I need to maintain, and I can't afford an AllData subscription for the infrequent amount of access I need to that data. There's actually an opportunity for AllData to sell "one month access" to people like me (and yes, I know about their DIY thing but that doesn't appear to be available to me in the UK, I was told to move along). I'd really like to know if anyone knows the best place to find workshop manuals for simple things like Ford Fiesta, Kia Sportage, and Vauxhall Corsa D (etc, bound to be more in the future)
Thank you for save my 26$ I have a dacia duster 2019 1,3 tci 150hp
Just saved me £26 thank you!
Haynes imho have lost their place as the go to for the home mechanic. They need to appreciate that thorough well layed out manuals that reflect what is right infront of you is what earned them the trusted place they had. The emphasis being on had!!
Yes I'm trying to get my money back now.....feel I have wanted £26 on the auto fix manual. Its poor and it doesn't even properly cover basic jobs like removing trim to access light clusters...its so basic or its a full on wiring diagram with convoluted menus even for fuses... its not user friendly and its not for very interested owners trying to learn. My mechanic wouldn't use this and that's the whole point!! Misses vital step by step info and important info for the keen owner....Its rubbish and its not a patch on the trusted older printed haynes manuals......it seems a half hearted copy and paste job from other technical manuals and not aimed at a general overview which inspires confidence....you get more useful info from the owners manual.......I will contact the car manufacturer and can suss out most of the simpler jobs myself
I waisted £26..
i totally agree this is for the money is a rip off I'm in dispute with Haynes for i do all my own work and the other manual were brill for torque specs etc these are a total wast of my money and time
come on Haynes get it sorted waiting on answer from Haynes
Seems like Haynes have given up taking cars apart then
I've just wasted 26 quid for a honda HRV diesel manual. It's full of pic of spurious cars, not the honda. It's 26 quid for torque settings and a few pics of wiring but nothing else. Waste of money. Never buy again
I bought one for the BMW E60. It’s garbage to be honest, haven’t used it what so ever. Luckily I then found one of the original hard copies.
Charge me an extra 30 bucks. I want a top notch PAPER manual
I've just checked on my Honda and all I get is minor leakage detected. No diagram. Nothing. No showing where it is. I think they should be sorting it so it is what it says it is instead of pulling the wool over folks eyes. The Merc is shown on mine as well. Half the info will be the same in everyone, it's basic and for that price it's a con. To be fair. It's shit
Edit: they gave me a full refund, this must be one of the worst products they've ever done.
I should have watched this first, first thing is there is some useful information in it BUT the software seems to have been designed as a quick college project by a 16 year old with no concept of usability or experience of working on a car. It's like a weird rabbit warren, take a guess where we might have hidden this information (if we actually have it that is). To be honest I kind of gave up in a mental fury and kicked myself for wasting money. Also it seems badly researched however I'm not 100% sure if some things I criticised on a previous edit are actually incorrect but I've lost confidence , the general bits are infuriating and they should be marked clearly as non specific, it isn't always easy to tell at first glance so time is wasted, I'm not a child and I do know how a car works. I just need a basic layout of various things to make it easier to do a job on a specific car that I haven't done before.
It's very like a pirated CDR/download of stuff sold on eBay for a fiver just less comprehensive and presented in a swish looking but difficult interface.
Haynes electronic manual pretty crap, like you say nothing on the body items. Have VW T6, wiyh fault indicating on the dash that side sliding door is not closed- it is- try looking for it in search etc is useless, get to something likd an S114 unit to test pins etc, search fir S114 in location directory= no result. So if i cant find where S1q4 is hiw can i test it. Utter crap manuals, 3 times i havs tried to fix things and only once have managed. Good luck to all who buy, you will need it.
They dont seem to have gone near my car model They are trading on the good name of the past and have got very lazy with autofix.... they cant even show the right (major) trim parts and have ruined the good feeling of seeing pictures you can relate to.
they issue a disclaimer but you wont realise how bad it is until viewing. There is no information I needed now and no satisfaction. I actually feel cheated
Dont bother unless you can get the proper stripdown book manual
Wish I had found this video before buying my manual. Absolute waste of £24. Had a discount, but would never buy any of these manuals again. Big Time ripoff from what used to be a reputable company
This review is far too kind to Haynes Autofix. This is a complete scam. Purchase a manual for a Golf ect and they show you other cars, not relevant to what you purchased. Wasted £26.00. Stay clear of Haynes.
If only I'd seen this before I wasted £23. I agree Autofix is rubbish. No manual for a Ford Tourneo Connect.
They have ruined themselves as a reputable automotive maintenance manual company. the Autofix editions are nothing but copy and paste of generic systems. I changed the turbocharger on a 2014 Astra, And all it had was about a paragraph of useless info with copy and paste of that same picture of safety goggles & those green gloves 😂😂 Autofix cancelled and got a refund after seeing how useless to me the manual was, Pure crap...... RUclips is free, Better puttjng the £26 towards parts or new tools
Cheeky ? Dishonest ?
Just bought one they are rubbish
So auto fix is a rip off joke
Thank you, saved me £26 quid.