Need original GM shop manual

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DAVE2083

New Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2006
Messages
4
Does anyone know where I can get a GM shop manual for a '87 Buick Grand National. A GM dealer/repair shop is in need of one to repair my car. They have tried calling other dealers in the area. They tell me they need the manual to get the cars timing corrected. Thanks, Dave
 
You're going to take it to a dealership! PLEASE NO!! :eek:

That fact that they think the timing can even be adjusted should send you running in the other direction, FAST!!!

Post your location. There's got to be someone close by that can help with whatever problem you're having. BTW, what is the problem?
 
You're going to take it to a dealership! PLEASE NO!! :eek:

That fact that they think the timing can even be adjusted should send you running in the other direction, FAST!!!

Post your location. There's got to be someone close by that can help with whatever problem you're having. BTW, what is the problem?

Like TurboDave said, RUN! in the other direction. Most dealers are clueless when it comes to these cars. Find someone who knows these cars intimately. :)
 
I am located in southeast Virginia. I spoke with someone else at the dealer today and he told me what they need is a wiring manual for the crank sensor and cam sensor explaining which colored wires go where. The problem started when I was driving down the interstate and the motor just shut off with no hesitation or warning while I was going 60mph. I coasted the car to a stop. The motor would turn over but not restart, I could not hear the fuel pump come on when I turned the key. The dealer replaced what I believe he referred to as the electronic ignition control, which enabled them to get the car to start but the car will not stay running. Thanks for your resonses, Dave
 
Be aware that the dealer service manual has the crank sensor wire colors mixed up. The 84-85 color codes were correct, and in 86-87 they were switched.

Crank Sensor ONLY
86-87
Black: NEG
Green: POS
Gray/Red: Signal
84-85
Black: NEG
Green: Signal
Gray/Red: POS

CAM sensor, all years:
Black: NEG
Blue: Signal
Gray/Red: POS
 
Thank you everyone for your help. This wealth of information should be what they are looking for. I will let ya'll know.
 
Like TurboDave said, RUN! in the other direction. Most dealers are clueless when it comes to these cars. Find someone who knows these cars intimately. :)

Damn,you guys a cruel. And what makes you think there is a qualified independent shop in the area that he can take the car to? You know dealers aren't all about women service writers and teenagers washing cars. :rolleyes: If anything the most qualified techs work there. Hey the total dumbasses get weeded out pretty quick. The guys that know their stuff are there for the duration.:mad:
 
It's been my experience that most of the techs that were around when these cars were being produced are either retired or otherwise gone.
You must admit that the vast majority of stealerships do not have a tech or techs that would know how to troubleshoot these cars adequately. They plug their OBDII equipment in and follow the hints, etc. Anything pre OBD and most are lost.
Even if they could properly diagnose the problem/s they don't have access to the vendors that can supply the parts. After all, GM certainly is no longer a source of parts.
 
What kind of dealer would be searching for books, and would not have say Mitchells on demand, Auto data, etc that would cover from 81 1/2 to as new as they are updated to. Do your self a real big favor, and take the advise of other members, FIND A BUICK GUY!!!!!
If you still are looking for GM manuals for your own info, I have a set I would sell. Good luck.
 
As posted above - chechout Helm online. You can purchase original manuals for our cars. Don't get scammed on e-bay.

Craig
 
What kind of dealer would be searching for books, and would not have say Mitchells on demand, Auto data,

GM went to CD's and on line manuals many years ago. And Mitchell is only a labor guide.You'd be hard pressed to find a paper manual for a model that is way out of warranty today. Not to mention that some crafty individual probally sold them on eBay many years ago.I work at a fairly new dealership. There aint anything in the building that existed from the old place. Half of the books I use are from my personall collection. That might be the case with the dealer in question. The best on-line site is Alldata. But than you need a subscription for some of that free information. There is a link through AutoZones website. It is amazing how many techs dont know how to use a computer or aren't tech-sauvy in todays world though. Like I said the total idiots get weeded out pretty fast.
 
GM went to CD's and on line manuals many years ago. And Mitchell is only a labor guide.

I'd have to correct you on this one, for I have a set of Mitchell's on Demand full diagnostics, including labor guide, I purchased back in 02, and just never had the need to update. 81 1/2 to limited 2001, but all of 2000. Foreign, domestic, and European cars. Alldata is a great source.
 
Thanks everyone. The mechanic was able to get the car to run properly by using the information you gave me.
 
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