Does anyone know if there is an online version (electronic) of the 2004 or 2005 Acura TL "RTFM" manual? Of course we all have our books, but I was just wondering... Maybe, if not, over the holidays, I'll scan it in and make a PDF for all the world...

Any info would be appreciated...

 

I was actually looking for one before I bought my TL and couldn't find one.

 

Dark:
I don't think there's any online format yet. From what I've been told the manual is 2000 pages. I need to purchase one so I can start scanning as well.

 

I think he's talking about the RTFM owner's manual.

Both would be a great help if they were scanned.

Since I am not a computer whiz, how would we get access to the scanned pages?
A web site, or would you just insert them as they were asked for, or both?

I wonder if there would be a copyright problem with Helm if the entire text of both manuals were available in pdf format.

 

I have access to Honda manuals on an internal Honda website, so I'm sure Acura dealers have the same. In other words, these are internal websites not designed for public access, and they are password protected.

 

Ron:

More than likely, I would upload it to my web site.

 

I was hoping you would say that. That would be a tremendous asset for the members of this forum.

It would also cut down those "I am at work and the owner's manual is in the car" type of questions.

 

Ron:

I just made the purchase of the manual (61SEP00). I suppose its for the 2004 model. I don't think there's much of a difference between the 04/05 models. As soon as the manual comes in, I will begin the process. I'm sure it will take some time, but eventually it will get done.

 

And I've got my 05 "RTFM" manual, so I'll get to work as well... I'd suspect we could get a PDF together that would only be a couple MB in size.

 

Dark:

Koool. As soon as the manual comes in I can begin the process. I will ask my friend whom works at Kinko's to see how much they charge to scan in the whole manual to pdf files.

 

Havok -

OH, I'm in for that...

I'll drop some cash as opposed to spending hours and hours... Scanning pages... While drinking beer and scotch, fast forwarding through copious hours of questionable "entertainment" videos as the scanner scans....

Well...

Nah, I'd still rather pay someone else to do it!

But if that isn't possible, I'll scan it in for sure.

 

Dark:

Let me get in touch with my friend and see what's up. I really don't feel like scanning in 2000 pages on a flat bed scanner, but if it comes down to it. I will buy a tray loading one and start the process. It may take some time due to work and my side job (cutting vinyl sings, banners, and decals). But it will get done.

 

hmm...what does RTFM mean? I thought it mean Read the F-in' Manual...but you guys aren't using it like that..

 

Frankly, I wouldn't do it. I suspect that as soon as you post it you'll be hearing from the Acura lawyers. If they wanted it online, it would already be online.

 

When we say "RTFM", we are referring to the Owner's Manual, which every TL owner has, instead of the Service Manual, which only a few owner's have. Therefore, it is understood that when you say RTFM, you mean the owner's manual.

 

I wouldn't think Acura would object to having the owner's manual available on line, but Helm might object to having the service manual available because it would cut into their sales. If nobody snitches, they will never know, hopefully.

 

They ARE using it like that. Its called the RTFM manual because it comes with the freakin car. So people posting questions that are covered by the normal owners manual should instantly be told RTFM.

Whereas those cheapasses who ask questions about stuff ONLY found in the Helm manual stand a better chance of getting help.

PS: For the giuys talking about this work, I have access here at work to plenty of scanners with SheetFeeder capabilities, but overall the quality of scanned docs seems to suck, especially compared to size of the files. I also didnt want to destroy the binding on the Service Manual, as the distance from the 3hole to the edge doesnt look like enough to survive many years in a 3 ring binder.

Sounds like we should all start wardriving around the nearest Acura Dealer.

 

I hope you're right. Personally, I think it's stupid for them to not already have it available for download. But I wouldn't post any copyrighted material on the web. But that's just me, I hate lawyers.

 

Fooling around with copyrighted stuff is indeed a slippery slope.

 

I think you would be braking their stream of revenue.
they may not like it too much...

 

 

Well..... my service manual should be on it's way.

BTW....I'm doing this scan thing for personal use. If someone happenes to find it without my knowledge than I can't help it.

 

Just and update....the manual came in this past Saturday. I got my friend at Kinko's breaking down the manual so he can scan them in for me. Once I get the disc with all the files, I will begin making an html page and getting it uploaded.

Dark:
How are things looking on your end?

 

(guess my profession based on the emoticons)

 

but surely... I'll have much more time come the holiday so I hope to make some progess then...

Perhaps I will do it in sections...

I have another idea as well that may shave some time off although I'm not sure how the results will turn out.

 

Dark:
Do you have aim? If so my sn is: havokgroupdotcom

 

They could be printed out... this is better than use Xerox to copy/scna the whole book... But, I worry about copyright issue... This is

 

.

 

As long as we're talking about the Owner's Manual, not the service manual, I don't see why Honda/Acura cares. Ford/Mercury vehicle manuals are readily available on the Ford Owner Connection web site as PDF's. I got my Cougar and Escape manuals from there. Even Mazda manuals are avialable - I also got the Mazda 6 manual PDF off the European Mazda web site.

Helps to have them on your computer when you need to look up something without going out to the vehicle to get the manual, or in advance of purchase to study up on the features so you know what to look for when taking the test drive (that's why I'd want the TL manual)

 

No, they are talking about the service manual

 

ROFL...

Havok is working on the service manual and I am going to be working on the Owners Manual that comes with the car... As soon as we got something, you'll hear it here first!

HOPEFULLY, this will clear up any confusion.