FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif.—Hyundai Motor America plans to become the first auto maker to put its shop manuals on its Web site. Chuck Halper, Hyundai service director, said the auto maker decided to release its manuals to the public on the Internet because it wants to help do-it-yourselfers and independent repair shop owners buy the right parts and fix their Hyundai cars properly the first time.
``The worst thing you can do is tear a car apart and then find out that you don't know how to (repair it)'' Mr. Halper said. ``We'd like for them to be successful; We don't want to hold the information hostage.''
Mr. Halper said he does not believe that having the manual so readily available will encourage overzealous do-it-yourselfers to get in over their heads.
In many cases, consumers will click on the site, look at repair instructions and then take vehicles to a dealer for service, he predicted.
``Electronic control functions are sufficiently sophisticated that the ability of the casual mechanic is limited,'' Mr. Halper said. ``It's a matter of letting adults make choices.''
The manuals are expected to be available on Hyundai's Web site in 30 to 60 days, he said.