Car Maintenance at the Library?

April 02, 2012

I don't claim to know much about cars, but I am becoming more familiar with MCPL’s repair databases. A few months ago, my significant other was replacing the transmission of a ’94 Ford Ranger. MCPL owns quite a number of repair manuals, and I was able to find a Chilton's Manual of our make and model for him. But anyone who has ever used Chilton’s before knows they are only helpful to a point.

But, we didn’t sweat it too hard on this one. The library has 4 automotive repair databases, one of which is Mitchell 1 ProDemand. (Note:  it must be accessed from within a library branch, but it’s still worth it.) I’ve heard several people say that Mitchell has always covered wiring diagrams better than Chilton’s. However, our "helpful" library book lacked torque specs. I found them by clicking on Online Resources. Next, click on Research Databases, and under Subjects (center of the page), click on Automotive and Small Engines. A listing of 4 repair databases will appear. Click on the third one from the top, Mitchell 1 ProDemand.

When accessing these databases, you will always have to click 'Login Now' and enter your MCPL card number and PIN (8-digit birthday). I selected my year, make and model—1994, Ford and Ranger—then from the products dropdown menu, I chose Repair. Under Systems on the left at the very bottom, I chose Transmission, then Automatic Transmission. In the center under Articles, click on Removal & Installation – A/T. On the far right under table of contents, click on torque specifications. Voila! There were all the answers we needed!

I wish I could say the entire transmission swap went as easily, but that’s car repair for you. The truck has been "trucking" around town very happily now for the past month. If you’ve encountered the same "helpfulness" with your checked out repair manual, come in and try the Mitchell database:  it may just have the answers you need.

Michelle L.
Blue Ridge Branch