Good manual, but but lacks information on electrical systems, 1 Dec 2001

The first thing that caught my eye while reviewing this book was a short statement on page 16 of the Introduction, which mentions unashamedly that the manual not only lacks circuit diagrams, but also lacks a schematic of the electrical system of the vehicle. The statement goes on to explain that the electrics are complex, that they are described in a separate manual and that the aid of a portable computer called "Testbook" is required for diagnostic work. A drawing on the page shows that the computer is similar to a laptop, but apparently without a QWERTY keyboard. The computer is expected to be priced beyond the pockets of most would-be readers.

The book is divided into sections and subsections, and each is paginated separately, and with its own contents page. This manual is one of the most comprehensive and clearly laid out books of its type.

The Mechanical Section contains innumerable diagrams and instructions, and plenty of white space. Although the diagrams, which appear to be CAD generated, are clear, most could be improved by using a thinner pen. Some may see the use of so much white space as slightly excessive, but in a book of this nature this enhances its clarity. Instructions take the reader down to removing the last nut and bolt.

The Electrical Section, by contrast, is somewhat lacking in detail. This lack of detail would try the patience of a saint; in particular the subsection entitled "Repair". In this particular subsection, clear and graphic details are given for the removal and replacement of almost every electrical item in the vehicle. But this is where it all ends. Even though the subsection is clearly entitled "Repair", there is absolutely no information whatsoever on "repair".

I give Land Rover / Brooklands Books ten out of ten for the mechanical topics, but they receive a resounding zero for the electrical topics. This is why the star rating for this book has been reduced from ***** to ***. One final matter which should be mentioned: on the rear endpaper is printed a list of official Land Rover Manuals published by Land Rover / Brooklands. The electrical manual mentioned in the introduction on page 16 is not included in the list.

Would I [purchase] a manual had I known the foregoing before purchase? It is regretted the answer must be an emphatic "no".