Why can’t manufacturers get owner’s manuals right?

Owner’s manuals

We’ve begun an update of back-up entry and start processes for 2023 through 2025 Maserati models and find that their on-line owner’s manuals truly wanting. We struggle to understand why so many companies struggle with getting these right.

None of Maserati‘s manuals are available in pdf format, so everything remains online. Of the eight models, three of the manuals offered no clickable navigation. And of those that do, clickable navigation is limited to moving from the table of contents to a chapter head. No other internal clicks are available and there is no “back” available.

This brings to mind the very first time we worked on a Maserati. The car offered only a manual on the entertainment center. No physical manual — and this is very likely still the case. Plus, if your key fob was dead and you didn’t know how to start the car, the entertainment center, and thus the manual, remained unavailable!

And when the manual could be viewed, it offered terrible navigation. If you chose the wrong section, you needed to back out the three, four or however many steps taken to choose another section!

We will grant that the online version can be scrolled through end to end, but other than that, the company has learned very little from past mistakes. The pdf world, and frankly the online world, makes linking relatively simple.

Maybe no one’s told them. Or complained! (We find that last one hard to believe…)

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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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