Revue Technique Automobile (RTA, since 2015)
The French company ETAI provides technical documentation for numerous car manufacturers and suppliers to the automotive industry. Since 1946 it also publishes various professional magazines, including the Revue Technique Automobile.
In each issue of this technical publicatrion, a full maintenance and repair study is included for a specific car model, which is later published as a separate manual. The various chapters describe in detail adjustment, fault finding, maintenance and repair.
Due to the complexity of modern cars, the publisher modified the formula for the "Revue Technique Automobile" series in 2015. The new editions are still genuine maintenance and repair manuals. They explain the construction and operation of the vehicle, but are now organized in 6 chapters in which the reader will quickly find the information adapted to his technical level or to his professional activity.
More information on the volumes of the "Revue Technique Automobile" series published before 2015.
Publisher: ETAI, Antony (F)
Size: 27 x 21 cm (10.6 x 8.25 in) , paperpack
Language: These books are in French, but some titles were also published in Italian and Spanish..
Automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes: Because special tools and adjustment equipment are required, the overhaul of automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes (specialist work!) is not covered in these books, but they usually provide instructions for replacing the ATF fluid and adjusting the controls.
Click here for specific books on automatic transmissions.
Wiring diagrams: Due to the complexity of modern cars, the new RTA workshop manuals no longer contain wiring diagrams. However, a chapter "Diagnostics and electricity" covers very thoroughly the various fuse boxes, the components of the engine management and the diagnosis of electrical faults.
What information does a modern Revue Technique Automobile (RTA) provide?
The Revue Technique manuals cover maintenance and repair of the engine (including the timing gear, cylinder head, lubrication, water pump and fabrication system), clutch, transmission, drive shafts, steering system, suspension, wheel hubs, brakes, electrical equipment and bodywork.
A modern Revue Technique Automobile (in this example for the Volkswagen Golf VII) contains the following chapters:
Preface
Instructions for use
Warnings and precautions
PRESENTATION OF THE VEHICLE
This chapter describes all the main features of the vehicle and the location of the identification plates, in particular with regard to the regulations.
Vehicle identification
Component identification
TROUBLESHOOTING AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
This chapter provides all the information needed to perform routine maintenance on the vehicle. This requires little technical skills and is more specifically aimed at beginners. The work to be performed is generally easy. In case a maintenance operation is more complicated, it is presented in the following chapters.
Troubleshooting
Checks and fluid levels
Wireless key and battery
Lighting - exterior
Maintenance intervals
Visibility and comfort
Engine maintenance
Maintenance of the braking system
REPAIRS
This chapter covers all mechanical repairs not described in the previous chapter. It is intended for experienced DIY mechanics, but even more for professionals.
Emptying, filling, bleeding
Charging and starting systems
Top of the engine
Timing gear
Bottom of the engine
Engine lubrication
Engine cooling
Fuel supply - anti-pollution
Gearbox
Clutch
Drive shafts
Wheel alignment - front and rear
Steering system
Braking system
Heating - Air Conditioning
FAULT FINDING AND ELECTRICITY
This chapter contains information useful for understanding systems and testing components. As an indispensable addition to diagnostic equipment, it is mainly aimed at professionals (electricians or electromechanics).
Fault finding
Electrical protection
Engine management
BODYWORK
This chapter groups the interior repairs plus light and heavy body repairs. It mainly contains information for specialists. However, various activities can also be performed by beginners.
Underside protections
Bumpers
Headlights and taillights
Upholstery
Removable body panels
Windows and mechanisms
Glued parts
Welded parts
Checking the body dimensions
TECHNICAL DATA
This chapter contains all essential technical data: specifications, contents, etc. It is also intended for anyone who does not need repair instructions, but only wants to get essential technical information.
Recommendations and capabilities
Electrical equipment
Engine
Top of the engine
Timing gear
Bottom of the engine
Engine lubrication
Engine cooling
Fuel supply - anti-pollution
Clutch - Gearbox
Drive shafts
Wheel alignment - front and rear
Steering system
Braking system
Body
RTA manuals describe maintenance and repair in detail.
The books in this series are intended for professional users as well as for experienced DIY mechanics. Each operation is written with an indication of the degree of difficulty, allowing the reader to decide whether to perform the operation himself, to be assisted or to entrust his vehicle to a specialist. These manuals are richly illustrated with photos, drawings and exploded views.