Chevrolet Nova Service & Repair Manual 1985–1988

Service and repair manuals for 4 model years of the Chevrolet Nova, 1985 to 1988. Each manual is matched to one exact year — the specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Chevrolet published for that year's engine and trim, not values carried across the whole production run.

Engines across the range: 1.6L I4 — 97 cu in, SOHC · 1.6L I4 — 97 cu in, DOHC.

Federal safety record, all years: 0 recalls, 35 owner complaints and 0 technical service bulletins are logged for the Nova. Refreshed 2026-08-21.

01 / Model yearsChoose your Nova year

YearPriceRecallsEnginesTrims
1988 $29.99 1.6L I4; 1.6L I4 CL Hatchback 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Hatchback 4-Door · Twin Cam Sedan 4-Door +1 select
1987 $29.99 1.6L I4 CL Hatchback 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Hatchback 4-Door · CL Sedan 4-Door select
1986 $29.99 1.6L I4 CL Hatchback 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Hatchback 4-Door · CL Sedan 4-Door select
1985 $29.99 1.6L I4 Base Sedan 4-Door · CL Sedan 4-Door select

02 / InsideSample pages

From the 1988 Nova manual.

1988 Chevrolet Nova service manual page 11988 Chevrolet Nova service manual page 21988 Chevrolet Nova service manual page 31988 Chevrolet Nova service manual page 41988 Chevrolet Nova service manual page 5

03 / ContentsWhat the manual covers

  • Quick Lookups 62
  • Engine Performance 502
  • Accessories & Equipment 150
  • General Information 1,523
  • Body & Frame 38
  • Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 165
  • Brakes 54
  • Maintenance 39
  • Drivelines & Axles 17
  • Steering 82
  • Electrical 108
  • Suspension 67
  • Engine Mechanical 153
  • Transmission 202

04 / Other yearsOther Nova years

1988 Chevrolet Nova · $29.99 select →

Engines: 1.6L I4 — 97 cu in, SOHC; 1.6L I4 — 97 cu in, DOHC. Trims: CL Hatchback 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Hatchback 4-Door · Twin Cam Sedan 4-Door · CL Sedan 4-Door.

No recalls on federal record for the 1988 Nova. 13 complaints · 0 TSBs.

1987 Chevrolet Nova · $29.99 select →

Engines: 1.6L I4 — 97 cu in, SOHC. Trims: CL Hatchback 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Hatchback 4-Door · CL Sedan 4-Door.

No recalls on federal record for the 1987 Nova. 18 complaints · 0 TSBs.

1986 Chevrolet Nova · $29.99 select →

Engines: 1.6L I4 — 97 cu in, SOHC. Trims: CL Hatchback 4-Door · Base Sedan 4-Door · Base Hatchback 4-Door · CL Sedan 4-Door.

No recalls on federal record for the 1986 Nova. 4 complaints · 0 TSBs.

1985 Chevrolet Nova · $29.99 select →

Engines: 1.6L I4 — 97 cu in, SOHC. Trims: Base Sedan 4-Door · CL Sedan 4-Door.

No recalls on federal record for the 1985 Nova.

05 / OwnershipOwn it — don't rent it

OptionWhat you payAfter a year
eManualStore Nova manual$29.99 onceStill yours
Per-vehicle online subscriptionfrom $29 / year, renewingPay again or lose access
Library membership services$33 / month, capped$396 spent, nothing kept
Professional shop databases$499–$2,388 / yearRenew or lose access

Competitor figures as published on their sites, August 2026.

FAQQuestions about the Nova manual

Which Nova years does this manual cover?

Every year from 1985 to 1988 — 4 separate manuals, one per model year. Pick your year in the selector; the manual you receive is matched to that exact year, engine and trim.

Is this the OEM Chevrolet Nova manual or an aftermarket guide?

The OEM version. It carries the procedures, specifications, torque values and wiring diagrams Chevrolet published for the Nova, organized by system — not a condensed aftermarket summary.

Does it include Nova wiring diagrams?

Yes. Full wiring diagrams are part of every Nova manual, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostic information.

Why do some Nova years cost more?

Every Nova year is $29.99.

Is this a subscription?

No. One payment, and the manual is yours to keep — unlike per-vehicle subscriptions that renew every year.

How do I get the manual after purchase?

It is a digital manual — nothing ships. Access details arrive by email right after checkout, and you can use it on any device.

RelatedSame-era Chevrolet manuals

By year: 1988 · 1987 · 1986 · 1985