Anybody here work for a dealer? I'm wondering if there's a specific checklist of items that are done during a PDI, is it just a test drive and wash... what?
PDI for cars
- Thread starter fastar1
- Start date
ABadjusterrider_5
Well-known member
I was a car jockey for a few dealerships when I was a kid attending college. There's a huge checklist including a once over by a mechanic. Then the car is cleaned, waxed, gased, and turned over to you. When I say huge checklist I'm not kidding. They can be 2 and 3 pages long with some 50 items on each page.
Jlin
Well-known member
What I don't understand about PDI charges is this, isn't it the responsibility of the dealership and the shipping company to make sure everything is in working order before the customer takes the car off the lot? Why would the customer have to pay the price to make sure their new car works the way it should?
ABadjusterrider_5
Well-known member
Unless you know someone at a dealership, it might take some persistance.
silverbullet132
Well-known member
When I did co op at a Nissan dealer, we would just check it to make sure everything worked, top up fluids, install front plate bracket, and send it off. Don`t think I ever saw them wash a car pre delivery.
invictus43
Well-known member
When I worked for GM, most of the car PDI's consisted mostly of check and top up fluids, install any shipped accessories (mud flaps, front plate bracket. antenna and wheel covers) torque wheels, check tire pressures and a brief road test.
The newer cars we had to set the radio, and program any special modules.
The PDI was paid for by GM via a warranty operation (although a different prefix code). Im not sure where the money goes when you pay a dealer for a PDI at GM, but its not for the actual PDI. Probably covers the costs of the fluids and cleaning products and the 10L of fuel we used to put in.
GM paid 0.2-0.5H for PDI, so you can Imagine how detailed the inspection would be.
Any dealer to install accessories were also installed at the time of the PDI and are paid on top of the PDI
The newer cars we had to set the radio, and program any special modules.
The PDI was paid for by GM via a warranty operation (although a different prefix code). Im not sure where the money goes when you pay a dealer for a PDI at GM, but its not for the actual PDI. Probably covers the costs of the fluids and cleaning products and the 10L of fuel we used to put in.
GM paid 0.2-0.5H for PDI, so you can Imagine how detailed the inspection would be.
Any dealer to install accessories were also installed at the time of the PDI and are paid on top of the PDI
NRAGED
Active member
I have worked as a Tech for FORD for over 20 years...
Here is a ROUGH (sorry...it was quick) cut and paste 2013 GT500 PDI form .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Run OASIS
☐
Check OASIS using Pre-Delivery Symptom Code 991000 to identify any required additional PDI instructions.
☐
Confirm that all open Recalls and Field Service Actions have been completed.
2. Mechanical Inspections
☐
Check battery state of charge. Recharge if indicator is red or voltage measures ≤12.4 V.
☐
Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir(s) and fill to specification, if required.
☐
Check engine cooling system(s) degas bottle level COLD and fill to specification, if required.
☐
Visually inspect all underhood components. Check for fluid leaks.
☐
Check tire pressure and inflate to specification (including spare tire). Set at outside ambient temperature. If hard plastic wheel covers are used, reinstall on
wheels after setting tire pressure.
☐
Visually inspect the tire inflator kit for proper location and condition (if equipped).
☐
Visually inspect all under-vehicle components. Check for fluid leaks.
3. Install Loose Ship Items
☐
Install radio antenna mast. Tighten to 3.5 Nm (30 lb-in). Do not overtighten.
☐
Install other loose ship items listed on the loose ship label. Refer to instruction sheets packaged with loose ship items (where applicable).
Be sure to leave sun visor utility clip (if equipped) in glove box for customer.
4. Functional Checks and Set-Up
☐
Reset PCM Calibration from transport mode - disconnect negative battery cable, wait 10 seconds, reconnect battery cable and turn ignition key on/off without
starting engine.
☐
Set clock and radio pre-sets for all bands (use auto pre-set feature if equipped).
☐
Check instrument cluster gauges for proper operation.
☐
Set language and reset oil minder in Electronic Message Center.
☐
Check all safety belts and seat back latches. Remove any temporary bands from belts or buckle ends (if applicable).
5. Road Test
☐
Check safety belt chime/dash indicator.
☐
Start vehicle and check throttle and idle return, check driveability.
☐
Check for squeaks and rattles, vibration and windnoise.
☐
Check transmission performance.
☐
Check speed control (if equipped).
☐
Check reverse park aid (if equipped).
☐
Check brakes (including parking brake).
☐
Check heater, air conditioner, defroster, ventilation and electric cooling
fan systems.
6. Appearance
☐
Remove interior covers.
☐
Remove exterior covers. Do not remove protective wheel covers until customer delivery.
☐
Wash vehicle, clean the wiper blade element.
☐
Inspect paint. For factory defects, refer to Warranty and Policy Manual for repair policy. Repairs due to lot damage are the responsibility of the Dealership.
☐
Clean all inside windows and mirrors.
☐
Install floor mats in vehicle. Note: The driver’s floor mat must be securely fastened to the floor by attaching the mat to the provided hook or snap
grommets. Do not place a floor mat on top of an existing floor mat.
☐
Place necessary owner publications in vehicle. Include the owner card and keyless entry code card (if equipped).
7. Customer Delivery (Items in this section should be completed just prior to customer delivery.)
☐
Remove protective polyethylene wheel covers.
2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 Pre-Delivery Service Record
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Dealer Stock Number:
Pre-Delivery Inspection Date:
See the Work Shop Manual or the Owner's Guide for specifications and details on performing any procedures or for description and operation of vehicle features.
All repairs found necessary during this pre-delivery inspection must be completed prior to delivery of the vehicle. Dealership authorized personnel in the service
department should perform appropriate diagnostics and warranty repair (if applicable) per Ford Motor Company service publication procedures and warranty
policies. See Ford Warranty and Policy Manual for directions on submitting Transportation or Warranty claims, repairs not meeting this criteria are the
responsibility of the Dealership.
Dealer Name: Dealer Sales Code:
By signature below, I certify that all items on this sheet have been inspected on this vehicle in accordance with all applicable procedures and all necessary
operations have been performed by a service technician. I confirm that all open recalls and field service actions have been completed. I understand that it is a
Sales and Service Agreement requirement to maintain this record in the Dealer's vehicle service file.
Dealer Authorized Signature: Technician Signature:
Date Date
Here is a ROUGH (sorry...it was quick) cut and paste 2013 GT500 PDI form .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Run OASIS
☐
Check OASIS using Pre-Delivery Symptom Code 991000 to identify any required additional PDI instructions.
☐
Confirm that all open Recalls and Field Service Actions have been completed.
2. Mechanical Inspections
☐
Check battery state of charge. Recharge if indicator is red or voltage measures ≤12.4 V.
☐
Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir(s) and fill to specification, if required.
☐
Check engine cooling system(s) degas bottle level COLD and fill to specification, if required.
☐
Visually inspect all underhood components. Check for fluid leaks.
☐
Check tire pressure and inflate to specification (including spare tire). Set at outside ambient temperature. If hard plastic wheel covers are used, reinstall on
wheels after setting tire pressure.
☐
Visually inspect the tire inflator kit for proper location and condition (if equipped).
☐
Visually inspect all under-vehicle components. Check for fluid leaks.
3. Install Loose Ship Items
☐
Install radio antenna mast. Tighten to 3.5 Nm (30 lb-in). Do not overtighten.
☐
Install other loose ship items listed on the loose ship label. Refer to instruction sheets packaged with loose ship items (where applicable).
Be sure to leave sun visor utility clip (if equipped) in glove box for customer.
4. Functional Checks and Set-Up
☐
Reset PCM Calibration from transport mode - disconnect negative battery cable, wait 10 seconds, reconnect battery cable and turn ignition key on/off without
starting engine.
☐
Set clock and radio pre-sets for all bands (use auto pre-set feature if equipped).
☐
Check instrument cluster gauges for proper operation.
☐
Set language and reset oil minder in Electronic Message Center.
☐
Check all safety belts and seat back latches. Remove any temporary bands from belts or buckle ends (if applicable).
5. Road Test
☐
Check safety belt chime/dash indicator.
☐
Start vehicle and check throttle and idle return, check driveability.
☐
Check for squeaks and rattles, vibration and windnoise.
☐
Check transmission performance.
☐
Check speed control (if equipped).
☐
Check reverse park aid (if equipped).
☐
Check brakes (including parking brake).
☐
Check heater, air conditioner, defroster, ventilation and electric cooling
fan systems.
6. Appearance
☐
Remove interior covers.
☐
Remove exterior covers. Do not remove protective wheel covers until customer delivery.
☐
Wash vehicle, clean the wiper blade element.
☐
Inspect paint. For factory defects, refer to Warranty and Policy Manual for repair policy. Repairs due to lot damage are the responsibility of the Dealership.
☐
Clean all inside windows and mirrors.
☐
Install floor mats in vehicle. Note: The driver’s floor mat must be securely fastened to the floor by attaching the mat to the provided hook or snap
grommets. Do not place a floor mat on top of an existing floor mat.
☐
Place necessary owner publications in vehicle. Include the owner card and keyless entry code card (if equipped).
7. Customer Delivery (Items in this section should be completed just prior to customer delivery.)
☐
Remove protective polyethylene wheel covers.
2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 Pre-Delivery Service Record
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Dealer Stock Number:
Pre-Delivery Inspection Date:
See the Work Shop Manual or the Owner's Guide for specifications and details on performing any procedures or for description and operation of vehicle features.
All repairs found necessary during this pre-delivery inspection must be completed prior to delivery of the vehicle. Dealership authorized personnel in the service
department should perform appropriate diagnostics and warranty repair (if applicable) per Ford Motor Company service publication procedures and warranty
policies. See Ford Warranty and Policy Manual for directions on submitting Transportation or Warranty claims, repairs not meeting this criteria are the
responsibility of the Dealership.
Dealer Name: Dealer Sales Code:
By signature below, I certify that all items on this sheet have been inspected on this vehicle in accordance with all applicable procedures and all necessary
operations have been performed by a service technician. I confirm that all open recalls and field service actions have been completed. I understand that it is a
Sales and Service Agreement requirement to maintain this record in the Dealer's vehicle service file.
Dealer Authorized Signature: Technician Signature:
Date Date
Good stuff, thanks. Do you notice if there is often, or ever, the need to perform a flash update as part of the PDI?
Is resetting the "transport mode" in the PCM anything like a flash or is it as simple as disconnecting for 10min then turn key on>off?
Last edited:
rmemedic
Well-known member
Wow, my dealer messed up then.
Picked the truck up, cruise didn't work and the traction light was on. Being a new truck, I thought that since it has an air temp gauge, and it was below freezing that the light was up as a "warning" about ice and that the cruise wouldn't come on because of that... In fact it had a dynamic sensor that needed replacing.
Also, I had to set my radio time lol but I don't care about that.
Everything else was done, like my spray in bed liner and the undercoating.
Picked the truck up, cruise didn't work and the traction light was on. Being a new truck, I thought that since it has an air temp gauge, and it was below freezing that the light was up as a "warning" about ice and that the cruise wouldn't come on because of that... In fact it had a dynamic sensor that needed replacing.
Also, I had to set my radio time lol but I don't care about that.
Everything else was done, like my spray in bed liner and the undercoating.
NRAGED
Active member
I've never seen a reflash required on a new Ford. Almost all new Fords and Lincolns come to our dealer in Transport Mode...which we will fix during PDI. Usually key on, engine off, ...after prove out, 5 brake pushes followed by 3 hazard switch pushes. (varies with vehicle).
As for missed concerns on PDI's....welcome to the flat rate world. Quick road test...slap on some loose items and out the door. As a fix...some dealers, like mine, require the tech to spend a minimum amount of time on a vehicle. We are also one of the last "straight time" dealers, so that helps get PDI's checked properly.
My recommendation to all buyers. Make sure you get your copy of the PDI list, and go over it with the salesman before leaving the lot. It is your right, and the salesman`s job.
EngineerJoe
Well-known member
The cost will be passed onto us regardless. The freight and PDI charges allow the dealers deceive the general public with low cost vehicles... e.g. a $5 car with $24,995 in freight / PDI.
