When I worked at TGS as the after-sales and pdi Quality Assurance Manager, I always told every customer that a PDI, short for pre-delivery inspection, confirms a brand new vehicle is ready for operational use and protects its warranty cover from day one.
Pdi
The Toyota distributor gets a notification of sale from Toyota Motor Corporation, and once the vehicle reaches its final destination, the consignee calls the distributor to arrange warranty registration and pick up the warranty booklet, a job that falls under the distributor’s duties and responsibilities and costs no extra charge.
Down at Signature Mazda in Richmond Auto Mall, a technician runs the same kind of inspection, making sure the car leaves the lot in fine condition and full working condition.
Battery Check
Depending on the delivery method, a battery sometimes gets disconnected for safety reasons during transport, so the first thing I check is the battery terminal to make sure it stays securely fixed.
Every under-hood inspection includes a full battery test that checks the entire electrical system, not just the connections. I also press down on the battery clamps myself to confirm they feel tight before signing off.
Interior Feature Check
Inside the cabin, I work through every one of the interior features step by step, starting with the radio, the interior lights, and the central door locking, pdi all of which run through a small shop fuse that ships from the factory in its transit position and must move to its operational position before anything works.
From there I check the map light, the dome light, the center light, and the door lock light, then test the sunglasses holder, the moon roof, and the rear view mirror, along with the side mirrors and the telescoping steering wheel.
I also warm up the heated seats and the heated steering wheel, check the heated rear glass, confirm the window lock switch stops the rear windows from moving, and make sure the fuse itself sits correctly.
Accessory/Parts Protection
For extra protection, I place all loose accessories into storage inside the transit safety box, which keeps them safe from theft and damage during delivery.
I also take off a few easily removable parts so nothing gets scratched or lost along the way. This small step saves customers a lot of frustration once the vehicle finally arrives.
Infotainment & Software Check
On the infotainment system, known here as Mazda Connect, I go through the accessories menu, reset the clock for daylight savings time, and pdi balance the sound system so everything plays evenly.
I confirm the software version is current and run an update if it isn’t, then test the walk-away lock, which locks the doors automatically about five steps after you leave with the key fob.
I also check the 3-point flash turn signal, which flashes three times whenever you turn left, and I watch the interior timers and the dome light to make sure nothing stays on after you walk away.
Connectivity Check
To check bluetooth connectivity, I pair my phone and make a live test call right from the driver’s seat.
I listen through the speakers to judge the audio quality, making sure the phone call sounds clear on both ends. That live call is a simple way to catch any static or connection issue in seconds.
Door & Rear Hatch Check
At the doors, I pull the inner door handle to confirm it opens, then flip the child lock to make sure it holds from the inside.
I roll the window up and down, play some music through the speaker to check the sound, and move to the rear to test the heated glass.
I press the hatch open button and check that pdi the automatic pinch feature stops the hatch the moment it senses resistance.
Underbody & Spare Tire Check
I always crouch down and look underneath the car for anything out of place.
Then I check the spare tire and the jack tools to make sure everything needed for a roadside fix is there. It only takes a minute, but it means the pdi driver won’t be caught off guard on the road later.
Under-Hood Fluids & Components
Under the hood, I top up the wiper washer fluid, check the engine oil level, and confirm the radiator cap and the radiator fluid reservoir aren’t showing any leaks.
I check the brake fluid, look over the engine air filter, and take off the engine cover to look for loose wires or any scratch or damage. I also give pdi the battery clamps one more look before closing everything back up.
Wheel & Tire Setup
For the wheels, I install the hub cap set, put in the wheel lock key, and check each rim for visual damage.
During transportation, tire pressure usually sits high, close to 50 psi, so I bring it back down to specification once the car arrives. Finally, I torque all the wheels to the correct setting.
Undercarriage Check
Underneath, I check the engine oil pan and its drain plug for fluid leaks, then look at the transmission pan and the transmission drain plug.
I confirm the oil filter is tight, check the radiator drain plug for leaks, and look for anything coming from the transfer case. I also check the cv axle boots to make sure they aren’t torn, look over the coolant, and check the belts that run the compressor and the water pump.
Exterior & Emissions Check
Moving to the middle of the car, I check the catalytic converter and make sure all the hangers are in place with no looseness.
I look over the exhaust for cracks or damage, pdi check that the covers sit properly, and scan the bumper for any cuts.
Road Test
Before the road test, I slide in an SD card for the navigation and set the home address as the destination.
On the road, I turn on cruise control and watch it pdi accelerate, decelerate, and resume after I tap the brake switch, then I try the tiptronic mode to feel it downshift through a corner.
I also switch into sport mode, check that the automatic manual transmission shifts smoothly, and glance at the compass to confirm it reads correctly.
Conclusion
Once the road test wraps up, pdi I park the CX-5 against the wall so it’s ready to go to detail. From there, it’s fully prepped for delivery to its new owner.
FAQS About Pdi
What does PDI stand for?
PDI stands for pre-delivery inspection, the check every brand new vehicle goes through before reaching the customer. It confirms the vehicle is fully ready and protects the warranty cover from day one.
Why is PDI important for the warranty?
The distributor completes the PDI and issues the warranty booklet as part of validating warranty registration. Without it, the warranty cover on the vehicle may not apply correctly.
Who is responsible for carrying out the PDI?
The Toyota distributor or dealership technician carries out the inspection once notified of the sale. This falls under the distributor’s duties and responsibilities, with no extra charge to the customer.
What does a PDI check inside the vehicle?
The technician checks interior features like the radio, interior lights, heated seats, and infotainment system. Mirrors, windows, and the central door locking are also tested for proper operational position.
Does PDI include checking the battery?
Yes, the battery terminal and battery clamps are checked to confirm they stay securely fixed. A full battery test also checks the vehicle’s entire electrical system.
What happens under the hood during a PDI?
The technician checks the engine oil level, brake fluid, radiator fluid reservoir, and engine air filter. Any leaks, damage, or loose wires are noted and fixed before delivery.
Does a PDI include a road test?
Yes, the technician tests cruise control, tiptronic shifting, sport mode, and the navigation system. This confirms the vehicle drives smoothly before it reaches the customer.