2021 Audi Pre-Delivery Inspection Reference Guide

Audi's Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is a critical step in the new vehicle delivery process, designed to ensure that every vehicle meets the brand's stringent quality and performance standards before it reaches the customer. For the 2021 model year, Audi issued a detailed Technician Reference Document to guide dealerships through this essential process. This document, effective February 26, 2021, and identified as Version 1.2, serves as a companion to the standard PDI Checklist, offering additional information and specific instructions for various Audi models.

This guide is not a recall or a technical service bulletin addressing a specific fault. Instead, it's a comprehensive manual for technicians, ensuring that all aspects of a new Audi are thoroughly checked, configured, and ready for the road. A proper Audi pre-delivery inspection guarantees that all features, from advanced driver assistance systems to infotainment settings, are operating as intended.

The Importance of a Thorough PDI

For new car owners, a meticulous PDI means receiving a vehicle that is in perfect working order, with all settings optimized and all components verified. It helps prevent early ownership issues and ensures a seamless initial experience with the vehicle. Technicians use this reference to perform checks that might not be detailed on the standard PDI Checklist, especially for items marked with an asterisk (*).

Diagnostic and System Checks

The PDI process begins with a series of diagnostic and system-level checks to ensure the vehicle's electronic systems are functioning correctly.

• Vehicle Preparation: Technicians must first perform any open campaigns, which are manufacturer-issued updates or fixes. This ensures the vehicle has the latest software and component revisions.
• Diagnostic Work: A vehicle diagnostic tester is connected to the vehicle. Technicians select the "Diagnosis" mode, perform vehicle identification, and untick "Working with Guided Fault Finding." They then switch to the "Special functions" tab and select the "Delivery Inspection total" program. This program guides them through a comprehensive check, evaluating static event memory entries and processing them using "Guided Fault Finding" if necessary. A diagnostic log for the delivery inspection is automatically sent upon completion.
• Front License Plate Carrier Installation: If required, the front license plate carrier must be installed. Any removed trim is retained for the customer. If no carrier is needed, it must remain in the trunk for the customer.

Exterior and Interior Component Verification

Numerous checks are performed on the vehicle's exterior and interior to confirm functionality and proper configuration.

• Key Functionality: All keys are checked for functionality, including starting the vehicle, remote locking/unlocking, and operation of door handle sensors with Advanced Key (if equipped).
• Lighting and Windshield: Front washers and headlight washers (if equipped) are tested, and their aim is corrected if necessary. Headlights must be on to test the washers.
• Trunk Inspection: This involves installing the wheel bolt cover removal tool from the PDI kit into the trunk tool kit, along with the wheel lock key (if applicable). The spare tire pressure is set according to the "Audi Normal Load Condition Tire Pressure Table" found on ServiceNet. Battery clamps are checked for proper torque, with specifications found in Elsa Pro.
  • For specific models like the A6/S6/A6 allroad/RS 6 Avant and A7/A7 PHEV/S7/RS 7, a PR Number Label must be placed in the Warranty and Maintenance Book and on the Rear Panel Sill Frame. For vehicles produced prior to September 12, 2018, these labels are located in the trunk on top of the spare tire.
• Power Tailgate: For models like the Q3, Q7/SQ7, and Q8/SQ8/RS Q8, the power tailgate's operation is verified, and its default opening height is set to 77.7 inches (197 cm) by pressing and holding the close button for at least four seconds.
• Windows, Locks, and Seat Controls: All switches for windows, locks, seat adjustment, heated seats (if equipped), and child safety features are checked.
• Mirrors: Operation of folding, adjustments, right-side tilt in reverse, heating, and self-dimming functions are inspected.
• Climate Control: Proper heating and A/C cooling are verified, and all panel vents are opened for all zones.
• Power Outlets: All front, auxiliary (under armrest), and rear power outlets are inspected.
• Panoramic Sunroof and Sunshade: Operation for opening, closing, venting, and deflector at the edge is verified.
• Heated/Ventilated/Massaging Seats: For models equipped with these features, both front and rear seats are checked, with massaging functionality typically only in the front.
• Power Door Closing: For vehicles with this feature, all doors are checked for proper closing.
• Convertible Functionality: For convertible models like the A5/S5/RS 5, R8 Coupe/Spyder, and TT/TTS/TT RS, the power folding top operation is tested with the engine running to conserve battery power.

Vehicle Settings Configuration

Correct configuration of vehicle settings is crucial for customer satisfaction and optimal vehicle performance.

• Time Source and Daylight Savings: The time source setting is set to "GPS," and "Auto daylight savings time" is turned "on." The time zone is adjusted to the dealer's location.
• Language and Measurement Units: These are verified and set in the Settings menu (Menu > Vehicle > Vehicle settings or Setup/Settings menu).
• Speech Dialog System: The "Talk" button is pressed, and several commands are verified to ensure the system is operating correctly.
• Parking Aid and Music Volume while Parking: "Entertain. Fad." in the Parking aid is set to an audible level via "Menu > Vehicle > Left Option > Driver Assistance > Parking Aid." "Music volume while parking" is set to medium via the MMI rear view camera display, Settings > Music volume while parking (for vehicles with park assist or rear view camera).
• Dealership Location in Navigation: The dealership location is set in the navigation system for future back-to-dealership routing during road tests.
• Manual Speed Warning: This feature is turned "off." It can be changed in the Driver Assistance settings by going to Menu > Vehicle > Driver Assistance > Speed Warning > Manual > Select Off.
• HD Radio: HD Radio is verified to be turned "off" in the Radio/Settings Menu.
• Climate Control via Door Unlock (e-tron specific): For the e-tron, technicians verify that "Start A/C after unlocking" is unselected (disabled) in the climate control settings (Main screen => Vehicle => Climate control => small temperature gauge symbol in upper right section => settings ("wheel" upper right)).
• CD Ripping (R8 Coupe & Spyder / TT Coupe & Roadster / TTS / TT RS specific): For these models, the adaptation channel for CD Ripping is enabled using Guided Functions (via Special functions > Service work > 5F-Activating/deactivating storage of music). A 3-button MMI reset completes the activation. Owners can refer to their manual for the model-specific button sequence.

Underbody and Wheel Checks (On-Hoist Inspection)

Once the vehicle is on a hoist, specific checks related to the wheels and underbody are performed.

• Wheel Bolt Covers and Center Caps: These are installed from the PDI kit. For Q5/Q5 PHEV/Q5 Sportback/SQ5 models, it's crucial to ensure proper alignment to the valve stem (indentation in the wheel) lines up with the tab on the center cap for correct mounting.
• Wheel Bolt Torque: Wheel bolts are inspected for proper torque using a torque wrench.
• Tire Pressures: Tire pressures are set and stored for either sold vehicles or stock inventory. For sold units, pressures are set to the appropriate Normal Load Condition as per the "Audi Normal Load Condition Tire Pressure Table." For stock inventory, pressures are set to the maximum recommended levels listed on the B-pillar door jamb, and these values are stored in the Car/System menu.

Driving Performance and Driver Assistance

Road tests and system verifications ensure the vehicle's dynamic capabilities and driver assistance features are fully operational.

• Engine Start-Stop System: Functionality is verified, ensuring the velum sticker is on the start/stop button. The start/stop information card is removed from the car kit and placed in the glove box with the owner's manuals.
• Engine Performance and Acceleration: Technicians listen for abnormal noises or vibrations during acceleration.
• Brake System Test: Brakes are applied at least four times at 20 mph (35 km/h) to clean brake rotors, checking for abnormal noise, vibration, or pulsation.
• Rear View Mirror Calibration: The rear view mirror compass is calibrated to the proper zone, and its self-dimming function/lighting is checked.
• Parking System Operation: The operation of Audi parking system sensors with the rear view camera is verified.
• Head-up Display Functionality: For vehicles with a Head-up Display, the image is adjusted properly in the windshield's viewing area. Navigation directions, speed, cruise control, and lane assist are all verified to be visible.

Audi connect® Services

For Audi connect® equipped vehicles (USA ONLY), specific checks are performed to ensure connectivity features are active.

• Wi-Fi® Hotspot Activation and Visibility: The wireless network is turned on via Telephone > Right Option > Wi-Fi® options > Wi-Fi® "On." Technicians verify the Wi-Fi® hotspot functionality is enabled and that the Access point (SSID) is set to "AUDIXXXXX," where XXXXX represents the last five digits of the VIN, which are automatically preset in the system. The document notes that "No data available at PDI due to dealer demo mode" for hotspot visibility.
• Satellite Map View for Navigation: Satellite map view is enabled in the Navigation > Gear Icon > Map Settings, and technicians verify that satellite imagery appears on the navigation map screen.

Final Checks

After all other inspections, a final check of the engine oil level is performed, ensuring it is filled to the maximum when the vehicle is at operating temperature. This thorough Audi pre-delivery inspection process ensures that every new Audi is delivered in optimal condition.

Important Notes for Owners

This document is an internal Audi service communication (NHTSA ID 10187905) intended for dealership technicians. It outlines the detailed steps required to prepare a new 2021 Audi vehicle for delivery. Owners will not receive a copy of this document directly, but understanding its content can provide insight into the comprehensive checks performed on their new vehicle. If you have concerns about any of these features or settings, discuss them with your Audi dealership.

Source: NHTSA ID 10187905