John SCB

To all of you lucky owners that already have your GT's, I would like to make
up a checklist of things to tick off before I accept the keys to my car (hopefully
to be delivered early April).

For example, the hood-shaking thing will require that i take it up to at least
100 mph be sure that doesn't happen. Also, check for front end noise from the
strut bearings, Shaker 500 skipping, Fuel tank issues..etc.

Anything y'all have already discovered as possible issues would be appreciated.
I'll compose a basic checklist and put the car through the wringer before accepting it from the dealer.
Tough as it will be, I don't want to drive it off the lot unless it's perfect!

TIA/John

RaGsHoCkEy88

this would come in helpful to me too

zwooky

If you ordered wheel locks, check to make sure the "key" is in your console! Also, make sure they've detailed and filled her up! Might want to ask for a free oil change/checkup!

StangNut

Good topic. Post the list once you've compiled it. I'm sure lots of people would like to use it.

Montrose

Here's the list I had compiled before picking up my GT. Unfortunately, as there was a snow storm that day, I didn't get a chance to check these, but I'm not worried. I have a warranty and a great dealer.

These are items I have read about on this site:

Missing lower two transmission bolts on bellhousing
Rear end noise on turning - limited slip problem
Upper strut mount bearing noise when turning front wheels
Gas fill up problems
CD skipping
Window opening/closing issue
Rattle in trunk panel
Brake squeak
Check engine light problems
Quality of paint - chips, overspray, dents on body under paint
Noisy manual transmission
Spoiler bent or twisted

Additional ones to watch for later:

Fuel rail discolouration
ECU flash
Throttle body problem

General ones:

Fit of body parts
Fit of seat upholstery
Orange peel in paint
Fit of IUP dash panels
MyColor operation

Also:

Issue of front licence plate holes
Need for car cover

I don't think you'll have too many problems

ddanimal

Great topic. I almost started it yesterday!

Are there any Alarm issues out there to watch for? I'm getting the Active Alarm.

Hellcat6

Good post. I am picking mine up in a few hours so I will be watching closely. Many of the issues, Shaker and clunking front end for example, are going to take some time to really show up. You may not be able to get a clear understanding of those on a test drive. Don't fret, they are covered by the waranty.

I think the biggest things to watch for are those that the dealer may consider not covered by warranty. Those you must check prior to leaving the lot.

Paint is the biggest issue. If there are chips or scratches at delivery you need to find them and point them out. Come back a week later and who is to say that you didn't park at WalMart everyday. The dealer will not want to do anything about it then.

Watch for rail dust. The dealer will clean up your car but he won't be putting down a couple coats of expensive wax. Still, the surface should feel smooth to the touch. If you can feel something on the paint, and actually hear your hand going across the paint, you have rail dust. It does not come off with wax, you have to use a clay bar to remove it. Make them do it. Ask Maucoin65 (Mike), he just went through this.

If you want all the paperwork from inside the car and you don't want dealer stickers on the car you have to tell them prior to taking delivery!

Lots more but those are things not often discussed. Good luck!

Karpro

Here is an interesting checklist someone put together a few years ago. Some of the things are Escape/Tribute specific but its pretty complete.

http://www.escape-central.com/6checklist.htm

GhostTX

Check EVERYTHING that's supposed to come with IUP. There's been several people previous posting about missing door sills, shifter trim, and message center.

Also, check to make sure the GT badge is on the trunk. And if you ordered Active Anti-Theft, see if the key FOB rolls the windows down.

Zig-Zag

Here is a delivery checklist I found and adapted for the Mustang.

Paperwork check
__ Vehicle Identification - Check VIN on dashboard and door plate against title
__ Owners manual, vehicle warranty, Ford contact pamphlet, tire warranty, other documentation.
__ Option Verification - Check Sticker to verify all codes

Exterior Appearance
NOTE: While inspecting exterior, look for finish problems such as bubbles in clear coat, excessive orange peel, industrial fallout, scratches, dents, etc.
Front End
__ Bumpers
__ Fenders
__ Hood
__ Grille
__ Radio antenna
Passenger Area
__ Windshield
__ Roof
__ Seams
Passenger Area - Driver Side
__ Door fit and finish
__ Lock
__ Door Jamb Area
__ Hinges
__ Gaskets
__ Window
__ Mirror
Passenger Area - Passenger Side
__ Door fit and finish
__ Door Jamb Area
__ Hinges
__ Gaskets
__ Window
__ Mirror
Rear End
__ Bumpers
__ Fender
__ Gas Cap
__ Deck / Spoiler
__ Licence plate
Trunk
__ Lock
__ Gaskets
__ Liner

Jack, Lug Nut, and Tire Checks
Wheels & Tires
__ Check door plate against tire size for match
__ Right Front Tire - proper size, tread pattern, inflation pressure - 32 psi
__ Right Front Wheel
__ Left Front Tire - proper size, tread pattern, inflation pressure - 32 psi
__ Left Front Wheel
__ Right Rear Tire - proper size, tread pattern, inflation pressure - 32 psi
__ Right Rear Wheel
__ Left Rear Tire - proper size, tread pattern, inflation pressure - 32 psi
__ Left Rear Wheel
__ Spare - installed, proper size and tread
Jack and wheel changing accessories
__ Retrieve jack and tire tools - inspect for completeness
__ Check jack function - it may be stiff, but should crank up and down
__ Using the lug wrench, verify that all lugs are tight and not cross-threaded
__ Return jack and accessories

Under body
__ Check for loose/missing parts/leaks
__ Front Stabilizer Bar
__ Steering Linkage
__ Exhaust
__ Driveshaft
__ Rear Stabilizer Bar
__ Panhard Rod
__ Shocks
__ Brakes
__ Transmission Cooler/Lines
__ Radiator Hose clamps
__ Parking Brake Cable

Under hood
__ Check function of primary hood latch
__ Check function of secondary hood latch
__ Check for smooth hinge operation with no binding
__ Check grill for loose fasteners
__ Identify all components
__ Check Brake fluid
__ Check Power steering fluid
__ Check Oil level
__ Check Washer fluid
__ Check Battery cables
Check Air Cleaner
__ Installed?
__ Check housing for obstructions (coffee cups, trash)
__ Check filter seal - Plastic air cleaners housings can warp, allowing unfiltered air to pass.

Interior
Front Seats
__ Appearance of upholstery and hardware
__ Center Console
Front Driver Side
__ 6-way power seat test
__ Power Lumbar Function
__ Recline Function
__ Folding Function
Front Passenger Side
__ 2-way seat test
__ Recline Function
__ Folding Function
__ Occupation Sensor - Air Bag
__ Glove Box
Rear Seat
__ Appearance of uphostery and hardware
__ Folding Function
Carpet
__ Check for window or door seal leaks.
__ Check for stains and tears
__ Floor mats
General Interior Fit and Finish
__ Dash & Steering wheel
__ Shifter & Pedals
__ Headliner & Door Panels
__ Interior Upgrade Package

Lights
Turn on Lights and check bulbs
__ Check Instrument Panel Light dimmer
__ High beam
__ Low Beam
__ Fog Lights
__ Tail Lights
__ License plate lights
__ Side marker lights
__ Daytime running lights
Turn lights off
__ Brake lights
__ Emergency Flashers
__ Turn signals
__ Dome lights on when doors open
__ Dome lights on when doors closed and switch on
__ Trunk (cargo) light - Turn on and off with switch
__ Temporarily engage reverse gear and check backup lights

Interior Electronics
Shaker
__ Tune an AM station
__ balance speakers
__ seek new station
__ Tune an FM station
__ balance speakers
__ seek new station
__ Play a CD
__ Play an MP3
Mirror test
__ Vanity Mirror Left, Right
__ Rearview Mirror - adjust, flip day/night
__ Driver Mirror - Adjust Left, Right, Up Down
__ Passenger Mirror - Adjust Left, Right, Up Down
Steering Wheel
__ Blow Horn
__ Adjust tilt to fit
Electronics
__ Check Message Center
__ Check Setup
__ Accessory Delay
Power Windows/Locks
__ Lock and Unlock Doors
__ Raise and lower windows
__ Keyless entry functions.
Wipers
__ Wash & Wipe
__ Check All Speeds
Climate Controls
__ Check for blower motor squeak
__ Check Fan on all speeds
__ Cycle through all control positions
__ A/C runs in Defrost positions
__ Temperature **** turns smoothly

Alarm System
Passive
__ Insert key to check disarming
__ Remove key to check arming
Active
__ Arm system
__ Disarm system
__ Global window - Down FOB
__ Global window - Up Key
__ Global window - Down Key

Operation Verification
Set parking brake
Put transmission in Park
Turn key to run position ( DO NOT START )
__ Warning lights should illuminate and then go out (engine warning should stay lit )
__ Oil pressure reads 0
__ Water Temperature steady
__ Voltmeter reads less than 12.5 Volts and steady.
__ Fuel Gauge steady
__ Tachometer reads 0
__ Warning Buzzer should sound if door is opened
__ Warning Buzzer should sound if headlights are turned on
Start Engine
__ Firm brake pedal (not mush, does not slowly sink to floor)
__ Oil Pressure - normal and steady
__ Water temperature steady
__ Voltmeter should read 13.5 to 14.5 volts
__ Fuel Gauge steady
__ Tachometer steady at a reasonable idle speed
__ No Warning Lights or Buzzers
__ Look for Mirror Vibration at idle
__ Turn wheel to lock in both directions - should not bind
__ Shift between forward and reverse gears listening for abnormal sounds and clunks
Stop Engine

Road Test
Ready for a drive??
__ Check Seat and Mirror Adjustments
__ Test reverse gear
__ Parking Brake should hold in 1st gear
__ Release parking brake and run through the gears - listen for noise
__ Firm shifts
__ Listen for noises while running straight, turning, and when stopping
__ Can you hear the turn signals?
__ Listen for valve tappet noises
__ Feel for a Steering wheel clunk over bumps or when stopping
__ Push/pull top of steering wheel to check for play
__ Check alignment - no pulling left or right
__ Braking - no pulling left or right
__ Cruise Control - check function of Set, Coast, Accelerate, Resume, Cancel
__ Climate Control - check A/C and heating functions
__ Check mirrors for vibration at speed
__ Check hood for vibration at speed

If vehicle is still OK at this point, it can be accepted.
__ Finalize the paperwork and leave the dealer
__ Fill up the fuel tank if the dealer did not do it.
__ Drive the vehicle on expressway
__ Test speedometer accuracy with stopwatch & mile markers
__ Retest cruise control functions
__ Listen for noises
__ Feel for vibrations
__ Watch for steering problems
__ Note all the people staring at your sweet ride!

StangNut

Hey Karpro (or another salesman) how about posting a Ford PDI checklist.

John SCB

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas. I'd like to use Zig-Zags as a base, then add the other items that have been identified as issues....especially that shaking hood, cracked windshields, flickering MyColor dash panel and things like that. Give me a few days and I'll post it.

jayguy

Fantastic checklist, zig-zag. I'll definitely be using it when I pick my car up. Thanks for putting it up here for us! I think you left one part out of the test drive though. Check traction control: on - Full throttle takeoff from a stop, how much wheel spin is allowed? off - Full Throttle from a stop, how much more wheel spin is allowed?

Ripstang

I really like this thread,I think it should be made into a sticky "checklist for your 2005 stang" .Lots of great ideas here

maucoin65

This is a great thread, very comprehensive. I wish I had this when I took delivery 2 weeks ago.

As noted above, some of these things may not manifest themselves during a test drive on delivery day or night, especially the front steering popping / clunking sound, or the Shaker CD problems. Be patient and rely on the warranty.

Speaking of warranty, give some thought prior to taking delivery as to whether or not you want the Ford ESP extended warranty. They will hit you cold with that while you are in the Finance guy's office checking out, and you may be a bit overwhelmed at that moment by all the excitement. Get an ESP brochure before the car arrives (Lord knows we all have plenty of time waiting for its arrival), so that you can make an informed decision that's best for you, not a rushed decision to accept or decline. I declined on the spot, then went back 2 days later and got a better plan (premium care) for 1 year longer, at the same price offered 2 nights earlier. Go figure.

Try to take delivery in the daylight and good weather if possible, even if you have to wait an extra day. It's very difficult to thoroughly check out your car at night or in the rain.

As Drew / Hellcat noted above, I just went through the rail dust issue. My dealer was great about taking care of it under warranty, as they should have. My only beef is that the car should never have been delivered in that condition in the first place. The "get ready" man should have noticed it and reported it to the salesman. They should have taken the extra day and clay barred it before delivery. When I picked it up last Friday, the car was pristine and gorgeous, as it should have been the previous Wednesday night when I took delivery. But the dealer is generally in a big hurry to convert the car into cash, so they tend to deliver quickly then sort out issues later. I would have much preferred to wait another day or two and have the car delivered in proper condition.

As Drew noted, you can feel it as the surface is not smooth but rough. In my case on the Windveil Blue, the rail dust appeared as tiny black dots or dashes on the paint. You couldn't see them from 5 feet away, but as you got closer you could see one dot, then another, and the more you looked the more you saw. Most people (not like us on TMS) would either not notice it, or just shrug it off wondering what that stuff is. INSIST on the dealer removing it, it is covered by Ford under the warranty. As Drew said, it will not come off (easily) with regular wax, you'll wear yourself out rubbing the paint too hard trying to do it yourself. And you'll never get it all out. It comes off fairly easily with clay bar, but you should not have to do that yourself to a new car.

Also, be sure they put a coat of decent wax on the car after the clay bar, as it strips any wax off the car. The dealer did wax it and mine looked great when I picked it up, but they must have used a cheap wax because during the first rain afterward the water didn't seem to bead up like it should, so I put a coat of Meguiar's Gold Class on it first chance I had. But have the dealer wax it for you as a precaution in case you don't have time to wax it yourself for a while. Again, you should not have to wax the car right after purchase, but after the clay bar the car should have and needs a good coat of wax applied.

Also, carefully inspect the windshield for a stress crack. Mine had one before I took delivery; the salesman noticed it and had to order a new windshield from out of town, which took an extra day. In fact, it was not there the afternoon it came off the truck, but appeared by the next morning. If they do replace your windshield, be sure they replace it with a Ford factory glass including the pony etched at the top center, behind the rear view mirror. And of course, check for wind or water leaks.

Ditto on everything else above. Good luck. Mike

frdtch05gt

One thing I spotted on my car was an a-pillar trim piece on the passenger door that was light grey instead of black, didn't see it until a few days later. They replaced it under warranty though, no problem there. Just make sure all your interior trim is the same color, someone probably just grabbed what they had available and slapped it on. Also, make sure the spoiler is tight, I had to have mine worked on a bit, one bolt was stripped out.

Karpro

Here is a copy of the Ford PDI checklist.

StangNut

Thanks, Paul. I'll be using it tomorrow. All we had was a generic checklist.

RaGsHoCkEy88

this checklist is awesome. ill let ford to their PDI check list but i think im gonna use this one when i take delivery. u know how anxious im gonna be tho omg!!