Hello folks,

My daughter collected a 70-plate Fiesta from the dealer yesterday.

Was told some guff about the service history being online.

She said they mentioned something about an app to download, that she had to create an account and that she needed the vehicle's VIN.

Pretty disgusted that they didn't either (a) give her detailed information about how to do this or (b) do it for her/with her when she collected the car.

They didn't even give her a print-out of any services done on the car, nor of the latest MOT.

Pretty poor really in my opinion.

So, from my point of view, what does she need to do (apart from contact the dealer again)?

Is this 'app' that was mentioned available for Apple / Android phones?

Is there a web-based version that she can use with a pc - or does it have to be by phone?

Can she download and print out any past services recorded on the digital service record?

Lastly, I'm guessing that if the car hasn't been serviced at a Ford Dealership, there might not even BE a record of the service?

All in all, this move to a paperless / digital service record seems to be a huge step backwards.

Any thoughts/help/comments welcome.

Zaph

It’s the Ford Pass app she needs and they’re right that she’ll need the vehicles VIN after setting up an account. 
 

It’s not too bad to setup but you’d think they would assist rather than rushing her out of the door. If it’s not a Ford approved service then it won’t appear there, so no Halfords etc. If they haven’t provided any paperwork then I’d either assume it’s all been Ford main dealer or it’s part service history. 

Online service history is a good idea.  It's just been executed incredibly poorly.

We've all been able to access MOT history online, just using a reg number, for over a decade now.  That works absolutely perfectly, and is how service history should be!

However, there's still no public access to online service history even now, which is ridiculous.  In addition to the dealerships own system, there is a national database where most garages record work done with the date & mileage.  But no public access to either systems.

The FordPass app is hit and miss.  Not all Ford dealerships seem to upload to it (though why it isn't automatically uploaded I have no idea).  And it doesn't seem to show every type of work done, often it only shows the scheduled services.  A 70 plate Fiesta has probably only had one service at 2 years old.

With my Golf, the service history is also all online, no service book provided, however some of the VW dealers are more than happy to email or print a copy of the VW DSR, which does include all work carried out on the vehicle in the VW network.  I am unsure if Ford dealerships are willing to do the same, but it's definitely worth an ask.

That does seem pretty poor on the part of the supplying dealer.

If going outside the dealer network for future service, members of the Independent Garages Association (part of the RMI) can supposedly access most of the major manufacturers digital records:

https://independentgarageassociation.co.uk/member-service-spotlight-digital-service-records/

When I was at Trustford, the sales exec made all efforts to get the app installed on the customers phone. It was a Ford requirement. 

It's still useful app to have. I use the standard one and Pro version both free. You can track your car location, fuel, mileage, oil and tyre pressure. 

Unfortunately the feature telling you if a door had been opened, offering increased security, was discontinued.