Cooling System Pressure Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Vehicles have a pressure relief cap on the degas bottle and no radiator cap.

Turn the engine OFF.
Check the coolant level. Adjust the coolant level as necessary.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Fit the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester from the Pressure Test Kit to the degas bottle fill opening using the correct adapter.

NOTE: Do not pressurize the cooling system beyond the maximum pressure listed in the specifications table in this information, or cooling system components can be damaged.

NOTE: If the plunger of the pressure tester is pressed too fast, an erroneous pressure reading will result.
Pressurize the cooling system to the maximum allowed pressure and hold for 2 minutes. If the pressure drops within this time, inspect for leaks and repair as necessary.
If no leaks are found detach the CAC outlet pipe from the CAC and inspect for leaks at the bottom of the CAC. Repair as necessary.
If no leaks are found at the CAC, the leak may be internal to the transmission fluid cooler. Check for transmission fluid in the coolant and for coolant in the transmission fluid. Repair as necessary.
If no transmission fluid was found in the coolant and no coolant found in the transmission fluid, the leak may be internal to the fuel cooler. Check the coolant for fuel and the fuel in the fuel conditioning module for coolant. Repair as necessary.
If no fuel is found in the coolant and no coolant is found in the fuel, the leak may be in the CAC, but too small for coolant to be noticeable at the bottom of the CAC. Leak test the CAC. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION AND FILTERING - 6.7L POWER STROKE DIESEL Repair as necessary.
Release the system pressure and remove the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester from the Pressure Test Kit. Check the coolant level and adjust as necessary.