Component Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford Explorer. 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: The cooling system is filled with Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the manufacturer's specified coolant. If a non-specified coolant has been used the cooling system must be chemically flushed. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTE: Use Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types degrades the coolant corrosion protection and may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTE: During normal vehicle operation, Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant may change color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.

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

Turn the engine OFF.

Fig 1: Checking Cooling System Pressure Using Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Check the engine coolant level. Adjust the coolant level as necessary.
Attach 300-OTC014-R1068 to the degas bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install 014-R1072 to the quick connect fitting of the test adapter.
NOTE: Do not pressurize the cooling system beyond the maximum pressure listed in the specifications table or cooling system components may be damaged. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS , GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS .

NOTE: If the plunger of the pressure tester is pressed too fast, an incorrect pressure reading results.

Slowly press the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained. If the pressure reading exceeds the maximum cap pressure listed in the specifications table, install a new pressure relief cap. REFER to SPECIFICATIONS .
If the system does not hold pressure, remove the pressure relief cap and wash it in clean water to dislodge all of the foreign material from the gasket. Check the sealing surface in the filler neck of the degas bottle for nicks or cuts. Use fine sandpaper or emery cloth to remove nicks and cuts. Place a shop cloth in the filler neck to prevent debris from falling into the degas bottle. If nicks or cuts are too deep to remove, install a new degas bottle. Install the pressure relief cap.
Pressurize the engine cooling system as described in Step 4. Observe the gauge reading for approximately 2 minutes. Pressure should not drop during this time. If the pressure drops, inspect for leaks and repair as necessary.
If no leaks are found and the pressure drops, the pressure relief cap may be leaking. Install a new pressure relief cap and retest the system.
If no leaks are found after a new pressure relief cap is installed, and the pressure drops, the leak may be internal to the engine. Inspect the coolant for engine oil and the engine oil for coolant. REFER to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING , Engine, Symptom Chart: Engine Performance.
Release the system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check the coolant level and adjust as necessary.