Hi CTC folks. I have a question about pressure-testing a cooling system. My 23 Bronco Sport Badlands has a known issue. The water pumps fail. Anyone with a Bronco Sport lives in fear it will strike them. Some owners have had 5 water pumps, proving Ford never dealt with the underlying issue, but just puts in known-bad water pumps as replacements. My coolant is now a bit under the MIN line when checked according to the manual’s instructions. About a half inch under. I plan to have the system “pressure checked.” Could that pressure test possibly damage other things? The vehicle is 29 months young with 12K miles. Any insights are welcome. (I have a great dealer who will do the work). No visible leaks. Car has heat and temp seems about normal. Possibly a bit longer to warm up than I’d expect. Thx
When a cooling system pressure test is performed, you look at what the pressure cap reflects as the max pressure, and that’s what the system is pressurized too.
This should cause no damage to the cooling system.
Tester
I’d sell it/trade it before warranty expires. Then get a new one. No worries.
Something that’s about to let go . . . such as a weakened plastic coolant component . . . will often leak during a coolant pressure test
How much coolant is it using? Adding a small amount of coolant with every oil change is not unusual. I’d only get the system checked if you’re adding coolant every month or two.
When you ask that the cooling system be pressure tested, also ask that the pressure cap also be tested. Coolant can escape from the cooling system as a vapor when a pressure cap becomes weak.
Tester
If the dealer does the pressure test and anything fails, are those parts covered by the warranty? I’m guessing that you are under 36,000 miles.
What is the nature of the water pump failure on your 2023 Bronco Sport?
Leak from the housing, o-ring leak, etc.?
Or is it a failure related to the plastic impeller? . . . the aftermarket pumps I’m seeing also seem to use plastic impellers, fwiw
Absolutely. I put relatively few miles on my car because I often have a media vehicle to use. I bought a Ford extended warranty on this BSBL that covers me until 2031, and by then, I will have gifted it or traded it in. I love the vehicle, but it is not known for its reliability.
For sure. Yes, it is under the full warranty still.
Excellent question. I will find out.
Great advice I will take. Thanks