Parts for your 2013 Ford Escape-Radiator cap

2013 Ford Escape radiator cap: does it have one?

Short answer: a traditional radiator cap isn’t used on the 2013 Ford Escape. Instead, this model runs a sealed, pressurised cooling system with a remote coolant reservoir (also called a degas or expansion bottle) that has the only pressure cap. This is confirmed in Ford’s technical literature: the 2013 Escape Owner’s Manual “Engine Coolant” section specifies a pressurised reservoir cap and provides no service point on the radiator, while the Ford Workshop Manual (Section 303-03, Engine Cooling, for 1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost and 2.5L Duratec) illustrates a radiator without a filler neck and directs all filling/bleeding via the degas bottle.

Why no radiator cap? Ford designed the Escape’s cooling system as a fully sealed, “degas” setup. The translucent reservoir is the highest point in the circuit and houses the pressure cap. This approach purges air more effectively, keeps the system consistently pressurised, and allows a low-profile radiator without a filler neck, which helps packaging in the tight engine bay—especially on EcoBoost turbo variants.

• Better air separation: air collects in the reservoir, reducing hot spots in the head and turbo.
• Consistent pressure: the spring-loaded reservoir cap maintains the target kPa/psi for higher boiling margins.
• Service simplicity: all checks and top-ups happen at the reservoir under the bonnet, no need to access the radiator.
• Improved safety: fewer chances to open the wrong cap on a hot engine.

If someone’s chasing a “radiator cap” for a 2013 Escape, the correct part is the coolant reservoir pressure cap. Use an OE-spec cap with the proper pressure rating (commonly around 138 kPa/20 psi—verify on the cap or in the manual). Signs the cap needs replacement include coolant odour, staining around the reservoir neck, hoses that collapse after cool-down, intermittent overheat warnings, or a cap seal that’s cracked or flattened. Only remove the cap when the engine is cold, if opening soon after shutdown, release pressure slowly.

Technical sources referenced: Ford Owner’s Manual (2013 Escape), Engine Coolant section, Ford Workshop Manual, Section 303-03 (Engine Cooling) for applicable engines. Both specify a pressurised coolant reservoir cap and no radiator-mounted cap.

Popular questions

Where is the radiator cap on a 2013 Ford Escape?
There isn’t a cap on the radiator. The pressure cap is on the translucent coolant reservoir (degas bottle) in the engine bay. Look for a black, labelled cap on the plastic tank used to check and top up coolant.

What pressure cap does a 2013 Escape use?
Ford specifies a pressurised reservoir cap, typically around 138 kPa (20 psi). Always match the exact rating shown on your existing cap or as listed in the owner’s manual, and choose an OE or equivalent quality part.

How do you safely remove the cap?
Wait until the engine is completely cool. Place a rag over the reservoir cap and turn it slowly anti-clockwise to allow any residual pressure to bleed off, then remove it fully. Never open the cap when the engine is hot.