a control means 14 the pressure monitor 12 generates a signal representative 20 of a measured pressure that is received by the control means 14 the control means 14 sends signals 22 to the fluid system 24 the pressure monitor 12 is placed in communication with the fluid 16 in the fluid path 32 the control means 14 issues a pressure command signal 38 to the controllable pressure source 30 to cause it to generate the source pressure in one fluid path section 32 the control means 14 compares the measured pressure to the source pressure and generates an error message if the difference between the measured pressure and the source pressure exceeds a predetermined value preferably the method determines whether a pressurized system is established within a specified time after a source pressure is applied the fluid system 24 further comprises at least one fluid connection means 40 having a plurality of ports 42 44 46 48 for interconnecting with the at least one controllable pressure source 30 and the at least one fluid path section 32 the fluid connection means 40 is capable of assuming at least a first position wherein fluid flows between at least two of the plurality of ports in response to a connect command signal 52 and a second position in which no fluid flows in response to a disconnect command signal.