Looking for Advice for ABS Bleed with Scan Tool

[Jason in DLH]

So I’m a bit confused as this is the first time using a scan tool to cycle the ABS system. A few questions:

1. I read somewhere to do a complete bleed on all 4 wheels prior to performing ABS bleed. This true?

2. I did a complete bleed last night using a Capri Tools Vacuum bleeder. Do I need to basically do a whole round of bleeding on all 4 corners with the ABS cycling now? Or just perhaps on the right rear (furthest from master cylinder)?

3. How long should an ABS bleed take roughly?

I’d rather take the whole ABS system out or offline as I like to lock the tires and manually remove pressure from the pedal to regain steering ability. ABS stinks on snowy, hilly roads! My old Jeep had no ABS and manually using the brakes works way better! Anyway I can do this easily? Perhaps simply pull a fuse?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Doubeleive]

So I’m a bit confused as this is the first time using a scan tool to cycle the ABS system. A few questions:

1. I read somewhere to do a complete bleed on all 4 wheels prior to performing ABS bleed. This true?

2. I did a complete bleed last night using a Capri Tools Vacuum bleeder. Do I need to basically do a whole round of bleeding on all 4 corners with the ABS cycling now? Or just perhaps on the right rear (furthest from master cylinder)?

3. How long should an ABS bleed take roughly?

I’d rather take the whole ABS system out or offline as I like to lock the tires and manually remove pressure from the pedal to regain steering ability. ABS stinks on snowy, hilly roads! My old Jeep had no ABS and manually using the brakes works way better! Anyway I can do this easily? Perhaps simply pull a fuse?

Thanks in advance!

not sure on the bleed process, but yes for the abs you can simply pull the fuse, some take it a bit further and install a toggle switch on or under the dash so you can turn it on or off at will, can't get rid of the idiot light or dic warnings though.

 

[Jason in DLH]

I thought about it a little longer and I wonder what would happen if I put a resistor in after cutting the wire. I’m liking the idea of a toggle switch, but will probably just pull a fuse for now.

 

[Doubeleive]

I thought about it a little longer and I wonder what would happen if I put a resistor in after cutting the wire. I’m liking the idea of a toggle switch, but will probably just pull a fuse for now.

resistor probably would not do anything, the abs/suspension/transmission/engine are all tied together in one system on a high speed lan, it constantly monitors it's self
by pulling that fuse you wont have any cruise control, you might also be limited to 85mph (not sure, haven't personally experimented with pulling the abs fuse), the reason it might limit you is because sometimes if these trucks detect a problem it limits the speed to prevent damage or possible injury. the result may vary depending on the vehicle configuration.

you might also not have autostart, autostart is disabled when there is any cel, abs is not really a engine code but it could still be a side effect.

 

[Doubeleive]

@sumo or @iamdub might have more info on the abs bleed process

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Possibly @swathdiver as well, on the scanner usage in that application.

 

[1BADI5]

Only time I've bled the ABS module is if the customer car needed to have it replaced. Manufacture manual or Mitchell online at the shop will provide the vehicle specific procedure.

If the objective to the task at hand was just to flush the DOT3, then there should be no need to bleed the ABS module. AS you bleed the brakes out, fluid will still flow through the ABS module.

Bleed order - pass rear > driver rear > pass front > driver front

You'd only have to bleed the ABS module if you ran the master cylinder dry. I refill the MC after each wheel (if doing it manually). I normally use my Motive power bleeder.......spent more time jacking the truck up and removing the wheels then bleeding the brakes out; one man operation too

 

[Jason in DLH]

Great news then! I’m not going to bleed the ABS. I was only going to do it to flush old fluid out.

 

[Jason in DLH]

by pulling that fuse you wont have any cruise control, you might also be limited to 85mph

you might also not have autostart, autostart is disabled when there is any cel, abs is not really a engine code but it could still be a side effect.

I never use cruise anyhow and I don’t drive above 85 anymore, so no worries there.

My ABS light is on currently as a wheel speed sensor is loose and I still have auto start. So I’m thinking this won’t change if I pull the fuse, but will certainly check after I do.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Thanks all!