ABS Automated Bleed Procedure Without Pressure

Tools Required
• Scan Tool Tech 2 Scan Tool
• Delco Supreme II (or equivalent) DOT 3 Brake Fluid
• Plastic Bleeder Bottle (equipped with hose to recover brake fluid)

Important

If a pressure bleeder is not available, a manual pedal method can be used with the aid of an assistant. The manual pedal method will consist of the assistant opening and closing bleeder screws or actuating the brake pedal. The manual pedal method will still require the use of a Scan tool to properly bleed the brake system.

The alternate automated brake bleed procedure is used on DBC7 ABS systems. This procedure uses a Scan tool to cycle the solenoid valves and run the pump in order to purge air from the secondary circuits. The automated bleed procedure opens the secondary circuits, then allows trapped air in the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) to flow outwards to the individual corners, where the air is purged from the system.

Important

The alternate automated brake bleed procedure is required when one of the following has occurred:

Preliminary Inspection and Setup Procedure

1. Inspect the battery for full charge. Charge the battery or repair the charging system if the battery is not fully charged.
2. Connect a scan tool to DLC connector. Check and repair current or history DTCs prior to performing any brake system bleeding.
3. Inspect for visual damage or leaks, repair as needed.
4. Fill the master cylinder reservoir with clean brake fluid. Keep the reservoir at least half full during the entire bleed procedure.

Important

Use only DOT 3 brake fluid. Brake fluid is corrosive. Take care not to allow brake fluid to contact any painted surfaces. Wipe off and clean painted surface immediately if contact is made.

5. Turn the ignition switch to RUN, with the engine OFF.
6. Raise the vehicle on a suitable support.
7. Connect the scan tool and establish communication with ABS system by following these steps:
1. Select DIAGNOSTIC
2. Select the appropriate model year
3. Select SATURN (not passenger car)
4. Select CHASSIS
5. Select CAR LINE - Z
6. Select CONTINUE
The ABS braking is not available when ABS/TCS lamps are illuminated statement will appear on the screen.
7. Select SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
8. Select AUTOMATED BLEED
The Connect Required Brake Bleed Equipment statement will appear the on screen. Disregard the statement for this alternate automated bleed procedure.

Alternate Automated Bleed Procedure

1. With the bleeder screws in the closed position, Select CONTINUE to start the bleed procedure.
The first part of the automated bleed procedure will cycle the pump for 60 seconds. After cycling the pump, the scan tool will go into a cool-down mode for 180 seconds, a 3 minute timer will be displayed. The automated bleed procedure will not continue until the timer has expired, and it cannot be overridden.

Important

For the following steps, the assistant should be applying and holding the brake pedal, or opening and closing the designated bleeder screw when appropriate.

2. The scan tool will instruct to open the right rear bleeder screw first.
1. Before starting the bleed procedure, assistant should slowly stroke, apply, and hold the brake pedal.
2. Once the brake pedal is in a held position, press START on the scan tool and open the bleeder screw simultaneously.
3. When the brake pedal reaches the floor, close the bleeder screw. The assistant can now release the brake pedal.
4. The assistant should again stroke, apply, and hold the brake pedal.
5. Open the bleeder screw until the brake pedal reaches the floor. Then close the bleeder screw.
6. Repeat this procedure as many times as possible during the scan tool timed program or until all air is removed.
7. Once the scan tool is done cycling the designated brake corner, ensure that the bleeder screw is closed prior to moving on to the next corner.




3. Repeat step 2 with the scan tool for the remaining brake corners in the following order:
1. Left rear
2. Right front
3. Left front

Important

The assistant should continue to apply and hold the brake pedal, or open and close the designated bleeder screw when appropriate.

4. Next, the scan tool will instruct to open each bleeder screw an additional 20 seconds, starting again with the right rear corner. This will allow any remaining air to purge out of the system.
1. Before starting bleed procedure, assistant should slowly stroke, apply, and hold the brake pedal.
2. Once the brake pedal is in a held position, press START on the scan tool and open the bleeder screw simultaneously.
3. When the brake pedal reaches the floor, close the bleeder screw. The assistant can now release the brake pedal.
4. The assistant should again stroke, apply, and hold the brake pedal.
5. Open the bleeder screw until the brake pedal reaches the floor. Then close the bleeder screw.
6. Repeat this procedure as many times as possible during the scan tool timed program or until all air is removed.
7. Once scan tool is done cycling the designated brake corner, ensure that the bleeder screw is closed prior to moving on to the next corner.
5. Once all four bleeder screws have been opened and closed the scan tool will display PROCEDURE COMPLETE. The assistant is no longer needed.

Notice

Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

6. Torque the bleeder screws.
Tighten
• Tighten the front bleeder screws to 11 N·m (97 lb in).
• Tighten the rear bleeder screws to 7.5 N·m (66 lb in).
7. Depress the brake pedal to gage pedal height and travel. It may be necessary to repeat steps 1-6 if pedal feel and travel are unacceptable.
8. Remove the scan tool from DLC.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Inspect the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, fill as needed with DOT 3 brake fluid.
11. Road test the vehicle to verify proper brake pedal height and travel.