Antilock and trac brake bleeding

[glassbuggy]

I did a search on this but have not seen this covered. Is there a trick to this or is bleeding this system the same as non abs? I changed the hydraulic unit and controller and need to bleed it now. Tks Bart

[NitroPT]

BART, please do not take this the wrong way but in this case by what you posted I am assuming you dont have the proper equipment and would not be asking how to do it in the first place?

I suggest that you at least read "how to" in a Factory Service Manual for your year model PT Cruiser and you will understand my response. If you dont you could possibly do damage to your brake system and not have safe braking capabilities.

[JoeX]

A little note... Just replaced brake lines and Master cylinder on 2000 Silverado and air got into the ABS pump. Unless there is a trick I had to use a Snapon Solus Scanner to activate ABS bleed for the anti lock pump. It ran a sequence of on and off several times. No more brake problems... and anti-lock light is not on anymore.

[glassbuggy]

Ok, here is the scoop. The car has the lights on for abs and trac when I bought it. It was in default mode and was braking fine otherwise. After taking it to Advance for them to read the ABS code it showed that the right side of the car had no signal from the tone ring sensors. I did a thorough check of the brakes, rings and repaired the PO's botched rear e brake mess ( required backing plates to be replaced )
I looked up a schematic and determined that the ABS module was an issue. After removing it I found out why - the coils and posts were corroded and one even was frozen to its post, I got a replacement unit from a parts yard ( same year/part/controller ) Installed it and bled the brakes like your typical brake job. Car was fine, I drove it back to Advance for another scan. Same codes. I then replaced both right side sensors and that's when the trouble began. The trac light is off but the pedal is hard as a rock at rest. Winter came and I pulled the ABS unit back off and now I'm interested in putting it back together but I am not finding the info I thought I would on our forumn. I only have the Hayes manual for the PT and it wont tell you squat about the ABS/Trac. I have Vag-Com for my VW's and they have a procedure to do the ABS bleed. I'm curious on how to bleed my PT's and what is needed or where to get the right technical info. I'm guessing I'll need a code reader upgrade that has abs code capability - Do there have a bleed feature? I also have a Cherokee so having something that does Chrysler products would be a good investment (if this is the way out.) Recommendations? Experience with this issue? Thank you for your help thus far!

[NitroPT]

The procedure is not a simple paragraph type up!

*There should be someone on this forum that can give you an http where to find a FSM for your PT?

If not go to a shop that has an ASE sign posted and ask to purchase an ALL DATA print out of the procedure. Many shops will just give it to you or charge a couple of bucks.


* I remember Robin a former member had these available for awhile and then deleted them from the forum. I read that many members copied them. Hopefully one of them will see this thread and help out?

[myckee]

Yes, as the others mentioned, you need to use a scanner/tool that will allow you to activate the bleed procedure for the abs system to bleed and work properly.

Here is a link to my box storage where you can download the factory service manual:

https://app.box.com/v/pt-fsm

[NitroPT]

Originally Posted by myckee

Here is a link to my box storage where you can download the factory service manual:

https://app.box.com/v/pt-fsm

Thanks Mykee I knew a few of us had them. I have no idea where I filed mine.


Any time I see DIY working with the ABS on any vehicle and asking for help on forums makes me drive more defensively for the next few days thinking about it. Kinda like the last song syndrome.

[glassbuggy]

Thank you guys, and I get where concern is raised. No offence taken, I want to do this right and thus The reason for my querey. What do you reccomend for scanners that have this function. Are the same code scanners they sell at Autozone etc what you folks use? What works best for you? Tks Bart

[NitroPT]

well...I use a Snap-On Solus. I dont really know nor have tried the less quality or cheaper Diagnostic Tools when working around ABS related service.
You will notice that the FSM is very specif about Diagnostic Tools regarding the ABS servicing.

I guess wait and see what other members have used based on hands on experience (only) with ABS Diagnostic Tools?

[UnitD77]

Ok so I did a whole paper about ABS/TCS (nitro i sent it to you).

You need a scan tool that has actuator tests capability. Then you would activate the ABS/TCS module bleed.

The only known, confirmed, and recommended Scan tool is a DRB 3 as used in the dealerships. You aren't gonna find one, so take it to the dealership and ask them to do a FULL bleed procedure (specifically asking them to bleeding the ABS Module). It's gonna suck to pay for, but you know the job will be done correctly.

Nitro I share your concern with DIY ABS work. Considering the OP said he had wheel speed sensor codes, and got a module instead of sensors. That's questionable already. I personally will be replacing my module (adding TCS functions (did research, still experimental, don't try it until I've finished my research), but I will refuse to drive it, until I have used my school's DRB 3 to bleed the system.