Budget Automotive Scanner, specifically ABS brake bleed

aigel · aigel's Garage

Can you guys recommend a good scanner that covers ABS bleeding? You may have seen my thread on brake bleeding and while brakes are safe and usable, they are not perfect and I'd like to follow up with ABS bleeding mode to get it perfect. It is a 2015 Ram 1500 but of course a scanner that works across other models would be nice. Other cars in family are a 2012 VW Jetta and a 1997 993.

Of course I can just buy something on amazon that says it covers brakes, but then how about the scanners that use a smart phone as a screen and communication device?

Thanks,

George

asphaltgambler · 07-14-2021, 03:45 AM

I'm not sure I follow, the ABS system is passive until needed. Is this something procedurally / specifically that Dodge requires?

Arizona_928 · 07-14-2021, 06:15 AM

I'm interested in something like this as well. F250 needs a master, and don't feel like a tow to the shop if you need to pulse the abs module.
I've used the vcds for the Volkswagen. $200 ish just for that tool. You'll need it if you do the fuel filters.

fastfredracing · 07-14-2021, 06:21 AM

98% of the time, there is no need to do an ABS bleed, formal pedal bleeding works just fine like it should . Once you blow a line, or let the reservoir go empty and get air into the abs unit, then you will run into problems . Even, then , I am still able to bleed up most of them without any issues
Even on trouble cars, Like an X5, or any of the sliverado trucks from the 2000's , as long as you do one caliper at a time, and do not run out of fluid, you should be fine .
I would always run into problems when replacing all the lines and the system was starting out totally dry .
I wish I could offer suggestions for the scanner, but I have no experience with the inexpensive stuff .
I really like the last 2 Autel scanners I have purchased, and they definitely do the ABS bleed , and electronic parking brake replacement , but you are looking at $1300 entry level

aigel · aigel's Garage

Thank you guys! Indeed, I gravity bled the brakes while working on them and it worked so well that the reservoir went dry and I got air in the system. My pedal is not perfect and I worry the MC has issues from pedal bleeding, but before replacing that, I want to bleed the ABS and the entire system once more. Fred, I read your scanner adventures because I did a search before posting! Wish you were closer, and I'd pay you a visit! I didn't find anything recent in the archives that applied to my situation.

Hopefully someone will come up with a suggestion, otherwise I'll just go buy something with good reviews. Some of the phone based ones need app subscriptions, not interested in that. so maybe a standalone hand held will do the trick. Budget around $200 looks to do the job. Not cheap, but just having a mechanic look at it around here will be more than that.

Thanks!

G

asphaltgambler · 07-14-2021, 10:46 AM

I would 1st bleed the master cylinder on the truck - then at wheels individually...

aigel · aigel's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

I would 1st bleed the master cylinder on the truck - then at wheels individually...

Done!

aigel · aigel's Garage

I ended up with this. It worked well. It walked me through the procedure okay.

Some mixed reviews, but the only thing I found that clearly listed it would work for my vehicle.

G

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XK1P8ZT

Porchdog · 07-23-2021, 03:44 AM

I bought a Foxwell scanner to access the "Factory" functions on a 2004 Jetta, which it did just fine. After I got my current 2013 Mini I was happy to learn that I could download the Mini "module" for a reasonable fee.
I don't think I would stand a chance with DIY repairs and maintenance on the Mini without it.