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Antilock Brake System Automated Bleed

Special Tools

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

WARNING:

At times during this brake bleed procedure brake fluid will be under higher pressures than during typical brake bleed procedures. Ensure the bleeder hose attached to the bleeder valve is securely maintained in position whenever the bleeder valve is opened. Failure to maintain the bleeder hose securely to the valve when opened, may allow the hose to blow off and brake fluid to spray out of the bleeder valve, possibly resulting in personal injury.

CAUTION:

Only use products that comply with GM specifications and check manufacturer information respectively. We recommend the use of GM genuine products. Instructions must be followed at all times. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake fluid, may cause contamination which could result in damage to the internal rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.

CAUTION:

Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution .

NOTE:
  • Do not pressurize the brake pressure bleeder CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder and thereby the master cylinder reservoir until instructed to do so by the scan tool. Portions of the automated bleed process require the master cylinder reservoir not be pressurized through the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder.
  • Do not apply the brake pedal until instructed to do so by the scan tool. Applying the brake pedal before instructed by the scan tool may result in setting a DTC and may require the sensor and boost valve calibration and electronic brake control module (EBCM) learn procedures to be repeated manually.
    NOTE:

    The base brake bleed procedure must be completed prior to performing the antilock brake system automated bleed.

  1. Perform the hydraulic brake system pressure bleed on all 4 brake corners. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) , Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual)
    2. NOTE:

    The transmission must be in the PARK position, the power button in the OFF position, and the brakes not applied to ensure the brake modulator and high pressure accumulator (HPA) pressure relief occurs. This process will take approximately 1 to 3 minutes.

  2. Place the transmission in PARK.
  3. Place the power button in the OFF position.
  4. Wait approximately 3 minutes for the HPA pressure relief to occur.
    5. NOTE:

    Approximately 2.5-3.0 L (2.6-3.2 qt) of brake fluid will be used throughout this procedure. Ensure there is an adequate supply of brake fluid in the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder.

  5. Inspect the fluid level in the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder. Clean the outside of the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder and add GM approved or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container, as necessary.
  6. Clean the outside of the master cylinder reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm.
  7. Install the CH-35589-A  Brake Bleeder Adapter and the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder to the vehicle.
    8. NOTE:

    Ensure a MINIMUM of 200 kPa (30 psi) of pressure is MAINTAINED in the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder throughout this procedure, except as instructed.

  8. Set the pressure regulator of the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder to 207 to 414 kPa (30 to 60 psi).
  9. Open the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder fluid tank valve to allow pressurized brake fluid to enter the brake system.
  10. Wait approximately 30 seconds, then inspect the entire hydraulic brake system to ensure there are no existing external brake fluid leaks.
    11. WARNING:

    Do not use a service jack in locations other than those specified to lift this vehicle. Lifting the vehicle with a jack in those other locations could cause the vehicle to slip off the jack and roll; this could cause injury or death.

  11. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  12. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  13. Inspect the brake system for leaks and visual damage. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes . Repair or replace components as necessary.
  14. Secure bleeder hoses to the rear brake caliper bleeder valves.
  15. Lower the vehicle to allow for entry and exit while bleeding the brake corners and other components.
  16. Release the pressure from the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder.
  17. Connect a battery charger with 20 amp output to the 12V battery. The battery charger must remain connected and maintain 12V 20 amp for the entire automated bleed procedure. Refer to Battery Charging .
  18. Install a scan tool to the vehicle.
    19. NOTE:

    The power button must remain in the Service Mode during this entire procedure.

  19. Place the power button in the Service Mode position.
    20. NOTE:

    Do not pressurize the pressure bleeder CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder, and thereby the master cylinder reservoir, until instructed to do so by the scan tool.

  20. Using the scan tool, perform the following steps:
    1. Select Diagnostics
    2. Enter the VIN
    3. Select Module Diagnostics
    4. Select Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
    5. Select Control Functions
    6. Select Automated Brake Bleed
  21. Press Continue.
  22. Follow all instructions on the scan tool.
  23. Remove the CH-35589-A  Brake Bleeder Adapter and the CH-29532-A  Brake Pressure Bleeder from the vehicle.
    24. NOTE:

    The system is active and pressurized, therefore the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir cannot be allowed to be higher than the MAX mark of the operating range.

  24. Ensure the master cylinder reservoir is filled no higher than the MAX operating range line. Add or remove brake fluid as necessary. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
  25. Clear any DTCs from the EBCM.
  26. Remove the scan tool from the vehicle.
  27. Before activating the power button, firmly apply the brake pedal several times.
  28. Observe the brake pedal feel.
  29. If the brake pedal feels spongy, perform the following:
    1. Repeat the base hydraulic brake system bleeding procedure. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) , Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) .
    2. If the brake pedal feel is now firm, repeat the automated bleeding procedure.
    3. If the brake pedal stills feels spongy after repeating the base hydraulic brake system bleeding procedure, inspect the brake system for external leaks. Refer to Brake System External Leak Inspection .
  30. If the brake pedal stills feels spongy, and if no external brake fluid leaks are found, inspect the brake system for internal leaks and inspect the brake pedal travel. Refer to Brake System Internal Leak Test , and Brake Pedal Travel Measurement and Inspection .
  31. If internal leaks are found, replace the master cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement .
  32. If the brake pedal travel exceeds specification and there is no damage to the pedal system or pushrod, replace the master cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement .
  33. Place the power button in the ON position.
  34. Observe if the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated.
  35. If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated, DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until the brake system is diagnosed and repaired. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes .
  36. Firmly apply the brake pedal several times.
  37. Observe the brake pedal feel.
  38. If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the automated bleeding procedure until a firm brake pedal is obtained.
  39. Drive the vehicle to a speed above 13 km/h (8 mph) to allow ABS initialization to occur.
  40. Observe the brake pedal feel.
  41. If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the automated bleeding procedure until a firm brake pedal is obtained.
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