Do I need a scanner to bleed the brakes on a 2001 GMC Savanna 2500 series cargo van? I replaced all the brake lines on the van. Bled the master cylinder as per the manual. Can't seem to bleed the brakes. Hardly any fluid comes out.
If scanner is needed, appreciate the make and model of the unit needed.
I have a Blue Driver and an ELM-327.

Thanks
Ron

 

No, you shouldn't need an scanner. I don't think Blue driver has the capability. I think only the $1,000+ tools do that.

 

I found the Audel Max Pro has the ability to interact and bleed the ABS system. Ebay@ $180.00.
I still don't know why the system can't be bled if you don't need a scanner for the ABS component.

 

Ron! Lot of the GM’s have automated bleed procedure in the scan tools ABS section. If you have lost fluid in the system and it’s dry you need to preform that test. And IF codes ARE in the abs system IT may not allow you run that process. I use snap on scan tools to do that. Hope this helps!

 

Steve, thanks for the information. I'll get the Audel scanner this week to "bleed the ABS module. If that doesn't work, I'll bring it to the mechanic to have him bleed the ABS with his scanner.
Have to do a relearn on the crankshaft sensor anyway.

 

Make sure you use the right fluid.

 

Dot 3, unflavored.

 

So zero chance of gravity bleed on these?

The pre-4WAL G-vans are easy to bleed, slight incline and the master is high enough it flows pretty good. Maybe pump it just a tad to get it moving and it would flow fairly well, to the point I'd run the fluid through a couple times before buttoning it up.

After losing the fluid in the tank on the 2500 I seem to have some air in mine, and I think I'm going to see if Monro will still bleed for a flat fee and have them do it. I'm afraid of breaking bleeder screws though. I have a set of wheel cylinders here, but that means more labor and probably at least the lines across the rear axle.

But I suspect I may need shoes anyways, just have been too lazy/busy to try and take a drum off and look. That alone sometimes brings the pedal back for whatever reason, moving the wheel cylinder pistons in.

 

Seems you need a bidirectional scanner to interact with the ABS module. I'll be trying it tomorrow with the Autel Maxi Check Pro.

 

Autel Maxicheck Pro will not do the job. Looking for another scanner.
Gave up the ghost and brought it to a mechanic. Proper scanner not worth the expense.