How an Autel Scanner Helps Bleed Air from ABS Brakes

When you perform repairs on your car's ABS module or replace key parts of the ABS system, you often need to ABS bleeding. Of course, if you notice a low brake fluid level or abnormal brake pedal behavior, you might also want to consider whether air intrusion is the cause. So how do you bleed the ABS? Do you need any tools?

Of course, you can bleed the ABS without a car diagnostic scan tool, but this often requires complex steps such as removing the tire, and you may need the help of a professional repair technician, even if bleeding air from the ABS brake sounds like a relatively routine and simple maintenance task.

Bleeding ABS without Autel scanner is difficult for DIYers.

Therefore, it is very important to have a car diagnostic scanner that can bleed ABS air at this time. It can make the operation simpler and save you the trouble of finding a professional technician for repair. You can easily bleed ABS air at home. Let's take a look at how to use the Autel scanner to bleed ABS air.

Introduction to basic concepts

What is ABS and ABS Brake Bleeding?

The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a hydraulic braking system that uses sensors on all four wheels to monitor tire rotational speed. If a tire is about to lock, the system modulates braking force by applying, maintaining, and reducing pressure, ensuring the vehicle maintains directional control and comes to a smooth stop during emergency braking.

ABS bleeding is the process of releasing air trapped in the pump and valves in the anti-lock braking system, allowing the brake fluid to circulate smoothly and thus restoring normal brake pressure and performance.

The ABS is a hydraulic braking system.

When is ABS bleeding necessary?

• After replacing parts: When replacing the brake cylinder, ABS pump or brake oil pipe.
• Abnormal oil: The brake fluid tank is seriously lacking in oil or the brake fluid is leaking.
• Fault manifestation: The brake pedal becomes soft, the ABS fault light comes on, or the braking distance is abnormal.

Why use Autel scanner for ABS bleeding?

Using Autel scanner to perform ABS exhaust is equivalent to having a bridge to communicate with the ABS system, avoiding tedious manual steps such as tire removal, making the exhaust work more accurate and faster.

• Improved accuracy: Using the Autel scanner, you can communicate with the ABS system and display detailed step-by-step instructions to help you operate and accurately exhaust the air in the ABS system.
• Improve efficiency: Compared to manual bleeding, using an Autel diagnostic scanner greatly simplifies the process and reduces the risk of error when working with delicate components like ABS pumps.
• Security: There are many uncertainties in the process of completely manual deflation, especially for DIYers, which may have a certain impact on the emergency braking system.

Bleeding ABS uses Autel MP808TS.

How to bleed ABS brake module with Autel scanners?

Preliminary Preparation

• An Autel scanner that supports ABS exhaust
• A wrench to open the bleed screw
• An oil-gas separator with a hose

Not all vehicles can perform ABS bleeding, and not all Autel scanners can perform this operation. You can check whether your vehicle and the Autel scanner you prefer support ABS bleeding by clicking the link below:

Step-by-step guide on how to bleed ABS brake?

Many of Autel's automotive diagnostic scan tools have ABS bleeding capabilities. The overall process may vary slightly depending on the Autel scanner model and the car brand. The following are general ABS bleeding steps:

• Step 1: Connecting to the Autel scanner

  Use the main cable included in the accessories to connect the scanner to the OBD port under the vehicle dashboard to ensure continuous ABS bleeding and ensure that communication will not be interrupted due to connection problems during the bleeding process.

• Step 2: Select the right functional module and vehicle information

  After connecting the scanner to the vehicle, select the service function and click on brake exhaust to enter. Then manually select the vehicle brand, year and other information or use the automatic scanning function of the Autel scanner, which will greatly save your time.

• Step 3: Follow the Autel scanner on-screen prompts

  The steps for each vehicle may vary. Here's a general guide. Select the Hot function and then the "Anti-lock Braking System" function. Follow the instructions on the Autel scanner screen to open the left front wheel exhaust valve and connect the oil-water separator to bleed the ABS. Repeat for the other three wheels.

Follow the instructions on the Autel scanner screen to bleed the ABS.

• Step 4: After bleeding is complete, turn the ignition off and then back on.

  Check and confirm that no fault codes appear and complete ABS bleeding.

Note: During operation, strictly follow the instructions on the Autel scanner screen. Failure to do so may result in operational errors. During the ABS bleeding process, keep the ignition switch on but do not start the engine to ensure that the Autel scanner can communicate with the ABS system.

ABS Exhaust Operation Reference Video

If you are only doing ABS bleeding without regular brake bleeding, please refer to the video below on using Autel MK808 to do ABS bleed on a 2004 Chevy:

If you would like a more complete and detailed ABS bleeding procedure, including manual bleeding of the brake system, please refer to the video below showing ABS bleeding on a 2017 Honda Accord using the Autel MP808TS:

Should to know: The operation steps may vary for each vehicle, so the above video is for reference only. If you are not sure, it is best to leave it to a professional technician.

Recommended Autel Scanners for ABS Bleeding

Autel MK808S

If you just want to perform ABS bleeding and don't have any special requirements, I recommend the Autel MK808S. It can perform an ABS bleeding scan tool, as well as full-system diagnostics and 28+ other popular service functions to meet your daily diagnostic and maintenance needs.

Autel MaxiCOM MK808S/MK808Z

$369.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 11 Reviews

Autel MaxiCOM MK808S/MK808Z Automotive Diagnostic Scanner with Android 11.0, All System Diagnostics, 28+ Service, 3000+ Active Test, NO IP Limitation, 2025 Upgraded of MK808/MX808

View More

Autel MS906Pro

If you want a cost-effective Autel scanner that covers a wider range of vehicle models, has special features such as ECU coding, and has more service functions, I would recommend the Autel MS906Pro.

Autel Maxisys MS906Pro

$1059.00

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 17 Reviews

The Autel MaxiSYS MS906 Pro is a high-powered 8-inch diagnostic tablet compatible with U.S., Asian and European vehicles, 1996 and newer.

View More

Conclusion

With the help of the Autel scanner, ABS bleeding becomes very simple, efficient, and safe, providing great convenience for DIY car enthusiasts and saving the cost of repairs at the repair shop. However, please strictly follow the instructions of the Autel scanner to avoid mistakes.