trackboss

I am in the market for a scan tool for my 2008 duramax. It would be nice if I could also use it to cycle the abs motor on my '99 FRC to bleed the abs module, but I have only heard of using a tech 2 for that. OTC, snap on, and matco all have what appear to be good obd 2 scanners for under $500 that also do some abs work, but I am not sure if they have the ability to cycle the abs motor. Is there a reasonably priced tool that will do that?
thanks,
-V

JerryTX

I don't know about C5s and enhanced abs diagnostic codes and cycling ABS pumps but my research for a scan tool for my C6 turned up nothing:
- only a GM Tech2 can cycle the ABS pump
- only one company seemed to offer a tool to read the enhanced GM codes and it did not work on my 05 C6. It may be a matter of the 05 being a bastard year but Palmer Performace Engineering's ScanXL with enhanced GM Diags reported none of the GM codes. The company refunded my money and supposedly will ship me an update at some point to test it out so they do plan to address it as far as I can tell.

db2xpert

Not correct, there at least two others that can cycle the ABS on a C6.
I researched this about 6 mos ago. The price is probably still beyond what you want to spend, but a lot less than a tech2.

JerryTX

Spill it, which two and how much? PPE was $230 so I don't doubt the others were in my budget, just curious.

trackboss

I would like to know as well.
There is a member here that goes by sjbrothers who I contacted a few years back. He said he made is own abs exerciser, but I have never heard back from him.

sperkins

Why not just put the car on jackstand and run the rear wheels? It works on the C5 to activate the ABS like crazy.

BTW - I'm not a believer in the whole air trapped in the ABS pump stuff (used to be). I've replaced the entire unit twice with no Tech II and never had an issue.

db2xpert

Not hiding anything, just don't remember. They were out of my range since I already have a scanner that reads the codes.

db2xpert

Never had an issue on my C5, but did on the C6. Bled the heck out of the system, and could not fix the mushy brake, and lack of braking on the track. Had the ABS bled, and problem is fixed.

mgarfias

I have ease and spent a bit more to get the abs module. It cycles the pump just find, and lets you select which circuit.

trackboss

mgarfias, what year car? I contacted ease and they said they have nothing to cycle the '99 abs.

CeeFiveZee

What he said...

mgarfias

2001.

froggy47

Does it cycle all the abs or just rear abs?

mgarfias

All four channels.

trackboss

I'd like to be able to cycle the abs while I'm bleeding the brakes. It's rarely needed to do so, but if something upstream of the abs module gets upened up or replaced there is a good chance air will get trapped in there.
The person I spoke with at ease actually looked deeper into it and called me back. He said he had one of the others there more familar with the product look into it further. The software is purchased from GM so there is a good chance it actually will cycle the abs on my car. I expect to be getting an answer tomorrow.

Bill Dearborn

AutoEnginuity supposedly allows you to command the ABS and other functions just like the Tech2. I have been looking at it for several years but haven't had the need to purchase it yet. You will need a laptop, the AutoEnginuity base software package and the AutoEnginuity GM specific software package. The software and associated connecting cables/plugs will run you about $450 plus the cost of a good used laptop.

Bill

Scooter70

Go down a dirt road and stomp on the brakes.



I have a friend who was a development engineer for Brembo. That's what he used to do on the cars he was working on. (Viper, Ford GT, ZR1, etc)

froggy47

This is what I do, actually, but I find a wet spot (sprinkler overshoot) or a gritty spot, or I just jack it up hard enough to feel the abs (granted I don't know for sure if all 4 engage but it's worked for years.) I do all my own brake work.

mgarfias

I had to replace the ABS pump, I really didn't like the idea of going out with that having been opened up and stomping on the brakes. Call me paranoid, but it was worth the cost of ease for peace of mind.

wstaab

I have the AutoEnginuity product with the enhanced GM software.
The ABS bleed is not fully functional and there tech support is working on the problem.
It cycles the ABS pump on a C5 and C6, opens the rear brake output solenoids, but does not open the front brake output solenoids.
So you can bleed the rear but not the front.
Right now AutoEnginuity does not have a C6 to test on so I am waiting since February for a fix.