"Exercised" my ABS/TCS this weekend.
08-11-2014, 08:06 AM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
"Exercised" my ABS/TCS this weekend.
UPDATE: IMPORTANT - PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE MODERATE MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF NOT DONE PROPERLY.
Hey guys,
I was kinda bored on Saturday and decided to "exercise" my ABS/TCS pump just to see what would happen. It went very well and I actuated the pump about 5 times. No problems and everything appeared to be working properly. The pump actuated very quickly and best of all, no codes.
I know that this has been already discussed but for anyone interested, this is what I did:
1) Lift rear of car by using a large floor jack placed in the middle rear suspension cradle. I used a 2x10 piece of wood placed between the jack point and the cradle to avoid any damage.
3) Place jack stands under each lower control arm and slightly lower the car to bring the driveline to a more normal alignment. In other words, the suspension should not be hanging.
2) Start car and shift to second gear. Slowly begin accelerating. The ABS/TCS should come on at about 35 KM/H (20 M/H). This causes the pump motor to actuate which gets the brake fluid circulating. Repeat a few times.
3) Lower the car. You're done!
Before anyone chimes in on how it's much better to just drive the car aggressively enough to activate the ABS/TCS system; not everyone is comfortable with driving aggressively on the street or even in an empty parking lot. Furthermore, there is always a possibility of flat spotting your tires if you hit the brakes at a fast enough speed in the dry to cause the ABS to come on.
Lets face facts. There are also alot of members that never take their cars out in the rain. So, the ABS/TCS system is never actually used.
This procedure at least will get the system working which probably will extend its life and avoid having to deal with a seized ABS pump motor. Whether it actually helps or not, the jury is still out on that but at least it can't hurt and will let you know if everything is working the way it should. I've now decided to do this at least once or twice a year.
PS: You may get a C1221, C1222 and C1248 code initially due to the fact that the system senses no movement from the front wheels. This is normal for obvious reasons. Just turn off the car and start it again, the TCS system should reset and allow you to complete the procedure.
Hey guys,
I was kinda bored on Saturday and decided to "exercise" my ABS/TCS pump just to see what would happen. It went very well and I actuated the pump about 5 times. No problems and everything appeared to be working properly. The pump actuated very quickly and best of all, no codes.
I know that this has been already discussed but for anyone interested, this is what I did:
1) Lift rear of car by using a large floor jack placed in the middle rear suspension cradle. I used a 2x10 piece of wood placed between the jack point and the cradle to avoid any damage.
3) Place jack stands under each lower control arm and slightly lower the car to bring the driveline to a more normal alignment. In other words, the suspension should not be hanging.
2) Start car and shift to second gear. Slowly begin accelerating. The ABS/TCS should come on at about 35 KM/H (20 M/H). This causes the pump motor to actuate which gets the brake fluid circulating. Repeat a few times.
3) Lower the car. You're done!
Before anyone chimes in on how it's much better to just drive the car aggressively enough to activate the ABS/TCS system; not everyone is comfortable with driving aggressively on the street or even in an empty parking lot. Furthermore, there is always a possibility of flat spotting your tires if you hit the brakes at a fast enough speed in the dry to cause the ABS to come on.
Lets face facts. There are also alot of members that never take their cars out in the rain. So, the ABS/TCS system is never actually used.
This procedure at least will get the system working which probably will extend its life and avoid having to deal with a seized ABS pump motor. Whether it actually helps or not, the jury is still out on that but at least it can't hurt and will let you know if everything is working the way it should. I've now decided to do this at least once or twice a year.
PS: You may get a C1221, C1222 and C1248 code initially due to the fact that the system senses no movement from the front wheels. This is normal for obvious reasons. Just turn off the car and start it again, the TCS system should reset and allow you to complete the procedure.
Last edited by Cybermind; 08-11-2014 at 10:42 AM.
08-11-2014, 09:37 AM
#4
Team Owner
I think it's always a good idea to check rarely activated functions occassionally. But, just as you may not be comfortable attempting to activate it on the street, others may be equally uncomfortable with your method. I would suggest going to a reputable dealer and having the technician bleed the brake system using a Tech 2. This, IMO, is the best method as it not only exercises the ABS system, it also completely refreshes the fluid in the brake system, including purging all the old brake fluid from the ABS circuit.
Luckily, I have my own Tech 2 and can do this sitting in my own garage but I recommend a dealer visit once a year or so to bleed the system if you're not inclined or capable of doing the service yourself.
Luckily, I have my own Tech 2 and can do this sitting in my own garage but I recommend a dealer visit once a year or so to bleed the system if you're not inclined or capable of doing the service yourself.
08-11-2014, 09:48 AM
#5
I think it's always a good idea to check rarely activated functions occassionally. But, just as you may not be comfortable attempting to activate it on the street, others may be equally uncomfortable with your method. I would suggest going to a reputable dealer and having the technician bleed the brake system using a Tech 2. This, IMO, is the best method as it not only exercises the ABS system, it also completely refreshes the fluid in the brake system, including purging all the old brake fluid from the ABS circuit.
Luckily, I have my own Tech 2 and can do this sitting in my own garage but I recommend a dealer visit once a year or so to bleed the system if you're not inclined or capable of doing the service yourself.
Luckily, I have my own Tech 2 and can do this sitting in my own garage but I recommend a dealer visit once a year or so to bleed the system if you're not inclined or capable of doing the service yourself.
08-11-2014, 10:22 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I think it's always a good idea to check rarely activated functions occassionally. But, just as you may not be comfortable attempting to activate it on the street, others may be equally uncomfortable with your method. I would suggest going to a reputable dealer and having the technician bleed the brake system using a Tech 2. This, IMO, is the best method as it not only exercises the ABS system, it also completely refreshes the fluid in the brake system, including purging all the old brake fluid from the ABS circuit.
Luckily, I have my own Tech 2 and can do this sitting in my own garage but I recommend a dealer visit once a year or so to bleed the system if you're not inclined or capable of doing the service yourself.
Luckily, I have my own Tech 2 and can do this sitting in my own garage but I recommend a dealer visit once a year or so to bleed the system if you're not inclined or capable of doing the service yourself.
This method is not for everyone. I should have stated that at the beginning. It is only meant for people that are mechanically inclined and work on their own cars. Please, please do not attempt this if you have never lifted your own car! It is dangerous if you do not know what you're doing!
Ah yes, the famous Tech 2. Believe me, if I had one I would've done it that way. Unfortunately, it's too expensive for me right now but I definitely plan on getting one eventually.
08-11-2014, 10:27 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I tend to agree with you on this one. I have a severe mistrust of dealers and thus I do everything myself. Whatever I can't do, I learn how to and get the required tools to do it or find a proper shop that I can trust (not easy to do).
08-11-2014, 10:42 AM
#8
Team Owner
Obviously, the prerequisite to handing over one's car to a dealer would be verifying that dealership has a reputation for doing good work. There are those that exist and they have been documented here. I personally have first-hand experience with dealers that did excellent work and would even warrant installation of mods on Corvettes.
Using a Tech 2 to bleed the brakes is simple - I figured it out the first time without much drama and it would be virtually impossible to screw the process up, even if you don't follow the prompts on the screen. If the tech is a certified factory-trained tech, bleeding with a Tech 2 is child's play.
And, yes, there are a lot of less than scrupulous and skilled dealers out there but there are good ones too. The Mini dealership I took my dd to during and after the warranty period is absolutely stellar and gets an A+ in service and technical expertise.
To each, his own . . .
08-11-2014, 10:44 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
08-11-2014, 10:50 AM
#10
Team Owner
The Tech 2 cycle is done with the engine off and key in the "On" position so you can clearly hear the pump working. It actually is a fairly long process and it has you pump the brake pedal during the ABS unit activation cylce to ensure fluid is running through the ABS circuit. Also, It does go through quite a bit of fluid so you must frequently refill the reservoir. It leads you through the bleeding of each corner of the car so the entire system is flushed once you've completed the cycle.
08-11-2014, 04:37 PM
#11
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
Posts: 32,736
Received 2,180 Likes
on
1,583 Posts
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I did a seminar at one of the Bloomington Gold events a few years back. During the seminar I asked a group of 30 or so C5 and C6 owners :
"How many of you have actually used or actuated ACTIVE HANDLING or ANTI LOCK Brakes?
Three people raised their hands.
Folks,,, Thats SAD!
I asked the question:
When you activate your ANTI LOCK BRAKES can you steer the car?
Only a couple people knew the answer!
The answer is YES!
You can hammer the brakes and as the antilock (and or AH if you have it) is active, you can steer around the object in front of you.
If you have never use your Antilock brakes or AH, you are seriously shorting yourself when it comes to an actual event when you need to use it to prevent an accident.
If you have not planted your foot to the floor from a 40 mph roll, your really missing out on a very important training exercise.
It really doesn’t hurt your car and you won’t leave four black marks on the road!
You might actually be AMAZED at how well your car stops.
I have a pretty fast car and I tell my friends it STOPS a LOT faster than it goes!
Hope this helps someone in the future!
Bill
"How many of you have actually used or actuated ACTIVE HANDLING or ANTI LOCK Brakes?
Three people raised their hands.
Folks,,, Thats SAD!
I asked the question:
When you activate your ANTI LOCK BRAKES can you steer the car?
Only a couple people knew the answer!
The answer is YES!
You can hammer the brakes and as the antilock (and or AH if you have it) is active, you can steer around the object in front of you.
If you have never use your Antilock brakes or AH, you are seriously shorting yourself when it comes to an actual event when you need to use it to prevent an accident.
If you have not planted your foot to the floor from a 40 mph roll, your really missing out on a very important training exercise.
It really doesn’t hurt your car and you won’t leave four black marks on the road!
You might actually be AMAZED at how well your car stops.
I have a pretty fast car and I tell my friends it STOPS a LOT faster than it goes!
Hope this helps someone in the future!
Bill
The following 3 users liked this post by Bill Curlee:
08-21-2019, 05:08 PM
#12
Instructor
UPDATE: IMPORTANT - PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE MODERATE MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF NOT DONE PROPERLY.
Hey guys,
I was kinda bored on Saturday and decided to "exercise" my ABS/TCS pump just to see what would happen. It went very well and I actuated the pump about 5 times. No problems and everything appeared to be working properly. The pump actuated very quickly and best of all, no codes.
I know that this has been already discussed but for anyone interested, this is what I did:
1) Lift rear of car by using a large floor jack placed in the middle rear suspension cradle. I used a 2x10 piece of wood placed between the jack point and the cradle to avoid any damage.
3) Place jack stands under each lower control arm and slightly lower the car to bring the driveline to a more normal alignment. In other words, the suspension should not be hanging.
2) Start car and shift to second gear. Slowly begin accelerating. The ABS/TCS should come on at about 35 KM/H (20 M/H). This causes the pump motor to actuate which gets the brake fluid circulating. Repeat a few times.
3) Lower the car. You're done!
Before anyone chimes in on how it's much better to just drive the car aggressively enough to activate the ABS/TCS system; not everyone is comfortable with driving aggressively on the street or even in an empty parking lot. Furthermore, there is always a possibility of flat spotting your tires if you hit the brakes at a fast enough speed in the dry to cause the ABS to come on.
Lets face facts. There are also alot of members that never take their cars out in the rain. So, the ABS/TCS system is never actually used.
This procedure at least will get the system working which probably will extend its life and avoid having to deal with a seized ABS pump motor. Whether it actually helps or not, the jury is still out on that but at least it can't hurt and will let you know if everything is working the way it should. I've now decided to do this at least once or twice a year.
PS: You may get a C1221, C1222 and C1248 code initially due to the fact that the system senses no movement from the front wheels. This is normal for obvious reasons. Just turn off the car and start it again, the TCS system should reset and allow you to complete the procedure.
Hey guys,
I was kinda bored on Saturday and decided to "exercise" my ABS/TCS pump just to see what would happen. It went very well and I actuated the pump about 5 times. No problems and everything appeared to be working properly. The pump actuated very quickly and best of all, no codes.
I know that this has been already discussed but for anyone interested, this is what I did:
1) Lift rear of car by using a large floor jack placed in the middle rear suspension cradle. I used a 2x10 piece of wood placed between the jack point and the cradle to avoid any damage.
3) Place jack stands under each lower control arm and slightly lower the car to bring the driveline to a more normal alignment. In other words, the suspension should not be hanging.
2) Start car and shift to second gear. Slowly begin accelerating. The ABS/TCS should come on at about 35 KM/H (20 M/H). This causes the pump motor to actuate which gets the brake fluid circulating. Repeat a few times.
3) Lower the car. You're done!
Before anyone chimes in on how it's much better to just drive the car aggressively enough to activate the ABS/TCS system; not everyone is comfortable with driving aggressively on the street or even in an empty parking lot. Furthermore, there is always a possibility of flat spotting your tires if you hit the brakes at a fast enough speed in the dry to cause the ABS to come on.
Lets face facts. There are also alot of members that never take their cars out in the rain. So, the ABS/TCS system is never actually used.
This procedure at least will get the system working which probably will extend its life and avoid having to deal with a seized ABS pump motor. Whether it actually helps or not, the jury is still out on that but at least it can't hurt and will let you know if everything is working the way it should. I've now decided to do this at least once or twice a year.
PS: You may get a C1221, C1222 and C1248 code initially due to the fact that the system senses no movement from the front wheels. This is normal for obvious reasons. Just turn off the car and start it again, the TCS system should reset and allow you to complete the procedure.
08-22-2019, 07:53 AM
#14
Team Owner
Find an open area, that is grass covered. Accelerate to 20 MPH and spike the brakes. Repeat this, 2-3 times....
07-14-2021, 12:59 AM
#17
1st Gear
Member Since: Jul 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Worked for Me with no issues...Easy to do and no more codes.
UPDATE: IMPORTANT - PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE MODERATE MECHANICAL EXPERIENCE. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF NOT DONE PROPERLY.
Hey guys,
I was kinda bored on Saturday and decided to "exercise" my ABS/TCS pump just to see what would happen. It went very well and I actuated the pump about 5 times. No problems and everything appeared to be working properly. The pump actuated very quickly and best of all, no codes.
I know that this has been already discussed but for anyone interested, this is what I did:
1) Lift rear of car by using a large floor jack placed in the middle rear suspension cradle. I used a 2x10 piece of wood placed between the jack point and the cradle to avoid any damage.
3) Place jack stands under each lower control arm and slightly lower the car to bring the driveline to a more normal alignment. In other words, the suspension should not be hanging.
2) Start car and shift to second gear. Slowly begin accelerating. The ABS/TCS should come on at about 35 KM/H (20 M/H). This causes the pump motor to actuate which gets the brake fluid circulating. Repeat a few times.
3) Lower the car. You're done!
Before anyone chimes in on how it's much better to just drive the car aggressively enough to activate the ABS/TCS system; not everyone is comfortable with driving aggressively on the street or even in an empty parking lot. Furthermore, there is always a possibility of flat spotting your tires if you hit the brakes at a fast enough speed in the dry to cause the ABS to come on.
Lets face facts. There are also alot of members that never take their cars out in the rain. So, the ABS/TCS system is never actually used.
This procedure at least will get the system working which probably will extend its life and avoid having to deal with a seized ABS pump motor. Whether it actually helps or not, the jury is still out on that but at least it can't hurt and will let you know if everything is working the way it should. I've now decided to do this at least once or twice a year.
PS: You may get a C1221, C1222 and C1248 code initially due to the fact that the system senses no movement from the front wheels. This is normal for obvious reasons. Just turn off the car and start it again, the TCS system should reset and allow you to complete the procedure.
Hey guys,
I was kinda bored on Saturday and decided to "exercise" my ABS/TCS pump just to see what would happen. It went very well and I actuated the pump about 5 times. No problems and everything appeared to be working properly. The pump actuated very quickly and best of all, no codes.
I know that this has been already discussed but for anyone interested, this is what I did:
1) Lift rear of car by using a large floor jack placed in the middle rear suspension cradle. I used a 2x10 piece of wood placed between the jack point and the cradle to avoid any damage.
3) Place jack stands under each lower control arm and slightly lower the car to bring the driveline to a more normal alignment. In other words, the suspension should not be hanging.
2) Start car and shift to second gear. Slowly begin accelerating. The ABS/TCS should come on at about 35 KM/H (20 M/H). This causes the pump motor to actuate which gets the brake fluid circulating. Repeat a few times.
3) Lower the car. You're done!
Before anyone chimes in on how it's much better to just drive the car aggressively enough to activate the ABS/TCS system; not everyone is comfortable with driving aggressively on the street or even in an empty parking lot. Furthermore, there is always a possibility of flat spotting your tires if you hit the brakes at a fast enough speed in the dry to cause the ABS to come on.
Lets face facts. There are also alot of members that never take their cars out in the rain. So, the ABS/TCS system is never actually used.
This procedure at least will get the system working which probably will extend its life and avoid having to deal with a seized ABS pump motor. Whether it actually helps or not, the jury is still out on that but at least it can't hurt and will let you know if everything is working the way it should. I've now decided to do this at least once or twice a year.
PS: You may get a C1221, C1222 and C1248 code initially due to the fact that the system senses no movement from the front wheels. This is normal for obvious reasons. Just turn off the car and start it again, the TCS system should reset and allow you to complete the procedure.
07-14-2021, 08:26 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
I have had a Tech 2 clone for years and printed out he instructions to do it, however, being an avid autocrosser, they do regularly get exercised. Did it once when I first used the Tech 2 but since then have given the case and instructions to several club members and they have used it on their cars. Sometimes after changing brakes, clutch, etc you can get a soft pedal after bleeding, help two of my friends with that. The Tech 2 for under $300 is a useful tool.
