Innova 5610: Performing ABS Bleeding

ABS Bleeding

Performing ABS bleeding with a scan tool almost always requires a manual, traditional brake bleeding routine in conjunction with the automated, bidirectional function. The tool cycles the pump and solenoids to move air, but the fluid must still be physically purged at each wheel. The Innova 5610 will perform ABS Bleeding Procedures or Automated Brake Bleeding depending on the year, make, model, and engine size of vehicle. In this article, both the ABS Bleeding Procedure & Automated Brake Bleed will be demonstrated.

NOTE: Make sure to verify ABS Bleeding is supported on your specific year, make, model, and engine size vehicle with our coverage checker. Look under Services to see if ABS Bleeding is supported. If supported, look under Special Functions to see if the 5610 will support either an Automated Brake Bleed or just the ABS Bleeding Procedure. If Special Functions aren't supported on your vehicle, but ABS Bleeding is, the 5610 will only support the ABS Bleed Procedure on that vehicle.

5610 v3 Tool ID 0x0665

Key Aspects of Automated ABS Bleeding:

Combined Procedure: The process usually requires a "hybrid" approach: you activate the automated bleed function via the scan tool to move trapped air inside the ABS module, while simultaneously performing manual bleeding or using a pressure bleeder to push that air out at the calipers.
Manual Steps: Even if automated, the tool will often pause and prompt you to open/close specific bleeder valves on the wheels in a set sequence.
Helper Needed: A helper is usually required to pump the brakes while the scanner operates the valves, unless a pressure bleeder is used.
Why It's Needed: The tool moves air from the ABS pump to the lines, but that air still needs to be released from the wheel bleeders.

Using a pressure bleeder in conjunction with the scan tool's automated routine is often recommended as the most efficient method to ensure all air is purged.

ABS Bleeding Procedures on a 2020 Ford F150 3.5L

Step 1 - Press the M button

Press the M button to access the Menu.

Step 2 - Select Service Reset

Select Service Reset, then press ENTER ↵.

Step 3 - Select ABS Bleeding

Scroll DOWN ▼ & select ABS Bleeding, then press ENTER ↵.
Confirm your vehicle by pressing Yes.
Press the Back button to return to the Main Menu.

Step 4 - Select the ABS Module

Select the ABS Module, then press ENTER ↵.
Press the Back button to return to the Service Reset screen.
A One moment please....message will display.

Step 5 - Select ABS Bleed Procedure

Press ENTER ↵to proceed.
Press the Back button to return to the ABS Module.

Step 6 - One or more Informational/ Instructional screens will display

One or more Informational/ Instructional screens will display.
For some vehicles, status screens display as each phase of the procedure is successfully completed.
Press DOWN ▼ to scroll to the next screen until you reach the end.
Use UP ▲ to go back up to view the instructions.
Press the Continue button to proceed.

Follow the Informational/ Instructional screens.
Press DOWN ▼ to scroll to the next screen until you reach the end.
Use UP ▲ to go back up to view the instructions.
Press the Back button to return to the previous screen.
A results screen displays when the procedure has been completed.

NOTE: If the procedure is stopped due to a communication error, an Advisory message will display. Select Exit, as necessary, to return to the Service Reset menu.

Automated Brake Bleed on a 2020 GMC Sierra 6.6L

Step 1 - Press the M button

Press the M button to access the Menu.

Step 2 - Select Service Reset

Select Service Reset, then press ENTER ↵.

Step 3 - Select ABS Bleeding

Scroll DOWN ▼ & select ABS Bleeding, then press ENTER ↵.
Confirm your vehicle by pressing Yes.
Press the Back button to return to the Main Menu.

Step 4 - Select Chassis, then EBCM - Electronic Brake Control Module

Select Chassis, then press ENTER ↵.
Select EBCM - Electronic Brake Control Module, then press ENTER ↵.
Press the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Step 5 - Select Automated Bleed

Select Automated Brake Bleed, then press ENTER ↵.
Press the Back button to return to the previous screen.

Step 6 - Follow instructions for Automated Brake Bleed

An instructional message will display.
Press DOWN ▼ to navigate through the instructions.

Follow the instructional messages displayed on screen before performing an Automated Brake Bleed.
Press DOWN ▼ to navigate through the instructions.
Press the Next button to view the next set of instructions.
Press the Perform button to start the Automated Brake Bleed process.
Press the Exit button to return to the previous screen.

Step 7 - Automated Brake Bleed in progress

After pressing the Perform button, the 5610 will display Procedure in progress... This step will take several minutes. Please wait...
Wait until it finishes for the next steps.

Step 8 - An instructional message displays for each wheel

A Cautionary message about the Automated Brake Bleed process will display for each bleeder screw at each wheel; Right Front Wheel, Left Front Wheel, Left Rear Wheel, Right Rear Wheel.
Press DOWN ▼ to navigate through the instructional message.
Press the Next button to proceed once done reading the instructional message.
After closing the bleeder screw at the Right Front Wheel, press the Next button to proceed.
Press the Exit button to leave the process.

Once the Next button is pushed, a Procedure in progress... message will display.
Once the procedure is complete, the 5610 will display the same Cautionary message for the Left Front Wheel to follow.
Press DOWN ▼ to navigate through the instructional message.
Press the Next button to proceed once done reading the instructional message.
After closing the bleeder screw at the Left Front Wheel, press the Next button to proceed.
Press the Exit button to leave the process.
Follow the same steps for the Left Rear Wheel & Right Rear Wheel.

Step 9 - Final steps & completion

Once the last wheel is finished, which will be the Right Rear Wheel, a one moment please... message will display as the Automated Brake Bleed completes its final process.

A message displays about the the brake pedal feeling spongy after the bleeding process.
Press the Repeat button to go through the Automated Brake Bleed process again if the brake pedal feels spongy.
Press the Next button to finish the Automated Brake Bleed if the brake pedal doesn't feel spongy.
A status message displays Procedure is Completed once the Next button is pressed.
Press the Exit button to return to the Service Reset menu.

Click here if you'd like to read more on whether your vehicle will support ABS Bleeding.