Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector: ABS Bleeding

Purpose

To guide you on how to perform the ABS Bleeding function while using the Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool.

Introduction

Nowadays, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) has become a standard safety feature found in the majority of modern vehicles. Its primary function is to handle the braking process, allowing you to prioritize the safe control of the vehicle during emergency situations. The ABS is specifically designed to prevent the wheels from locking up when sudden braking occurs.

Whenever maintenance or repairs are conducted on the ABS, such as the replacement of calipers, master cylinders, wheel pistons, hoses, or lines, there is a possibility for air to enter the brake system circuit. The presence of air in the system results in a delayed response from your brakes. This happens because the air bubble within the brake circuit is compressed before the brake fluid can be compressed. Consequently, you will experience a spongy and soft sensation when pressing the brake pedal.

Procedure

Step 1 - Connect the Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool to the vehicle, and select 'Workshop Tools'

First, connect the Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool to your vehicle via the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) to retrieve the vehicle's information, such as VIN and On-Board Diagnostic (OBD2) information.
To access the ‘Workshop Tools’, from the Home Screen, select 'Workshop Tools' section and press the ‘OK’ button.

Step 2 – Select 'ABS Bleeding' function

The Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool offers a range of features, including 12 Service Reset functions, as well as the Vehicle Inspection and Battery/Alternator Test functions, as illustrated in the image. To initiate the procedure for bleeding ABS system, you can choose the 'ABS Bleeding' item from the list.
The Scan Tool supports both the ‘ABS Bleeding Procedure’ and the ‘ABS Bleeding Service’ function as in the image.
Choose the desired function to enter and execute the ABS Bleeding function.

1. ABS Bleeding Procedure

In the ABS Bleeding menu, select the ‘ABS Bleeding Procedure’ item then press the ‘OK’ button to view the procedure.
The Scan Tool shows the procedure to bleed the air in the ABS system. There are some cautions/conditions, make sure to follow them to process the procedure.
After following the procedure, select the ‘Exit’ softkey then press ‘OK’ button to exit the finish the ABS Bleeding function.

2. ABS Bleeding Service

To access the ‘ABS Bleeding Service’ function, select the 'ABS Bleeding Service’ item on the ABS Bleeding function list.
NOTE: The ‘ABS Bleeding Service’ function name varies by manufacturer, year and model.
After that selecting the system responsible for performing the ‘ABS Bleeding Service’ function.
The Scan Tool shows some cautions/conditions as in the image, make sure to follow them and select the ‘OK’ softkey and press the ‘OK’ button to perform the procedure.
The Scan Tool shows the instruction to perform the ABS Bleeding function as in the image.
Follow the instructions to complete the function.
The test will run and show the result on the screen. Select ‘OK’ softkey then press the ‘OK’ button to finish the function if completed. If the ABS Bleeding function was not completed, verify the condition/notes and repeat the function.

Summary

ABS is an essential safety system in modern vehicles, and it is crucial to perform the ABS Bleeding function after any maintenance or repair on this system. This procedure is necessary to ensure that there is no presence of air in your ABS system and keep the brakes operating efficiently .