Brake bleeding issues defective anti-lock / ABS module solved
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 43
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Brake bleeding issues defective anti-lock / ABS module solved
I hope this post helps someone with the same issue I had while trying to bleed my ABS.
After replacing my master cylinder, I realized the issue was a defective ABS. I found a replacement on eBay and installed said module. As expected, the replacement requires the entire system be purged of air. As many of you know, this process also requires purging the ABS module using Forscan or the Ford VCM. I have the VCM II and used it several times but I still had a spongy pedal. I then bled the entire system with another quart of fluid thinking I missed some air somewhere. For whatever reason, the ABS bleeding procedure using the Ford VCM II would not completely remove all of the air from the module. Out of frustration, I went to a large gravel parking lot that was nearby. I accelerated and then did a hard brake to activate the ABS several times. This did resolve the issue and I now have a normal brake pedal. I do wonder if this process would work without using an OBD interface.
After replacing my master cylinder, I realized the issue was a defective ABS. I found a replacement on eBay and installed said module. As expected, the replacement requires the entire system be purged of air. As many of you know, this process also requires purging the ABS module using Forscan or the Ford VCM. I have the VCM II and used it several times but I still had a spongy pedal. I then bled the entire system with another quart of fluid thinking I missed some air somewhere. For whatever reason, the ABS bleeding procedure using the Ford VCM II would not completely remove all of the air from the module. Out of frustration, I went to a large gravel parking lot that was nearby. I accelerated and then did a hard brake to activate the ABS several times. This did resolve the issue and I now have a normal brake pedal. I do wonder if this process would work without using an OBD interface.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 383
From: WA
After replacing my master cylinder, I realized the issue was a defective ABS.
process also requires purging the ABS module using Forscan or the Ford VCM. I have the VCM II and used it several times but I still had a spongy pedal.
I went to a large gravel parking lot that was nearby. I accelerated and then did a hard brake to activate the ABS several times. This did resolve the issue and I now have a normal brake pedal.
process also requires purging the ABS module using Forscan or the Ford VCM. I have the VCM II and used it several times but I still had a spongy pedal.
I went to a large gravel parking lot that was nearby. I accelerated and then did a hard brake to activate the ABS several times. This did resolve the issue and I now have a normal brake pedal.
Weird. Any chance the first ABS module (hydraulic control unit) was not actually bad? And why did you replace the MC in the first place?
Thanks for sharing.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 43
Likes: 10
I assumed the master was bad, my mistake. Yes, the gravel parking lot solved the issue within a few tries. I have not done a final bleed
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