ABS Brake Bleed Special Scan Tool?? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

CAN-03runner · 12-13-2012, 02:37 PM

I've been reading threads about bad brake performance and brake system bleeding for the 4th Gens. Inevitably sooner or later someone mentions a "Special Toyota Scan Tool"

Are we talking about a regular ODBII scan tool or does toyota have some other device that connects to some other connection point on truck? Thereby forcing a visit to a Toyota dealer.

And will they know what I'm talking about if I request that service...

aha2988 · 12-13-2012, 03:35 PM

I've bled my brakes several times, it's never required a scan tool of any kind. As well I've never lost performance in my brakes after I've bled them.

GMZ · 12-13-2012, 03:47 PM

FSM only mentions any type of tool when the accumulator is replaced. For a normal bleed its not needed.

fourwd1 · 12-14-2012, 01:07 AM

The 4th gen Master Cylinder is very complex, it houses electronic sub-assemblies for the VSC, TRAC, ABS, etc. Toyota has Special Service Tools to control them while the brake system is being troubleshot or worked on. This is not related to a normal OBD-II scan tool.
Also, most vehicle manufacturers have "scan tools" that diagnose much, much more than an ordinary aftermarket scan tool (and cost > $1K).

But to bleed your brakes without such tools, you can do this-
After determining the proper order, bleed them with the engine off,
then with the engine running,
then again with the engine off.
This method should be used on just about any ABS equipped vehicle.

mikebontoft · 12-14-2012, 02:15 AM

it's usually only required if you let the master cylinder run dry or end up having to replace the accumulator. Most of the higher end diagnostic scan tools will be able to do it, unless the manufacturer has not released the license yet.

<<<< · 12-14-2012, 09:44 PM

What ever you do - never, ever... ever let your master cylinder run empty while bleeding. If done correctly no special tools needed for routine bleed.

Rancho5 · 11-11-2019, 03:52 PM

Reviving an old thread...what do you do when the ABS/Master Cylinder Unit does run dry? I've got to replace my unit and need to know how to bleed the ABS unit. Lots of ways to bleed brakes...not anything on bleeding the ABS unit.

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