Bleed the ABS/DSC system using INPA

[enuff_zed]

I couldn't find one clear, simple explanation of how to bleed air out of the ABS module after you've replaced it, so having now done it, here goes:

This assumes you have the INPA software.
It is also best to have a good quality pressure bleeding kit, unless you prefer the two person method.

1. Bleed the brakes as you would normally, starting with the calliper furthest from the master cylinder and working closer. In the case of the E85/6, due to the way the pipes run, this means start at the rear right and work your way clockwise to finish at the front right.

2. Once you have no more air bubbles appearing it is time to get the trapped air out of the abs module. To do this you have to make its pump run, using the INPA software.

3. So plug in your laptop, connect up the cable to the OBD port and turn the ignition on.

4. Open the INPA program and using the F-keys, or the buttons at the bottom of the screen select the E85 option.

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5. In the box that lists all the various options, select 'CHASSIS'.

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6. In the righthand box, double click on 'DSC MK60'

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7. On the following screen you will see that F6 is to 'ACTIVATE'. Again, select this with either the F-key or the button at the bottom of the screen.

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8. In the next screen you need to select '<F1> control hydraulic'

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9. You are presented with a long list of options, but you only need to use F2 (for the left side) and F3 (for the right side).

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10. With the pressure bleeder still connected, start again at the right rear calliper and work your way clockwise to the right front. Open the bleed nipple then select the relevant F2 or F3 option.

11. The program will run the pump and give you the following message:

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NB. This is where I went wrong the first time. I took 80% as gospel and held the brake about there. The pump ran but seemed very quiet. When I'd finished the pedal was still very spongy. So I ran it again, on all four callipers. This time I pushed the pedal down until I could feel it being forced quite hard back into my foot. The pump ran much louder this time. To be really sure I ran the program twice on each calliper.

12. Once the abs activation is completed on all four corners go round once more doing the standard bleed procedure (without the INPA input) just to be certain there is no air left in the system.

13. This whole process used about 1.25 litres of brake fluid and replaced all the old fluid with fresh new stuff.

14. Don't forget that if you use a pressure bleeder it will fill the fluid reservoir right to the brim, so have a syringe handy to suck some back out until it is at the 'MAX' level.

I hope this helps someone in the future.
I fretted for days for no reason. It really is that simple.

[snotrag]

PM'd you!

[enuff_zed]

PM'd you!

Just replied again. I 'may' have something that will help you. Check your PMs

[MrPT]

Just followed this as I can never remember the menu options etc - thank you.

Do you know what purpose the press of the brake pedal is actually serving? The ABS unit activates for me whether I depress the pedal or not. I wonder if it's just to create brake pressure and, if so, whether this is a redundant step if you are using a pressure bleeder (although your observations above would suggest otherwise).

[enuff_zed]

Just followed this as I can never remember the menu options etc - thank you.

Do you know what purpose the press of the brake pedal is actually serving? The ABS unit activates for me whether I depress the pedal or not. I wonder if it's just to create brake pressure and, if so, whether this is a redundant step if you are using a pressure bleeder (although your observations above would suggest otherwise).

That's interesting?
I would have assumed that the pedal needed to move first, or how would the abs know it was required?
In fact, the first time i did it I didn't push it down far enough. Had to do it again and make sure the pedal was really kicking back at me.

But anyway, glad it helped.

[MrPT]

I would have assumed that the pedal needed to move first, or how would the abs know it was required?

Because we tell INPA to run the DSC bleed procedure and INPA initiates the process. I had assumed pumping = ABS activation, i.e. there isn't some other mode, sans pedal press, where the pump runs but it's not actually the ABS bleed procedure.

[B21]

Excellent write up..not convinced I’ve got all the air out if my E89 DSC which was dry for a few weeks

Is the pedal feel change noticeable?

[enuff_zed]

Is the pedal feel change noticeable?

Do you mean from bled but not the ABS done? Oh yes, a big difference. After the standard bleed, but before doing the ABS, it took a couple of pumps that felt ok, but then the air started to make itself known.
Btw, no idea if this procedure is the same on the E89.

[B21]

Is the pedal feel change noticeable?

Do you mean from bled but not the ABS done? Oh yes, a big difference. After the standard bleed, but before doing the ABS, it took a couple of pumps that felt ok, but then the air started to make itself known.
Btw, no idea if this procedure is the same on the E89.

Later E85s have same DSC as E89s …

I’ve bled thoroughly the pipes n calipers..

I’ve agitated the DSC

But..

I’ve not done the agitation whilst bleeding the calipers..

I’ve got a pressure bleeder ..but I’ll get a tame slave and do both once I fit the production version of my 370mm rear caliper bracket upgrade

[enuff_zed]

Is the pedal feel change noticeable?

Do you mean from bled but not the ABS done? Oh yes, a big difference. After the standard bleed, but before doing the ABS, it took a couple of pumps that felt ok, but then the air started to make itself known.
Btw, no idea if this procedure is the same on the E89.

Later E85s have same DSC as E89s …

I’ve bled thoroughly the pipes n calipers..

I’ve agitated the DSC

But..

I’ve not done the agitation whilst bleeding the calipers..

I’ve got a pressure bleeder ..but I’ll get a tame slave and do both once I fit the production version of my 370mm rear caliper bracket upgrade

Should work then, assuming you can find the same process in the e89 version of INPA.