I replaced the abs pump on my 04 (I only replaced the pump part, reused the electronic part that attaches to the pump w/ 6 torx screws and is coded to the car's VIN). how can I force the abs pump to activate to get the air out of the abs module? Can FORscan force the abs pump to activate? I have the free/cheap FORscan and don't see this option. thanks

i'm sure someone will ask why I replaced the pump. because it was throwing codes that in troubleshooting i traced to the internal relay in the abs pump or something else in the pump itself.

 

I would just drive it and slam on the brakes to activate it ...then bleed the brakes again .............................................

 

You just bleed it like normal brakes as far as I know. Did you even try to do that yet?

so you were still having issues after repairing the electronics?

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...8/#post4892688

 

If you need to bleed it. I would suggest a pressure bleeder and some speed bleeders.

Makes quick work of an otherwise PITA.

Travis

 

If you have a pressure bleed system then why do you need speedbleeder s too?

 

and should have been OR.

although both could be used.


Travis

 

i was able to get the air out by just driving around and braking hard and bleeding the brakes. I have speedbleeders so it is pretty easy to bleed.
unfortunately I am still getting the same fault code that caused me to replace the pump in first place.
C1096. abs pump motor open circuit.
this is a phantom fault because using forscan I can see the ABS pump is getting correct voltage. fuses and wiring look good, connections all cleaned and tightened. the abs module (electronic part that attaches to the pump) was rebuilt a few months ago (it was throwing false RF wheel speed sensor error and the 1096 code... the rebuild fixed the false wheel speed error but the 1096 would still come back sometimes).
I am going to try running power and ground wires directly to the abs module harness wires to bypass all the fuses and factory wiring and see if that fixes it.

I can also confirm forscan for ios will not activate the abs pump. to do that you need the factory troubleshooting equipment or the clones of it you can get on ebay for $200.

 

These may be the clones I’m looking for.

please advise

 

Foxwell makes a scan tool that will activate the ABS unit during its bleed cycle routine. Short of taking the car to a dealer or brake shop, it is the best way to get a really good bleed on ABS cars. I used the 520 (?) model with my RX-8, then bought the BMW software to use it on my Bimmers. It works very well and results in a very firm and sensitive brake pedal. I think I paid around $150 for it. You do not need a pressure bleeder with this tool, as it uses the ABS pump to push fluid through the ABS unit and the lines.

 

Interesting, thank you for sharing.