Q&A

1999 Pontiac Montana

Question: Bleeding abs with traction control issues

Question

starkky68, Sumner, WA, October 20, 2009, 22:11

Rookie

My brakes were no longer feeling correct. I knew the drums in the back were over due. I got them done and even replaced wheel cylinders. Brakes still did not feel right. Finally they were just soft and not stopping the van well. After much trouble shooting replaced the master cyliner abs module. Bled the ABS mod, then the TC mod. Brakes felt normal again. Rebled the wheels according to direction without using a Tech 1. Now the brakes feel just like they did before, much and peddle to the floor and inadequate stopping. Feel like I should not have bled the brakes. What on earth is the problem? Do you have to use a Tech tool?

1 Answer

Follow this Question Unfollow this Question

Answer #1

Oakman October 23, 2009, 11:50

Master

The following steps are necessary to bleed the brakes on your 1999 Pontiac Montana van without a Tech 1:

Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
Start the engine and allow the engine to run for at least 10 seconds.
Observe the ABS warning indicator.
• If the ABS indicator is ON, diagnose the antilock brake system malfunction. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brakes.

• If the ABS indicator turns ON for approximately 3 seconds, then turns OFF and stays OFF, turn the ignition OFF and got to Step 4.

Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
Start the engine and allow the engine to run for at least 10 seconds.
Observe the ABS warning indicator.
• If the ABS indicator turns ON and stays ON, diagnose the antilock brake system malfunction. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - ABS in Antilock Brakes.

• If the ABS indicator turns ON for approximately 3 seconds, then turns OFF and stays OFF, turn the ignition OFF and bleed the entire brake system.

To manually bleed your brake system start with the ABS modulator rear bleeder valve first and the the front bleeder valve. Next bleed the TCS modulator using the right side bleeder valve the the left side. You can now bleed the wheel in the following order: RIGHT REAR, LEFT FRONT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT FRONT. Next re-bleed the ABS modulator, REAR bleeder then FRONT bleeder. Then bleed the ABS modulator outlet pipes from front to rear. Next Re-bleed the TCS modulator using the right side bleeder valve then the left side. Next bleed the TCS pipe fittings from right to left. I know this is a lot of steps and having a service manual for your van may help get you through all these steps.
Good luck!

Reply
Flag This

Like | 5 people like this5