Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Automated Bleed Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (6-Lug Wheel) , Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (8-Lug Wheel) .
- Inspect the brake system for leaks and visual damage. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes . Repair or replace components as needed.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Prepare the brake bleeding equipment and the vehicle for a pressure bleed of the base hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) , Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) .
- Inspect the battery state of charge. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test .
- Install a scan tool.
- Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
- With the scan tool, perform the following steps:
- Select Diagnostics
- Select the appropriate vehicle information
- Select Chassis
- Select Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)
- Select Special Functions
- Select Automated Bleed
- With an assistant ready, raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Apply the brake pedal when instructed, using moderate effort.
- Ensure the pedal remains applied until instructed to release by the scan tool.
- Do not exceed the time period allowed by the scan tool for having the bleeder valves open.
- The bleed sequence for each corner is as follows:
- Left front
- Right front
- Right rear
- Left rear
- Perform the automated bleed procedure as instructed by the scan tool.
- If the automated bleed procedure is aborted, a malfunction exists. If a DTC is detected, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle to diagnose the DTC.
- After completion of the automated bleed procedure, press and hold the brake pedal to inspect for pedal firmness.
- If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the bleed procedure completely.
- Remove the scan tool.
- Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (6-Lug Wheel) , Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (8-Lug Wheel) .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Adjust the brake fluid level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
- Road test the vehicle while confirming the brake pedal remains high and firm.
The Auto Bleed Procedure may be terminated at any time during the process by pressing the EXIT button. No further Scan Tool prompts pertaining to the Auto Bleed procedure will be given. After exiting the bleed procedure, relieve bleed pressure and disconnect bleed equipment per manufacturers instructions. Failure to properly relieve pressure may result in spilled brake fluid causing damage to components and painted surfaces.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.