For years, having an OBD2 scanner has been an invaluable tool for car owners and DIY mechanics alike. Back in the day, shortly after OBD2 systems became standard in 1996, investing in a basic scan tool was a significant step towards understanding and maintaining your vehicle. My first Actron scanner, while limited compared to today’s technology, proved its worth many times over by allowing me to perform basic diagnostics and trigger engine controller tests, like checking O2 sensor function. It was a substantial investment at around $250, but it quickly paid for itself through saved repair costs and increased self-reliance.
My positive experience with Actron has led me to consider upgrading to a more advanced model, perhaps the CP9695. This model promises enhanced capabilities, including crucial features like ABS pump cycling, which is essential for thorough brake system bleeding. The Innova CarScan Tech 5510 also appears to be a compelling option in the current market, offering a range of diagnostic functions.
However, reflecting on my car maintenance history, I realize that the need for ABS pump cycling might be less frequent than initially imagined for a DIYer. In fact, I’ve only performed a complete brake and clutch hydraulic system bleed a couple of times on my vehicles since 2002. Often, I found it more convenient to have this service done professionally during routine maintenance, such as an oil and filter change, when the brake and clutch systems were already due for a fluid flush.
Observing professional technicians perform brake bleeding is quite insightful. With the car lifted and using a pressure bleeder, the process becomes remarkably efficient and doesn’t require an assistant. I’ve watched technicians quickly move from caliper to caliper, using a catch bottle connected to the bleed valve to collect the old fluid. The speed and cleanliness of the operation, especially when combined with a diagnostic tool to cycle the ABS pump, are impressive. The tech would open the valve, old fluid would exit, and once fresh fluid appeared, the valve was closed, and the process repeated at the next wheel.
While I don’t recall the exact cost of this professional brake bleeding service, it stands out as one of the more reasonably priced services I’ve paid for at a dealership, alongside manual transmission and differential fluid changes. Although I’ve manually bled brakes a couple of times myself for the experience, I’ve concluded that for brake systems, especially those with ABS, professional servicing offers a blend of efficiency and effectiveness that’s hard to replicate at home, particularly if ABS pump cycling is required for a complete bleed. For those seeking a comprehensive approach to brake maintenance, investing in an Obd2 Scanner Abs System capable of ABS pump cycling is a significant advantage, but for occasional brake fluid flushes, professional service might be a more practical choice.
