Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (1997)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Bleeding Brake Hydraulic System
Precautions
CAUTION: Do not move the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is obtained. Failure to obtain a firm pedal before moving vehicle may result in
personal injury.
CAUTION: Use only SUPREME 11 or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use fluid from an open container
that may be contaminated with water. Improper or contaminated fluid could result in damage to components, or loss of braking, with possible
personal injury.
CAUTION: Overfilling the reservoir must be avoided due to the potential for overflow onto the nearby catalytic converters in the exhaust
system. Brake fluid is flammable, and contact with hot exhaust components could result in a fire and possible personal injury.
NOTICE: If any brake component is repaired or replaced such that air is allowed to enter the brake system, the entire bleeding procedure MUST be
followed.
NOTICE: Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring, cables or electrical connectors. Brake fluid will damage paint and
electrical connections. If any fluid is spilled on the vehicle, immediately flush the area with water to minimize the potential for damage.
NOTICE: Prior to bleeding the brakes, the front and rear displacement cylinder pistons must be returned to the topmost position. The preferred method
uses a Scan Tool to perform the rehoming procedure. If a Scan Tool is not available, the second procedure may be used, but it is extremely important
that the procedure be followed exactly as outlined.
A bleeding operation is necessary to remove air when it is introduced into the hydraulic brake system.
It is necessary to bleed the hydraulic system at all four brakes if air has been introduced through a low fluid level or by disconnecting brake pipes at the
master cylinder. If a brake hose or brake pipe is disconnected at one wheel, only that wheel caliper needs to be bled. If brake pipes or hoses are
disconnected at any fitting located between master cylinder and brakes, then the brake system served by he disconnected pipe or hose must be bled.
With Scan Tool (Preferred Method)
1. Using a Scan Tool select Motor Rehome. The motor rehome function cannot be performed if current DTCs are present. If DTCs are present, the
vehicle must be repaired and DTCs cleared before performing the motor rehome function.
2. The entire brake system should now be bled following either "PRESSURE BLEEDING" or "MANUAL BLEEDING."
Without Scan Tool
NOTICE: This method can only be used if the amber ABS warning indicator is not illuminated and no DTCs are present.
Important: Do not place your foot on the brake pedal through this entire procedure unless specifically directed to do so.
1. Remove foot from brake pedal.
2. Start engine and allow it to run for at least 10 seconds while observing the amber ABS warning indicator.
3. If the amber ABS warning indicator turned on and stayed on after about 10 seconds, the bleeding procedure must be stopped and a Scan Tool must
be used to diagnose the ABS malfunction.
4. If the amber ABS warning indicator turned on for approximately 3 seconds, then turned off and stayed off, turn the ignition off.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 one more time.
6. The entire brake system should now be bled. Refer to either "BRAKE BLEEDING."
Pressure Bleeding
