1996 Chevy c3500 hd Silverado 7.4 gas automatic. Need ABS brake bleed and code reader to read possible problem with ABS for that year truck. The Front brakes calipers ,pads lockup tight to the rotors.when attempting to bleed the breaks the calipers will release, then within a few seconds will tighten on their own to the rotors. When the truck sits overnight the calipers will unlock,but within 3 or 4 turns the calipers will lock up again. We have replaced the brake hoses and the calipers and pads. Need help please..
any bidirectional tool.
There is a permanent link literally at the top of the main page that was created to answer your question.
Any bidirectional tool?? Please explain. I just sent back a 500.00 diognostic code scan computer because the company didn't have the download for the year,make,model. I have what seem to be back pressure coming from somewhere and its making the calipers lock to the rotors. When you release(bleed) the brakes will unlock for seconds then lock up again.
Please explain.
the company didn't have the download for the year,make,model.
ask the company before you buy
the calipers lock to the rotors
Then I don't know why you're looking for a scan tool. Bleeding will do nothing.
You need to replace the rubber brake lines.
Yes I looked. I did ask the company before purchase and got told it would work,well it didn't. I replaced the rubber brake lines. Thanks for the help.
A Tech2 (factory scan tool for that era GM product) should be able to do it. Chinese Tech2 clones are readily available for $300-$400. I have one and it works well.
However, the Tech2 is clumsy early 1990s technology that has a learning curve. It's a scan tool that can only be used with GM products from 1992 through the 2010s, with later models (around 2007+) requiring connection to an old 32-bit laptop with a serial port and running GM software for many programming functions.
https://www.car-auto-repair.com/how-to-use-gm-tech-2-perform-abs-bleeding/
Thank you for taking the time to post about the tech2 .
You're welcome! Of course an issue would be whether one wants to spend that kind of money on a scan tool with such old technology and limited applications. You can get a pretty nice modern scan tool for $400 that can be used on just about any 1996+ vehicle. (I'm stubborn though and plan to keep my old vehicles as long as possible so for me it's worth it.)
it works well.
does it really work "well"?
I have not had any problems with it. Used it just recently to program some remotes. The only issue I'm aware of with the Chinese Tech2 clones is that their voltage regulators are not very good and an external power source should be used for procedures calling for use of the tool while starting the engine. You also need to use the correct software for the vehicle, loaded on a linear PCMCIA card inserted into the Tech2.
I've got a GM MDI knock-off. (It allows you to interface older Tech2 era vehicles via software emulation, which is nice because modernizes the Tech2 interface a bit, as well as the newer Global A architecture vehicles with the same device).
Anyway, it's pretty typical for Chinese clones. It mostly works, but boy is it janky and unreliable, and some of the functions don't work.
Interesting. If I had to work on more and newer GM stuff I'd consider something like that. As I said though, I have not run into any problems with my China-clone Tech2. All functions seem to work OK but it really is a clumsy thing to use. I'm sure it was the bees knees 30 years ago but by today's standards it's an antique.