Car model and year: Honda 2006 CRV
Purpose: recalibrate or “initialize” the ABS/VSA module after replacing with a used one.
What a high-level scan tool is supposed to be used?
I checked my 06 CRV with an Autel MaxiSys MS908P regarding this. The memorization procedure for the sensors don’t take long at all. After getting into the menu for it, the procedure takes less than 5 seconds to complete. The adjusted sensors are the steering angle sensor, brake pressure sensor, and lateral G sensor.
The Honda HDS program along with HIM can do the same thing. But it doesn’t have the “modulator bleed” function for forcing brake fluid into the VSA modulator like it does on my scan tool. Eric O used a pressure brake bleeder instead of this function on his scan tool. That method is faster for bleeding and pushing old brake fluid out of all four calipers.
The whole “initialization” and “calibration” and “sensor adjusting” are the same thing. Yes, I did the scan tool function for learning the sensor memorizations (same thing), and it took the scan tool 3 seconds to finish. That’s without changing the ABS module and, of course, the different sensors and solenoids inside. I don’t believe there is a big time difference though.
I also bought a cloned Honda HIM device for the same price IIRC ($100). I didn’t perform the procedure with it, but I believe it takes a similar amount of time.
You can bleed the brakes manually, but it will take a very long time to do so. And you will need an assistant to help you open and close the caliper bleed screws while you or the assistant pushes and releases the brake pedal. In the video Eric O. was able to depress the brake pedal and not worry about introducing air back into the system because of the forced air pushing the brake fluid from the top of the master cylinder reservoir and out of the calipers. If you have access to an air compressor, you can do this job yourself using a pneumatic brake bleeder. If you choose to do this, be sure to do your own research on which tool to pick. This method is easier and (probably) faster than doing it manually.
You can still drive the car after you manage to bleed all the air out but haven’t performed the memorization procedure yet. The ABS pump will be disabled, so drive at your own caution.
I never quite understood how to tell when those pneumatic bleeders were done getting the air out. I used two different models (one was Matco brand and idk the other one), and they both appeared to have air and barely any fluid coming through the clear hose I put on the bleeder screws. They fit snugly on the fittings too, so air was definitely not entering from the outside. And honestly, I just left it on each caliper screw for 5 minutes or so whenever I replaced brake calipers. I’ve never replaced ABS modules before, so I don’t know how long it would take to get all the air out.
The steering angle, lateral G, and pressure sensors are what both the scan tool and Honda HIM say what will be adjusted. This year model CRV doesn’t actually have the steering angle and lateral G sensors, only the pressure sensor. And from my understanding, only the pressure sensor inside the ABS module is calibrated, so don’t worry so much about it.
Before I had my scan tool, I took an 08 GMC Envoy to an auto shop to get the new throttle body relearn procedure done. They took their big Snap On tablet and did the relearn in 4 minutes, charging me $60 for it. It seemed an OK deal at the time for a few minutes of “labor.” I would try to find a shop or an independent mechanic that would charge a reasonable amount.
Edit: I may be mistaken about the pneumatic bleeder being faster than the two person method for bleeding brakes. If you have a good rhythm down, you can do it more quickly than using the pneumatic tool.
Credits to@ TarsalHook
Enjoy!
