Is a bidirectional scan tool needed for routine maintenance items?

Yes, a bidirectional scan tool is needed for the brake bleed through the ABS system and to reset the battery monitor.

Brake system flush: Possibly needed, depending on the ABS system.
Coolant drain and fill: Not needed.
Battery replacement: Yes, needed for resetting the BMS.

Let us know if you need anything else.

Thanks Ken. For my curiosity could you please elaborate further on why the battery monitor must be reset in association with the ABS bleed? Also, can you recommend a legitimate source for shop manual information that is DIY affordable? Also, can you recommend an affordable bidirectional scan tool? I have been looking around and thought that the Innova 5610 might be suitable, though their compatibility chart claims it does not support ABS bleeding, battery initialization, or oil maintenance reset for this model of vehicle. I plan on calling them to speak to a human as their web help is not all that helpful.

Sure, the ABS system needs to be bled with the scanner as it opens the valve inside the module so the air can escape. Here is a video of the job being done so you can see what I am talking about:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQRnKyVyMuQ&t=449s

This scanner seems pretty good for the money, $149.00:

https://amzn.to/4feETEi

It does ABS, SRS, oil resets etc. Let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks Ken. I understand the concept of ABS bleeding, though I have only done "conventional" vacuum bleeds on ABS braked vehicles on 3-year intervals (for better or worse). My question was with your opening paragraph. "Yes, a bidirectional scan tool is needed for the brake bleed through the ABS system and to reset the battery monitor." Should I have assumed that these were two separate activities, and one not related to the other?
With regards to the scanner, they do not show a vehicle compatibility chart/info for model and year. My son has an Amazon account, so I'll get him to post the question. He's planning on upgrading his old Innova to the 5610, so I'll have access to it. I did confirm over the phone with Innova that the 5610 does not support ABS bleed or battery initialization for a 2021 GMC Sierra. If your scanner pick checks out, I'll still have this issue to look for a solution. If all else fails, I guess I could swap out the battery when the time comes and take it to my dealer and pay to get it "initialized".

Yes, the brake bleed through the ABS system, and to reset the battery monitor are separate repairs. Let me know what you come up with.

I looked around on the Ancel website, and that model of scan tool is not even listed (only the previous version is listed). I contacted them by email listed on Amazon with regards to their V5BT Bidirectional Scan Tool that appeared to exceed the capability of the Innova 5610, in that it would do ABS Bleed and Battery Initialization for the 2021 GMC. I mentioned that I was wanting to compare them with the Innova. Their tune quickly changed when pressed. I would steer clear of any Ancel product.

This is the one we use in the shop; it is a little more money, but it works good for us:

https://amzn.to/4e7pBA6

Let us know if you need anything else.

Thanks Ken. I have already contacted Autel's US support for a tool recommendation. Since it is for DIY use, I need to strike a balance between up front cost and future update costs. I had contacted Topdon's US branch for a recommendation for a DIY tool. They came back with some version of the Phoenix for $2,300 with $895 update cost. For that kind of money, I can quit working on cars and take it to the dealer! :)

Yep, that sounds a little steep for DIY.:) Let me know what you find have a good weekend!

I went to my local AutoZone this morning to see what info I could get from them. They do not do BMS reset on vehicles that they change out the batteries, rather they refer the customer to go to the dealer. However, their system flags the need for the reset. When my vehicle was inputted, it did not flag it for a BMS reset. Not saying that their data is correct, but can you please confirm? The truck is a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, base model, 4.3 V6.

Yes, this is correct, it wont tell you the BMS need to be reset, it just needs to be done anytime a new battery is installed.