Stuck proportioning valve after line replacements

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2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE
6.0L
4WD
94,000 MILES

Hi,

I replaced all of the brake lines on the vehicle listed above and am bleeding the brakes. I get a good stream from the front brakes but nothing from the rear brakes. I tried using a manual vacuum bleeder on the front brake while opening the rear bleeder to reset the proportioning valve without success. Does the switch need to be pulled out to reset the proportioning valve?

Thanks in advance,
Blake

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Saturday, March 27th, 2021 AT 9:24 AM

20 Replies

BLAKESLIST

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37 POSTS

Hi,

I figured out how to reset the proportioning valve by pushing in the pin and the brake light went out. However, I still am unable to bleed the rear brakes. Is there a way to cycle the ABS without a scan tool?

Originally, this car had the rear brake lines replaced very poorly and they got pinched by the suspension and the other lines were rusted.

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Sunday, March 28th, 2021 AT 5:28 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

Since the entire system was opened, you likely need to do an automated bleed on the unit.

There are two different system. One with StabiliTrak and without. I need you to do the following. Look at the RPO sticker on the underside of the spare tire cover. You are looking for a JL4 rpo. If it's there, you have stabilitrak.

I will provide the directions for both. First is with JL4.

2003 Cadillac Truck Escalade V8-6.0L VIN N
W/JL4
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Hydraulic System Brake Bleeding Service and Repair Procedures ABS Automated Bleed Procedure W/JL4
W/JL4
Antilock Brake System

ABS Automated Bleed Procedure (W/JL4)

Note: When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only Delco Supreme 11 , GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake fluid, may cause contamination which could result in damage to the internal rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.

Note: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Important: The following procedures may be performed on vehicles equipped with option code JL4, Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES).

Precharge Bleed

The Precharge bleed procedure is to be performed when air may have been introduced into the precharge pump inlet hose, the precharge pump or the combination valve. Perform the procedure as follows.

Important: If the brake system warning lamp is illuminated, DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until the concern is diagnosed and repaired. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes in Hydraulic Brakes. See: Hydraulic System, Brakes > Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

1. Ensure that the master cylinder reservoir is filled to at least the minimum fill level with Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container.
2. Ensure the master cylinder reservoir cap is ON securely.
3. Install a scan tool.
4. Turn ON the ignition.
5. Select the VSES Special Functions menu on the scan tool.
6. Select Precharge Bleed.
7. Press the On key. The precharge pump runs for approximately 3 seconds; circulating fluid from the master cylinder fluid reservoir, through the precharge pump and combination valve, then back to the master cylinder.
8. Evaluate the feel of the brake pedal. If the pedal feels spongy, perform a base brake system bleed. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) in Hydraulic Brakes.
9. Ensure that the master cylinder reservoir is filled to at least the minimum fill level with Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container.

Automated Bleed

The Automated Bleed procedure is to be performed when the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) is replaced. Perform the procedure as follows.

Important: The base brake system must be bled before proceeding. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) in Hydraulic Brakes.

Important: If the brake system warning lamp is illuminated, DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until the concern is diagnosed and repaired. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes in Hydraulic Brakes. See: Hydraulic System, Brakes > Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

1. Ensure that the master cylinder reservoir is filled to at least the minimum fill level with Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container.
2. Ensure the master cylinder reservoir cap is ON securely.
3. Install a scan tool.
4. Turn ON the ignition.
5. Select the VSES Special Functions menu on the scan tool.
6. Select Precharge Bleed.
7. Press the On key. The precharge pump runs for approximately 3 seconds; circulating fluid from the master cylinder fluid reservoir, through the precharge pump and combination valve, then back to the master cylinder.
8. Select Automated Bleed.
9. Press the On key. The precharge pump and ABS pump run for approximately 6 seconds while air is purged from the BPMV.
10. Ensure that the master cylinder reservoir is filled to at least the minimum fill level with Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container.
11. Perform a base brake system bleed. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) in Hydraulic Brakes.
12. Evaluate the feel of the brake pedal. If the pedal feels spongy, repeat steps 1 - 11. If the pedal feel is acceptable, proceed to the next step.
13. Ensure that the master cylinder reservoir is filled to at least the minimum fill level with Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container.

_____________________________________________________

Without JL4

2003 Cadillac Truck Escalade V8-6.0L VIN N
W/O JL4
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Hydraulic System Brake Bleeding Service and Repair Procedures ABS Automated Bleed Procedure W/O JL4
W/O JL4
Antilock Brake System

ABS Automated Bleed Procedure (w/o JL4)

Note: When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only Delco Supreme 11 , GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake fluid, may cause contamination which could result in damage to the internal rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.

Note: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Important: This procedure may be performed on all vehicles EXCEPT those equipped with option code JL4, Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES).

Important: The base hydraulic brake system must be bled before performing this automated bleeding procedure. If you have not yet performed the base hydraulic brake system bleeding procedure, refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) in Hydraulic Brakes before proceeding.

1. Install a scan tool to the vehicle.
2. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle.
3. Depress the brake pedal firmly and maintain steady pressure on the pedal.
4. Using the scan tool, begin the automated bleed procedure.
5. Follow the instructions on the scan tool to complete the automated bleed procedure. Release the brake pedal between each test sequence.
6. Turn the ignition OFF.
7. Remove the scan tool from the vehicle.
8. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11 , GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
9. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Manual) Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding (Pressure) in Hydraulic brakes.
10. With the ignition OFF, apply the brakes 35 times, or until the brake pedal becomes firm, in order to deplete the brake booster power reserve.
11. Slowly depress and release the brake pedal. Observe the feel of the brake pedal.
12. If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the automated bleeding procedure. If the brake pedal still feels spongy after repeating the automated bleeding procedure inspect the brake system for external leaks. Refer to Brake System External Leak Inspection in Hydraulic Brakes. See: Hydraulic System, Brakes > Component Tests and General Diagnostics > Brake System External Leak Inspection
13. Turn the ignition key ON, with the engine OFF; check to see if the brake system-warning lamp remains illuminated.
14. If the brake system warning lamp remains illuminated, DO NOT allow the vehicle to be driven until it is diagnosed and repaired. Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes in Hydraulic Brakes. See: Hydraulic System, Brakes > Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
15. Drive the vehicle to exceed 13 kph (8 mph) to allow ABS initialization to occur. Observe brake pedal feel.
16. If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the automated bleeding procedure until a firm brake pedal is obtained.

________________________________

I have one more thought. When bleeding the brakes, make sure to start at the wheel furthest from the master cylinder. That would be the right rear. Then, go to the left rear, right front, and last is the left front. Here is a link that discusses the basic procedures.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-bleed-or-flush-a-car-brake-system

I wish I had an easier answer, but I feel this is likely what will fix the issue.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, March 28th, 2021 AT 9:11 PM

BLAKESLIST

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Hi Joe,

Yes, it is the JL4 with the active brakes. I was hoping you had solenoid info where I could jump the abs to cycle without a scan tool. I did center the combination valve and the light went out, but there is still blockage to the rear brakes. There is no way to bench test the ABS module?

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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 2:37 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

To the best of my knowledge, there is no manual way to bleed the ABS. As far as the rear brakes, is that where you started bleeding the system? Also, are you certain there are no kinked lines? Did you try to gravity bleed?

Let me know.
Joe

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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 6:52 PM

BLAKESLIST

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Hi Joe,

No lines are kinked and the hoses have no metal retainers to pinch them. There is only a trickle of fluid coming from the ABS pump to the first hoses in the rear. I noticed the ABS module has cracks in it. The tag is partially ripped off, so I can't get a number off of it. The ECBM and the modulator valve are extremely expensive and very hard to find for active brakes. The original fluid was very dirty, so I removed most from the master cylinder and waited until I installed the new lines to flush it, but not sure if crud got lodged in the valve or it just decided to stick or the module stopped working even though there are no codes. I will have to find a scanner to figure this out.

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Monday, March 29th, 2021 AT 7:52 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

I had trouble with a Tahoe similar to this. The only thing that fixed it was an automated bleed. Once that was done, it worked fine.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 AT 5:51 PM

BLAKESLIST

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Hi Joe,

Thanks for the replies, and I know I need to do the abs cycle with a scanner, but can't afford it. I will drop the unit and see if I can free up the stuck valves and see if that will get the brakes bleed-able again. If I have to replace both module and valve, then I will get a used one and pay a shop to reprogram it.
Do you know what the average cost is to reprogram the ABS to match the VIN?

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 AT 6:08 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
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I believe it is under an hour labor. As far as the automated bleed, it takes about 30 minutes to get everything set up and done.

If possible, let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 AT 6:11 PM

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Okay, thanks again. I will let you know how it goes.
Blake

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 AT 6:13 PM

BLAKESLIST

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Hi Joe,

Do you have the ABS modulator valve lines positions diagram?
The image attached is the way I took the lines off.
RPV = Rear port on Proportioning Valve
FPV = Front port on proportioning valve

I had to order a used one because one of the threads stripped, the module has 2 cracks in it and someone welded the bracket to the frame.
If I get a Foxwell NT680 pro that can reprogram the module, will a module from a Yukon work on an Escalade?

Thanks,
Blake

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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 3:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 POSTS

Hi,

As far as reprogramming it, it has to have the same part number. Make sure of that. If it is the same, you should be able to do it.

As far as the piping schematic, they don't show that in the manual. It looks like you have them mapped out in your pic. Is something different?

Joe

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Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 AT 5:46 PM

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Hi Joe,
In my whole life, I have never had to service an ABS.
I found TSB 13-05-22-001B (p.12-16)that shows the abs line routes in case anyone else needs it.
I am assuming the Primary lines are the Front brakes and the Secondary are the Rear brakes?
When I got the Dorman preformed lines, there was no diagram or schematic, just part numbers.
The GM abs's should have been recalled and replaced.
I just talked to a guy at the dealer that just had an escalade used abs module to reprogram and it didn't work but they charge you $99 either way.
The used module came out of an escalade.
I will install this new unit and leave the fuse out.
I'm not dealing with the module.
The owner can purchase a Dorman which is plug n play and LLT warranty for $250 when he gets the money at a later date.
All this VIN identification and reprogramming is nonsense and so is abs.
I have always instinctively pumped the brakes when stopping.
I guess that's because I always had air in my brakes. Lol

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Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 3:09 AM

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Hi Joe,

Just for grins, I took the old module off the pump and I don't think this thing has worked in years. The owner says he felt it work last winter.
I sure hope the used one I ordered doesn't look like this inside.

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Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 1:58 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
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Wow! There is a lot of corrosion. I agree, it doesn't look like it has worked for some time. As far as ABS, I guess it's because of my age, but I like having control if I start to slide or skid. When the ABS actuates, it doesn't matter how hard you press the brake, it doesn't change.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 6:36 PM

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Will do!
Thanks again.

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Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 6:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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You are very welcome. Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, April 1st, 2021 AT 11:15 PM

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Hi Joe,

Received the used modulator valve and it was in excellent condition. Everything installed well and I was able to get fluid out the rear calipers.
However, the flow gradually got lower and lower and the pedal wasn't getting hard.
I decided to isolate the master cylinder to see if it was leaking and it was leaking bad.
The reservoir had crud all in the bottom, but the rest of it looked newer.

After replacing the master cylinder, the bleeding was a breeze.
I can't hook up the abs because the used module is not compatible with the Escalade according to the number on the module.
I am not going to send the Escalade original module for repair because I can't verify that it is the original for that car. I think it was used.
He will have to order a remanufactured one from the dealer and then have it reprogrammed to match the VIN.
The car probably would have bled better with just a new master cylinder, but he still would not have working ABS. At least, he can replace the abs module when he gets enough money and have everything working.

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Thursday, April 8th, 2021 AT 5:27 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
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Hi,

Yep, I agree about the master cylinder and bleeding. I don't know what you dealt with, but oftentimes you have to reuse the reservoir. Ugh! Nothing is simple anymore.

Regardless, I'm glad to hear you got the system bled. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You're always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, April 8th, 2021 AT 7:15 PM

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