Hybrid Brake Fluid Change Procedure questions

[Dean S]

I'm sneaking up on 3 years with the maverick and the brake fluid change interval. I've read everything I can find about the procedure but I'm curious about how others go about it.

Did you use forescan or a scan tool to bleed the abs?

Was a power bleeder hooked up when doing the abs bleed, if so is there one you like?

Did you use the Bosch or Ford DOT4 lv fluid?

I have used forescan to turn off the seatbelt warnings and turn on TSR, I have not yet used it for maintenance procedures. I don't mind buying a bleeder if I need it to do the job right, if I don't it's just one more thing kicking around.

Thanks

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[TheSEARCH]

I have not done my yet, next month it is time. BUT I BELIEVE this is how its done with forscan

 

[HeyBales]

ABS Service Bleed available in Forscan Lite also on mobile devices.



You'll notice in the above video service instructions - some differences to what they are doing.
For instance the brake reservoir being pressured. Didn't notice them doing that.
The 2 front brakes being done at the same time, despite selected 1 for brake hose.

 

[Dean S]

I have not done my yet, next month it is time. BUT I BELIEVE this is how its done with forscan

I watched the same video, looks like they do it without a pressure bleeder attached without any ill effect. I'm wondering if the service manual just requires it so you don't accidentally run out of fluid.

I only ever had the 2 month Forscan license, it's now expired, so I decided to put it on an old laptop that I don't care if it gets dirty. After fighting with Win 7 to get the driver for the OBDII adapter I connected and can access the abs service bleed function.

If I buy a pressure bleeder I'm probably going with speedibleed, expensive but all the cheap stuff has terrible reviews.

https://speedibleed.com/product/k400-euro-brake-clutch-bleeder-kit/

 

[Dean S]

ABS Service Bleed available in Forscan Lite also on mobile devices.



You'll notice in the above video service instructions - some differences to what they are doing.
For instance the brake reservoir being pressured. Didn't notice them doing that.
The 2 front brakes being done at the same time, despite selected 1 for brake hose.

I looked for the app but apparently Forsxan has paused international sales, probably due to the Ukraine situation.

 

[HeyBales]

I looked for the app but apparently Forsxan has paused international sales, probably due to the Ukraine situation.

Interesting - or this from their website, which is probably just an excuse - they daren't say anything negative.

December 10, 2025 - Suspension of FORScan Lite for Android License Sales

Due to numerous complaints from users unable to download or install the application after purchase, as well as attempts to use low-quality adapters, it has been decided to temporarily suspend sales of FORScan Lite licenses for Android. Support for the application for existing users will continue as usual.


Then again - they are keeping IOS Lite going - so just those pesky Android users causing more problems than they are worth!

https://forscan.org/download.html

 

[TheSEARCH]

I watched the same video, looks like they do it without a pressure bleeder attached without any ill effect. I'm wondering if the service manual just requires it so you don't accidentally run out of fluid.

I only ever had the 2 month Forscan license, it's now expired, so I decided to put it on an old laptop that I don't care if it gets dirty. After fighting with Win 7 to get the driver for the OBDII adapter I connected and can access the abs service bleed function.

If I buy a pressure bleeder I'm probably going with speedibleed, expensive but all the cheap stuff has terrible reviews.

https://speedibleed.com/product/k400-euro-brake-clutch-bleeder-kit/

I cant see a reason for a pressure bleeder. BUT since i have yet to do mine I cant see for certain Just amazed no one here has done a full bleed. If there no one who has done one on a hybrid yet? Guess people ignore this. BAD decision.

 

[Tbone289]

I only ever had the 2 month Forscan license, it's now expired, so I decided to put it on an old laptop that I don't care if it gets dirty. After fighting with Win 7 to get the driver for the OBDII adapter I connected and can access the abs service bleed function.

You can just renew the free trial license on the FORScan website.

 

[Dean S]

You can just renew the free trial license on the FORScan website.

That's what I did, just wanted it on an old crappy laptop which was a bit of a PITA as it's old, slow, and outdated. Didn't want brake fluid on my new one.

 

[dalola]

It's not necessary to cycle the ABS solenoids to bleed the brake fluid. Sure, it helps get more of the old fluid out, but I prefer a 2 year schedule, and making sure to cycle the solenoids when it can be done safely, during the winter, on a snow covered parking lot, to keep the fluid mixed.

I prefer an air compressor powered vacuum bleeder, for a quick, easy, one person job. Start by sucking out the reservoir as low as possible, without exposing air to the line connections. Refill with new fluid. Start at the RT RR, pull from the bleeder for about 90-120 seconds, move the LF RR, RT FR, LF FR....remember to keep topping off the fluid as you go....do not allow air to enter the lines! Do final top off of fluid. Repeat every 2 years. One quart will cover this procedure.

Any top brand DOT4 LV is fine, but check the expiration date on the bottle! Many auto parts stores do not remove expired fluid from the shelf.

 

[TheSEARCH]

It's not necessary to cycle the ABS solenoids to bleed the brake fluid. Sure, it helps get more of the old fluid out, but I prefer a 2 year schedule, and making sure to cycle the solenoids when it can be done safely, during the winter, on a snow covered parking lot, to keep the fluid mixed.

I prefer an air compressor powered vacuum bleeder, for a quick, easy, one person job. Start by sucking out the reservoir as low as possible, without exposing air to the line connections. Refill with new fluid. Start at the RT RR, pull from the bleeder for about 90-120 seconds, move the LF RR, RT FR, LF FR....remember to keep topping off the fluid as you go....do not allow air to enter the lines! Do final top off of fluid. Repeat every 2 years. One quart will cover this procedure.

Any top brand DOT4 LV is fine, but check the expiration date on the bottle! Many auto parts stores do not remove expired fluid from the shelf.

My understanding is that will NOT work on a hybrid maverick. Vacuum bleeder is what I used on past vehicles BUT NOT the Hybrid. It may still work on the Gas Mav.

 

[HeyBales]

It's not necessary to cycle the ABS solenoids to bleed the brake fluid. Sure, it helps get more of the old fluid out, but I prefer a 2 year schedule, and making sure to cycle the solenoids when it can be done safely, during the winter, on a snow covered parking lot, to keep the fluid mixed.

I prefer an air compressor powered vacuum bleeder, for a quick, easy, one person job. Start by sucking out the reservoir as low as possible, without exposing air to the line connections. Refill with new fluid. Start at the RT RR, pull from the bleeder for about 90-120 seconds, move the LF RR, RT FR, LF FR....remember to keep topping off the fluid as you go....do not allow air to enter the lines! Do final top off of fluid. Repeat every 2 years. One quart will cover this procedure.

Any top brand DOT4 LV is fine, but check the expiration date on the bottle! Many auto parts stores do not remove expired fluid from the shelf.

Have you watched the video of using the Service function?

Ya - not required - but much easier to let the ABS just pump it out.

True you can use the old methods.
Well - you would miss the fluid in the ABS most likely - but that's been true for decades anyway.

 

[HeyBales]

My understanding is that will NOT work on a hybrid maverick. Vacuum bleeder is what I used on past vehicles BUT NOT the Hybrid. It may still work on the Gas Mav.

You can find the threads - it works.

Using the Service function is likely just easier.

 

[dalola]

Have you watched the video of using the Service function?

Ya - not required - but much easier to let the ABS just pump it out.

True you can use the old methods.
Well - you would miss the fluid in the ABS most likely - but that's been true for decades anyway.

Yep, I'm just providing a reasonable alternative for those without specific equipment.

 

[TheSEARCH]

You can find the threads - it works.

Using the Service function is likely just easier.

Have YOU personally done it?? If not You are guessing,.

I have read threads saying oh sure it will work and others say NO it wont. Yet in all of it I have yet to read. I DID IT and it worked. No video on youtube of a hybrid Maverick being done at least that I can find.

Many have SAID Oh do it this way or that way BUT not a single one have said I did it this way and it worked fine. NOW maybe I missed it.

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