I've been wanting to get around to a good brake fluid change and bleed. Ordered a Motive power bleeder on amazon. In the past, i've just used a compressor with a DIY cap to pressurize the reservoir but the compressor is old and there's a lot of moisture in it now.

I do have a bidirectional scan tool that has an abs brake bleed procedure. I've used it before but never knew if i'm supposed to press the brake pedal when it prompts you too or not. Everything i've read says you do not need to press the brake pedal. However, if I don't press the pedal when in the abs bleed mode of scanner, the abs pump does not turn on.

So, does it hurt to do light presses on the brake pedal while the power bleeder is on and not let the pedal go all the way to the floor?

 

I always used a Mighty-Vac, never worried about the ABS.

 

yup, got one of those too but always fought with getting a good seal on the bleeder. Used grease around thread method but then cleaning the grease off, blah blah blah. I want to try this Power bleed thing

 

Also, I wasn't paying attention when I grabbed the DOT 3 fluid and got synthetic. Can I put synthetic in?

 

yes, as long as it is not DOT 5. GoOgle says this:

• Compatibility: Synthetic DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 can be mixed. Never mix DOT 5 silicone-based fluid with glycol fluids.

 

Back in the day (term can only be used by over 60 years olds btw) never was much of a need for brake fluid service.
Master, combination valve and wheel cylinders. When a component failed the bleed of the system added the new fluid.

Now a days with the ABS $$ components, I'm feeling it's vital to keep fresh fluid as the manual recommends.
Critical moisture level in it is vital to preserve the life and function and keep internal corrosion at bay.

Nice to know there are better power bleeders available now to help do the job.