GROUP
Service Campaign

MODEL
2018MY
Sportage SX (QL)

NUMBER
SC161

DATE
January 2018

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT:

ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LOGIC (SC161)

This bulletin provides information related to updating the Electronic Control Module (ECM)
software to improve the Instrument Cluster Logic on some 2018MY Sportage (QL) SX vehicles
manufactured from July 10, 2017 through January 9, 2018. Due to a change in the supplier’s
data communication parameters, the instrument cluster, even with the ignition off, will continue
to communicate with the vehicle’s network, which may then cause a continuous power draw
from the vehicle’s battery. To correct this condition, Kia is requesting the completion of this
voluntary service campaign on all affected vehicles. Before conducting the procedure, verify
the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

 NOTICE
To assure complete customer satisfaction, always remember to refer to WebDCS
Warranty Coverage (validation) Inquiry Screen (Service → Warranty Coverage →
Warranty Coverage Inquiry) for a list of any additional campaigns that may need to be
performed on the vehicle before returning it to the customer.

File Under:
Circulate To:

X General Manager


X Service Advisors


X Technicians


X Service Manager


X Parts Manager


X Body Shop Manager  Fleet Repair


Page 2 of 7

QL CLUSTER CAN TIME OUT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC161)

SUBJECT:

ECU Upgrade Procedure:
To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS
download, as described in this bulletin.
Upgrade Event Name
366.QL CLU CAN TIME OUT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

 NOTICE









A fully charged battery is necessary before ECU upgrade can take place. It is
recommended that the Midtronics GR8-1299 system be used in ECU mode during
charging. DO NOT connect any other battery charger to the vehicle during ECU
upgrade.
All ECU upgrades must be done with the ignition key in the ‘ON’ position.
Be careful not to disconnect the VCI-II connected to the vehicle during the ECU
upgrade procedure.
DO NOT start the engine during ECU upgrade.
DO NOT turn the ignition key ‘OFF’ or interrupt the power supply during ECU
upgrade.
When the ECU upgrade is completed, turn the ignition ‘OFF’ and wait 10 seconds
before starting the engine.
ONLY use approved ECU upgrade software designated for the correct model,
year.

 NOTICE
Before attempting an ECU upgrade on any Kia model, make sure to first determine
whether the particular model is equipped with an immobilizer security system.
Failure to follow proper procedures may cause the PCM to become inoperative after
the upgrade and any claims associated with this repair may be subject to
chargeback.
ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE:
Upgrade Event #366
Model

ECU P/No.

QL

94031 D9180
94031 D9190

ROM ID
Previous

New

200
201
202

203

To verify the vehicle is affected, be sure to check the Calibration Identification of the vehicle's ECM
ROM ID and reference the Information Table as necessary.

TSB: SC161 Sportage SX (QL) January 2018

Page 3 of 7
SUBJECT:

QL CLUSTER CAN TIME OUT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC161)

 NOTICE
Prior to performing the ECU upgrade, be sure to check that the KDS is fully charged.
1.

Connect the VCI-II to the OBD-II
connector, located under the driver’s side
of the instrument panel.

 NOTICE
The ECU upgrade function on
KDS operates wirelessly. It is
not necessary to perform the
upgrade via USB cable.

2.

With the ignition ON, turn ON the KDS
tablet. Select KDS from the home
screen.

3.

Confirm communication with VCI (A) and
then configure the vehicle (B) using the
AUTO VIN (C) feature.

B
A

C
4.

Select ECU Upgrade.

TSB: SC161 Sportage SX (QL) January 2018

Page 4 of 7
SUBJECT:

5.

QL CLUSTER CAN TIME OUT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC161)

The KDS will check the server for
recently uploaded Events and then
automatically download Upgrade Event
#366.

 NOTICE
The vehicle must be identified in
Vehicle Selection to download
an Event for that vehicle.

6.

KDS screenshot shown above is for
demonstration purposes only. Events shown in
screenshot are not applicable to this bulletin.

Select Auto Mode.

CAUTION
Do NOT attempt to perform a
Manual Mode upgrade UNLESS
Auto Mode fails. Always follow
the instructions given on the
KDS in either Auto or Manual
mode.
7.

Select the CLU system under the
System selection menu.

D

Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the
latest update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #366 and select
Upgrade to continue.

8.

The ECU upgrade will begin and the
progress of the upgrade will appear on
the bar graph. Upgrade part (1/2) (E) will
download the upgrade event to the VCIII. Upgrade part (2/2) (F) will upgrade the
ECU.

CAUTION
Do not touch the system
buttons (like ‘Back’, ‘Home’,
‘etc.’) while performing ECU
Upgrade.
TSB: SC161 Sportage SX (QL) January 2018

E

F

Page 5 of 7
SUBJECT:

9.

QL CLUSTER CAN TIME OUT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC161)

If a “Communication Fail” screen
appears, verify that the VCI-II and KDS
are communicating properly. Touch OK
and restart the procedure from step 4.

 NOTICE
If an error notice continues to
appear or if the upgrade cannot
be performed, contact Techline
or GIT America Help Desk.
10. When instructed on the KDS, turn the
ignition OFF for ten (10) seconds then
back on. Touch OK to continue.

11. Once the upgrade is complete, touch OK
to finalize the procedure.

12. When prompted, select YES to check for
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and
erase any DTCs stored such as EPS,
ESC, and TPMS that may have been set
during the upgrade.

13. Start the engine to confirm proper
operation of the vehicle.
TSB: SC161 Sportage SX (QL) January 2018

Page 6 of 7
SUBJECT:

QL CLUSTER CAN TIME OUT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC161)

Manual Upgrade Procedure:

 NOTICE
The manual upgrade should ONLY be performed if the automatic upgrade fails.
If the automatic upgrade fails, turn the ignition OFF for about 10 seconds then place
it back in the ON position to reset the control unit BEFORE performing manual
upgrade.
See table below for Manual Mode passwords.

Manual Mode ECU Upgrade Passwords
Menu
QL CLU : 94031-D9180/90, 94032-D9000/10

Password
9010

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the CLU system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #366
and select Upgrade to continue.

3.

Select the appropriate control unit part number with reference to the ROM ID Information
Table on page 2, and select OK.

4.

Enter the appropriate password from the Manual Mode password table above and select
OK.

5.

The upgrade will begin and the progress of the upgrade will appear on the bar graph.

6.

When instructed on the KDS, turn the ignition OFF for ten (10) seconds then back on.
Touch OK to continue.

7.

Once the upgrade is complete, touch OK to finalize the procedure.

8.

When prompted, select YES to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and erase any
DTCs stored such as EPS, ESC, and TPMS that may have been set during the upgrade.

9.

Start the engine to confirm proper operation of the vehicle.

TSB: SC161 Sportage SX (QL) January 2018

Page 7 of 7
SUBJECT:

QL CLUSTER CAN TIME OUT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC161)

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Sportage SX (QL)

July 10, 2017 through January 9, 2018

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: N99 C Code: C99
Claim
Type

Causal P/N

Qty.

Repair
Description

Labor Op
Code

Op
Time

Replacement
P/N

Qty.

R

94031
D9190

0

(SC161)
Cluster Software
Upgrade

180004R0

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers
should reference SC161 when accessing the WebDCS system.

TSB: SC161 Sportage SX (QL) January 2018