VSCSC161TSB Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

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

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