GROUP
ENG

MODEL
2016-2017MY
Optima (JFa) 1.6T GDI

NUMBER
206

DATE
July 2019

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON
LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P0128

SUBJECT:

This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
on some 2016-2017MY Optima (JFa) 1.6T GDI ULEV DCT vehicles, produced from September
28, 2015 through September 03, 2016, which exhibit a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
illuminated with DTC P0128, even though there are no system faults. To correct this concern,
apply the improved logic to the ECU using the KDS ECU Upgrade function as described in this
bulletin. For confirmation that the latest reflash has been applied to a vehicle you are working
on, verify the ROM ID using the table on page 2 of this bulletin.
DTC: P0128 : Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temp. below Thermostat Regulating Temp.)

Kia Diagnostic System (KDS)

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
SUBJECT:

1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT P0128

ECU Upgrade Procedure:
To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS
download, as described in this bulletin.
Upgrade Event Name
304. JFA GAMMA 1.6TGDI DCT ULEV MIL ON DTC (P0128) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

 NOTICE










A fully charged battery is necessary before ECU upgrade can take place. It is
recommended that the Midtronics GR8-1299 be used in ECU mode during
reflashing or the use of a fully charged jump starter box.
DO NOT connect any other battery charger to the vehicle during ECU upgrade.
Ensure the KDS or GDS is sufficiently charged prior to reflash.
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 and
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 (IMMO) 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 #304
Model

JFa

EM

1.6T
GDI
ULEV

TM

IMMO

ECU P/No.

Yes

No

ROM ID
Previous

New

39131 2BJA0

GTJF FNU6FS00H00
GTJF FNU6FS01H00
GTJF FNU6FS02H00

GTJF FNU6FS03H00

39133 2BJA0

GTJF FNU6ES00H00
GTJF FNU6ES01H00
GTJF FNU6ES02H00

GTJF FNU6ES03H00

7DCT

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: ENG206 Optima (JFa) July 2019

Page 3 of 7
SUBJECT:

1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT P0128

 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: ENG206 Optima (JFa) July 2019

Page 4 of 7
SUBJECT:

5.

1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT P0128

The KDS will check the server for
recently uploaded Events and then
automatically download Upgrade Event
#304.

 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 ENGINE system under the
System selection menu.

D

Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the
latest update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #304 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: ENG206 Optima (JFa) July 2019

E

F

Page 5 of 7
SUBJECT:

9.

1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT P0128

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,
DO
NOT
disconnect
the
KDS/VCI-II.
Contact GIT America Help Desk
at (888) 542-4371 or Techline.
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: ENG206 Optima (JFa) July 2019

Page 6 of 7
SUBJECT:

1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT P0128

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

Password

JFA 1.6T-GDI 7DCT ULEV +IMMO/SMK : 39131 2BJA0
JFA 1.6T-GDI 7DCT ULEV -IMMO : 39133 2BJA0

3120
3320

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the ECU system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #304
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: ENG206 Optima (JFa) July 2019

Page 7 of 7
SUBJECT:

1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT P0128

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Optima (JFa)

September 28, 2015 to September 03, 2016

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: I3A C Code: ZZ3
Claim
Type

Causal P/N

Qty.

Repair
Description

Labor Op
Code

Op
Time

Replacement
P/N

Qty.

W

Refer to EPC

0

1.6T GDI /DTC
ECM Upgrade
Logic Improvement

39110FJ2

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

TSB: ENG206 Optima (JFa) July 2019