GROUP
Product
Improvement

MODEL
2020MY
Sportage (QL)

NUMBER
1806

DATE
November 2019

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT:

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to
install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive
connecting rod bearing damage. This update is for some 2020MY Sportage (QL) produced from
December 27, 2018 through September 18, 2019 equipped with 2.4L GDI and 2.0L T-GDI engines.
The KSDS detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear. It is
designed to alert the driver at an early stage of bearing wear before the occurrence of severe
engine damage, including engine failure. If vibrations caused by bearing wear start to occur, the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously, and the vehicle will be placed in Limp
Home Mode. This will reduce further damage to the engine and ensure that the vehicle occupants
are not exposed to the risk of a more severe engine failure. At that time, Diagnostic Trouble Code
(“DTC”) P1326, specific to the KSDS, will be recorded in the ECU. The vehicle can continue to be
operated for a limited time in Limp Home Mode, but it will accelerate slowly and have a reduced
maximum speed. Also, engine RPMs will be limited to approximately 1800-2000 RPM.
Kia is requesting the completion of this Product Improvement Campaign on all affected vehicles.
Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. Also,
please have your KDS connected to the internet regularly to get the latest software updates
available.

 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 9

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

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
459. QL THETA 2.0/2.4 Knock Sensor Detection System(KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (20MY)

 NOTICE












A fully charged battery is necessary before the 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.

TSB: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019

Page 3 of 9

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

SUBJECT:

 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 #459 (QL).
Model

EM

TM

IMMO

ECU P/No.

Yes

Previous

New

39171 2GRA1
39171 2GRB1

QPDKNC4ERG0A

QPDKNC4ERG2B

No

39171 2GRC1
39171 2GRD1

QPDKNC4EMG0A

QPDKNC4EMG2B

Yes

39171 2GRE1
39171 2GRF1

QPDKNS4ERG0A
QPDKNS4ERG0B

QPDKNS4ERG2B

No

39171 2GRG1
39171 2GRH1

QPDKNS4EMG0A
QPDKNS4EMG0B

QPDKNS4EMG2B

Yes

39161 2GRA1

QPDKNC0ERG0A

QPDKNC0ERG2B

No

39161 2GRC1

QPDKNC0EMG0A

QPDKNC0EMG2B

Yes

39161 2GRB1

QPDKNC0ERG0K

QPDKNC0ERG2L

No

39161 2GRD1

QPDKNC0EMG0K

QPDKNC0EMG2L

2.4L GDI
(ULEV)
20MY
(QL)

6AT
2.4L GDI
(SULEV)

20MY
(QL)

ROM ID

2.0L T-GDI
(ULEV)

6AT

TSB: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019

Page 4 of 9

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

SUBJECT:

 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

TSB: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019

Page 5 of 9
SUBJECT:

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

4.

Select ECU Upgrade.

5.

The KDS will check the server for
recently uploaded Events and then
automatically download Upgrade Event
#459 (QL).

 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.
Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the
latest update is available.

D

Select Upgrade Event #459 (QL) and
select Upgrade to continue.

TSB: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019

Page 6 of 9
SUBJECT:

8.

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

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.

9.

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.

TSB: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019

E

F

Page 7 of 9
SUBJECT:

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

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: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019

Page 8 of 9
SUBJECT:

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

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

QL 2.4 GDI -IMMO 20MY(ULEV) : 39171-2GRC1/D1

5909

QL 2.4 GDI +IMMO/SMK 20MY(ULEV) : 39171-2GRA1/B1

5910

QL 2.4 GDI -IMMO 20MY(SULEV) : 39171-2GRG1/H1

5911

QL 2.4 GDI +IMMO/SMK 20MY(SULEV) : 39171-2GRE1/F1

5912

QL 2.0 TGDI -IMMO 20MY(ULEV/2WD) : 39161-2GRC1

5917

QL 2.0 TGDI +IMMO/SMK 20MY(ULEV/2WD) : 39161-2GRA1

5918

QL 2.0 TGDI -IMMO 20MY(ULEV/4WD) : 39161-2GRD1

5919

QL 2.0 TGDI +IMMO/SMK 20MY(ULEV/4WD) : 39161-2GRB1

5920

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the ENGINE system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event
#459 (QL) and select Upgrade to continue.

3.

Select the appropriate control unit part number with reference to the ROM ID Information
Table on page 3, and select OK.

4.

Enter the appropriate password from the Manual Mode password table above and select
OK.
The upgrade will begin and the progress of the upgrade will appear on the bar graph.

5.
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: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019

Page 9 of 9

KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS)
ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1806)

SUBJECT:

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Sportage (QL)

December 27, 2018 through September 18, 2019

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

V

Causal P/N

39100 2GHS2

Qty.

Repair
Description

Labor Op
Code

Op
Time

Replacement
P/N

Qty.

0

(PI1806)
KSDS Logic
Improvement
(QL)

190129R0

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers
should reference PI1806 when accessing the WebDCS system.

TSB: PI1806 Sportage (QL) November 2019