GROUP
Emissions Service
Campaign

MODEL
2014-16MY
Sportage (SL)

NUMBER
SC185

DATE
March 2020

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT:

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emission related logic of the Engine Control
Module (ECM) with an improved version on some 2014-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles
equipped with Theta 2.4L GDI SULEV engines, produced from September 30, 2013 through
November 16, 2015 to ensure compliance with emission regulations. To correct this condition,
apply the improved logic to the ECM 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 3 of this bulletin. Before conducting the
procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

Kia Diagnostic System (KDS)

 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.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time.
Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.
Circulate To:

X General Manager


X Service Advisors


X Technicians


X Service Manager


X Parts Manager


X Body Shop Manager 
X Fleet Repair


Page 2 of 9

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

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
444. SL THETA 2.4GDI SULEV EMISSION 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 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.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020

Page 3 of 9

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

SUBJECT:

ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE:
Upgrade Event #444 (SL)
Model

EM

TM

IMMO

New

39107-2GCG0

SES4RH2A
SES4RH2B
SES4RH2C
SES4RH2D
SES4RH2K

SES4RH2L

Yes

39107-2GCG5

SES4MH2A
SES4MH2B
SES4MH2C
SES4MH2D
SES4MH2K

SES4MH2L

No

39107-2GCG1
39107-2GCG2

Yes

39107-2GCG6
39107-2GCG7

No

39107-2GCG3

Yes

39107-2GCG8

6AT

SL 2.4
GDI
15MY
(SULEV)

16MY
(SULEV)

ROM ID
Previous

No
14MY
(SULEV)

ECU P/No.

6AT

6AT

SFS4RH4A
SFS4RH4B
SFS4RH4K
SFS4MH4A
SFS4MH4B
SFS4MH4K

SGS4RH4A
SGS4RH4B
SGS4RH4K
SGS4MH4A
SGS4MH4B
SGS4MH4K

SFS4RH4L

SFS4MH4L

SGS4RH4L

SGS4MH4L

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.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020

Page 4 of 9

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

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
4.

Select ECU Upgrade.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020

Page 5 of 9
SUBJECT:

5.

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

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

 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 #444 (SL) 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

E

F

Do not touch the system
buttons (like ‘Back’, ‘Home’,
‘etc.’) while performing ECU
Upgrade.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020

Page 6 of 9
SUBJECT:

9.

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

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.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020

Page 7 of 9

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

SUBJECT:

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

SL 2.4 GDI SULEV -IMMO (14MY) : 39107-2GCG5
SL 2.4 GDI SULEV +IMMO/SMK (14MY) : 39107-2GCG0
SL 2.4 GDI SULEV -IMMO (15MY) : 39107-2GCG6/G7
SL 2.4 GDI SULEV +IMMO/SMK (15MY) : 39107-2GCG1/G2

0725
0720
0727
0722

SL 2.4 GDI SULEV -IMMO (16MY) : 39107-2GCG8
SL 2.4 GDI SULEV +IMMO/SMK (16MY) : 39107-2GCG3

0728
0723

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the ECM system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #444
(SL) 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.

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.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020

Page 8 of 9
SUBJECT:

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

ATTENTION: THE PROOF OF COMPLETION CARD AND CAMPAIGN COMPLETION STICKER
ARE RESTRICTED TO ONLY DEALERS IN THE FOLLOWING STATES:
California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, Vermont, Washington, New York and Delaware.
VEHICLE EMISSION RECALL - PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD
A Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction card must be filled out for all vehicles registered in
California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, Vermont, Washington, New York and Delaware. Residents of these states, who own an affected
vehicle, will be required to possess a Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction card as evidence of
voluntary service campaign completion, when they apply for vehicle registration renewal.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE CARD:
The Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction card must be completed by the Dealership's Service
Manager using a permanent ink pen. A fine point pen is recommended. When filling in the information,
copy the information directly from the vehicle, not the repair order. ALL INFORMATION MUST BE
PRINTED AND NEAT.
NOTE: DO NOT COMPLETE THE CARD UNLESS THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN WORK IS
COMPLETED.
The copy of the card shown below indicates the areas to be filled in. Each area must be filled in. The
completed card should be given to the owner of the vehicle upon completion of the Campaign and
placement of the Campaign Completion Label outlined below.

FILLING OUT AND APPLYING THE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION LABEL:
The dealer must fill in the Dealer Code and Date information fields on the Campaign Completion Label.
Once complete, affix the campaign completion label under the hood of the vehicle, as shown below.
Apply SC185 Campaign Completion Label
onto the body in the area next to the shock
tower, as shown. NOTE: Be sure to clean
the mounting surface to ensure proper
label adhesion.

SC185
Dealer Code:
Date:

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020

Page 9 of 9

SL THETA 2.4L GDI SULEV
EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC185)

SUBJECT:

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Sportage (SL)

September 30, 2013 through November 16, 2015

REQUIRED PART:
Part Name

Part Number

Figure

Campaign
Completion Label

UT160 SC185*

Vehicle Emission Recall
Proof of Correction Card

UT161 SC000**

SC 185
Dealer Code:
Date:

*Order Controls are in place by “State”.
**CA, CT, MN, MD, MA, NJ, OR, PE, RI, VT, WA, NY and DE “States” only.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: N99 C Code: C99
Claim
Type

Causal P/N

R

39107
2GCG5

Qty.

Repair
Description

Labor Op
Code

Op
Time

Replacement
P/N

Qty.

0

(SC185)
SL THETA 2.4L SULEV
Emission Logic
Improvement

190116R0

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers
should reference SC185 when accessing the WebDCS system.

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: SC185 Sportage (SL) March 2020