GROUP
ENG

MODEL
2019-2020MY
Sorento (UMa)

NUMBER
220

DATE
July 2020

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Engine Control Module (ECM)
on some 2019-2020MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles equipped with a LAMBDA 3.3L GDI engine,
produced from January 22, 2018 through July 22, 2020, which may experience engine
hesitation when driving at high altitudes, over 6,000 ft. elevation (2000m). To correct this
concern, apply the improved logic to the ECU system 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.

 NOTICE
This issue has been isolated to a few Sorento (UMa) vehicles from the state of
Colorado. Warranty claims will be monitored to verify customer concern of engine
hesitation at high elevation from this region. Claims that do not fit these conditions
will be subject to chargeback.

Kia Diagnostic System (KDS)

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  Fleet Repair


Page 2 of 8

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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
503. UMA LAMBDA 3.3GDI ENGINE HESITATION PREVENTION LOGIC AT HIGH ALTITUDES

 NOTICE












A fully charged battery is necessary before ECU upgrade can take place. It is
recommended that a battery charger is used in ECU mode during reflashing or
the use of a fully charged jump starter box connected to the battery.
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
It is recommended to ALWAYS check the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) to locate
the ECU Part Number respective to Auto/Manual Mode ROM IDs. DO NOT reference
the parts label affixed to the ECU.

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

TSB: ENG220 Sorento (UMa) July 2020

Page 3 of 8

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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 #503
Model

EM

TM

IMMO

ECU P/No.

Previous

New

Yes

39101 3LMN0

UMKN3GM F0A
UMKN3GM F0C
UMKN3GM F0D

UMKN3GM F0E

No

39101 3LMN2

UMKN3GS F0A
UMKN3GS F0C
UMKN3GS F0D

UMKN3GS F0E

Yes

39101 3LMN3

UMLN3GM J0A

UMLN3GM J0C

No

39101 3LMN4

UMLN3GS J0A

UMLN3GS J0C

(UMa)
19MY

Lambda
3.3GDI

ROM ID

AT

(UMa)
20MY

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: ENG220 Sorento (UMa) July 2020

Page 4 of 8

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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: ENG220 Sorento (UMa) July 2020

Page 5 of 8
SUBJECT:

5.

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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

 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 ECU system under the
System selection menu.

D

Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the
latest update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #503 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: ENG220 Sorento (UMa) July 2020

Page 6 of 8
SUBJECT:

9.

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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: ENG220 Sorento (UMa) July 2020

Page 7 of 8

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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

UMA 3.3GDI AT -IMMO (19MY) : 39101-3LMN2

0132

UMA 3.3GDI AT +IMMO/SMK (19MY) : 39101-3LMN0

0130

UMA 3.3GDI AT -IMMO (20MY) : 39101-3LMN4

0134

UMA 3.3GDI AT +IMMO/SMK (20MY) : 39101-3LMN3

0133

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the ECU system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #503
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: ENG220 Sorento (UMa) July 2020

Page 8 of 8

LAMBDA 3.3L GDI ENGINE HESITATION
AT HIGH ALTITUDES LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Sorento (UMa)

January 22, 2018 to July 22, 2020

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: D34 C Code: ZZ3
Claim
Type

W

Causal P/N

39101 3LMN0

Qty.

Repair
Description

Labor Op
Code

Op
Time

Replacement
P/N

Qty.

0

LAMBDA 3.3GDI Engine
Hesitation Prevention at
High Altitudes Logic
Improvement

39110FN3

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

 NOTICE
This issue has been isolated to a few Sorento (UMa) vehicles from the state of
Colorado. Warranty claims will be monitored to verify customer concern of engine
hesitation at high elevation from this region. Claims that do not fit these conditions
will 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: ENG220 Sorento (UMa) July 2020