GROUP
ENG

MODEL
Multiple Models
Listed

NUMBER
222 (Rev 2, 03/11/2021)

DATE
December 2020

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION
NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

SUBJECT:

 NOTICE
This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections
of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2019MY vehicles (refer to
table below for applicable model and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
Follow the flowchart on page 2 and instructions outlined on page 3 in this procedure to repair a vehicle
exhibiting excessive oil consumption.
MY

Model

2012-2016

Soul (AM/PS)

2014-2019

Soul (PS)

2011-2018

Optima (TF, QF, JF, JFa)
Sportage (SL, QL)
Sorento (XMa, UMa)

Engine
Gamma 1.6L GDI
Nu 2.0L GDI
Theta 2.0L T-GDI
and 2.4L GDI

Key points regarding engine oil maintenance:
•

Engine oil is responsible for lubrication, cooling, and operation of hydraulic components of the engine.
Engine oil is expected to be consumed in normally operating engines. Therefore, regular oil level checking
and oil changes are required as part of the factory maintenance schedule.

•

The purpose of oil changes is to prevent oil deterioration. A separate requirement is to maintain the oil level,
independent of the oil change interval. It is necessary to check the oil level at every fueling stop and
replenish the oil, if necessary. This is one of several check items that the owner’s manual recommends at
every fueling stop.

•

Operation with deteriorated or low engine oil causes reduced lubrication and cooling, as well as impaired
operation of hydraulic components. This leads to abnormal wear of engine parts, oversaturation of carbon,
and deposits of oil sludge. These can result in damage to multiple areas of the engine, ultimately requiring
a costly, lengthy, and preventable repair.

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 20
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

Flowchart:
Refer to page 3 for additional information and instructions.

1. Vehicle In

Check Oil Level
+Top-Off Engine Oil
and Apply Tamper
Evident Seal
Begin 1,000 Mile
Oil Consumption
Test #1

Check, clean, and
repair oil leaks.

Vehicle Out 1
Customer to provide
maintenance
records next visit.

Required:
1. Oil Maintenance Record
2. Oil Consumption Test Result

Combustion Chamber
Cleaning Process
(overnight)

2. Vehicle In

Verify
Maintenance
Record

OK

Oil
Consumption
Test 1

Excessive
Result

Warm Up Engine
Add Cleaning Fluid
Increase Pressure

Repair 1
Clean Combustion
Chamber

Connect Hose and
Cranking

NG

Normal
Result

Warranty Not
Applicable

Overnight Soaking

Vehicle Out 2
(No Repair)
Suction Residual
Fluid in Combustion
Chamber

3. Vehicle In

Oil
Consumption
Test 2
(1k Miles)

Excessive
Result

Repair 2
Engine R&R
(PWA Required)

Replace Engine Oil,
Oil Filter and Gasket
and Apply Tamper
Evident Seal
Allow Engine to Idle

Normal
Result
Warranty Not
Applicable

Vehicle Out 3

Vehicle Out 2
(with Repair)

Note: Engine replacement requires TL PWA with Oil Consumption results.

 IMPORTANT
Following an oil and filter change, always set the next recommended service interval
reminder per the owner’s manual. Refer to TSB ENG219 for the applicable Service
Reminder feature found on some 2014~ model vehicles.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 2) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 3 of 20
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

Oil Consumption Test:
A. Engine Oil Inspection (Preparation for Test 1)
1. Check if an oil leak is present. (Note: If an oil leak if confirmed, the oil leak source needs to be repaired
prior to performing the outlined procedure in this publication).
2. Turn the engine ‘ON’ for about 10-15 minutes until reaching normal operating temperature. Ensure the
temperature gauge reads at the 1/2 mark.
3. Turn the engine ‘OFF’ and open the oil filler cap. (Note: Wait for the engine oil to drop to the oil pan for
about 15 minutes).
4. Check the oil level using the oil level gauge/dipstick and document the reading in the RO.
5. If engine oil top off is required, fill the engine oil to the ‘F’ (Full) line on the level gauge/dipstick. Refer to
page 6, step 10 for required oil type and viscosity.
6. Re-install the engine oil filler cap and oil level gauge and apply a tamper evident silicone seal to the drain
plug, oil filter, dipstick and oil cap. Vehicle Out 1.

B. Engine Oil Inspection (After 1k Miles of Driving)
1. Repeat steps from section A. 1-4.
2. Calculate the oil consumption amount as follows (Result = Refer to Flowchart on page 2):

•

If the oil consumption amount is less than 1qt/1,000 miles, Normal consumption, No Repair.

•

If the oil consumption amount is over 1qt/1,000 miles, Excessive perform Repair 1 (Clean Combustion
Chamber, pages 4-6).

•

Replace the engine oil, oil filter and gasket and apply a tamper evident silicone seal to the drain plug,
oil filter, dipstick and oil cap.

3. Top-off the engine oil to the ‘F’ (Full) line of the oil level gauge/dipstick. Refer to page 6, step 10 for
required oil type and viscosity.
4. Re-install the engine oil filler cap and oil level gauge/dipstick. Vehicle Out 2.

C. Engine Oil Inspection (After Repair 1 and 1,000 Miles of Driving)
1. Repeat steps from section B. 1-2.
•

If the oil consumption amount is less than 1qt/1,000 miles, Normal consumption, No Repair

•

If the oil consumption amount is over 1qt/1,000 miles, Excessive perform Repair 2
(Engine R&R, page 7).

2. Top-off the engine oil to the ‘F’ (Full) fill line of the oil level gauge/dipstick. Refer to page 7, step 1 for
required oil type and viscosity.
3. Re-install the engine oil filler cap and oil level gauge/dipstick. Vehicle Out 3.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 2) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 4 of 20
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

Cleaning Procedure (Combustion Chamber):

 NOTICE
This procedure requires overnight soaking, place vehicle in an area with adequate space.

1a. Start the engine and allow it to reach
operating temperature.
1b. Turn the engine ‘OFF’.

A

1c. Remove the engine junction box cover
and remove the fuel pump fuse (A).
1d. Start the engine and allow it stall.
1e. Remove the engine cover and disconnect
the battery negative (-) terminal.
2a. Disconnect the fuel control connector (B).
2b. Disconnect the four (4) ignition coil
connectors
2c. Remove the four (4) spark plugs.
Note: Low pressure fuel pipe needs to
be detached before removing ignition
coils.

B
Nu engine image shown for reference use only

WARNING
Fuel vapors are flammable. Death or serious injury can result if they are ignited.
Make sure there are no open flames or smoking in the area of the repair. Adequate
ventilation is necessary to prevent a build-up of fumes which could ignite, causing
fire or explosion.
3.

Inject the cleaning fluid into the cylinders
through the spark plug holes.
Using the supplied syringe add at least
1.7oz (50cc) to each cylinder.
Specification: Min. 1.7oz (50cc) / Max
2.2oz (66.5cc)

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

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 2) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 5 of 20
SUBJECT:

4.

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

Using SST 09580 3D100 pressurize each
cylinder under pneumatic pressure (-2~3
bar) for three (3) minutes.
Note: Before pressurizing,
associated cylinder to TDC.

set

the

5a. Connect the four (4) hoses & adaptors to
each cylinder as shown.
Note: Connect Cyl. #1 to #3 and #2 to #4.
5b. Reconnect battery negative (-) terminal.
5c. Crank the engine for 3 seconds / 3 times.
#1

#2

#3

#4

6a. Disconnect the hose and inject 1.7oz
(50cc) min. of the cleaning fluid to each
cylinder (1-4).
Specification: Min. 1.7oz (50cc) / Max
2.2oz (66.5cc)
6b. Disconnect
terminal.

7.

the

battery

negative

(-)

Allow the vehicle to sit overnight (at least
8 hours).
CAUTION: Do Not turn the engine ‘ON’
until completion of the cleaning
procedure.
Proceed to step 8 after overnight soaking.

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

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 2) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 6 of 20
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

CONTINUED AFTER 8 HOURS (OVERNIGHT SOAKING):
8a. Remove the residual washing liquid in
combustion chamber using the syringe or
suction tool.
Note: For best results, a pneumatic
suction tool is recommended.
8b. Reconnect battery negative (-) terminal.

9.

Place a clean towel/shop rag over the
spark holes. Crank the engine for 3-5
seconds, 3 times.

CAUTION
If spark plug holes are not
sufficiently covered, fluid may
spray into the air, potentially
causing injury. An assistant may
be needed. Wear safety glasses
while performing this step.
10. Replace the engine oil and filter and apply
a tamper evident silicone seal to the drain
plug, oil filter dipstick and oil filler cap.
Engine crankcase oil specification and fill
capacity: 5W-30 engine oil
Refer to KGIS for oil level capacity.
Required Product: QUARTZ 9000 FUTURE FGC
5W-30 Full Synthetic SN PLUS, QUARTZ 9000
FUTURE XT 5W30 Full Synthetic SN PLUS, Mobil
Super Synthetic 5W30 or above. If not available,
use other brand 5W30 and Full synthetic type with
API SN/SN+/SP, ILSAC GF4/GF5 or higher
service grade.

11. Reinstall all removed parts in the reverse
order of removal.
12. Re-connect the fuel pump relay in the
fuse box.
13. Allow the engine to idle for 10 minutes and
accelerate the engine to 3,000rpm, 3
times.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 2) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 7 of 20
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

Engine Replacement Procedure:
2.0L Nu GDI / 1.6L GDI Gamma / 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI Theta Engines)
1.

Replace the engine by referring to the
“Engine Mechanical System → Engine
and Transaxle Assembly → Engine and
Transaxle
Assembly
→
Repair
procedures” chapter in the applicable
Shop Manual on KGIS.
Replace the engine oil, oil filter and oil
plug gasket.
Engine crankcase oil specification and fill
capacity: 5W-30 engine oil:
Refer to KGIS for oil level capacity.
Required Product: QUARTZ 9000
FUTURE FGC 5W-30 Full Synthetic SN
PLUS, QUARTZ 9000 FUTURE XT 5W30
Full Synthetic SN PLUS, Mobil Super
Synthetic 5W30 or above.
If not available, use other brand 5W30
and Full synthetic type with API
SN/SN+/SP, ILSAC GF4/GF5 or higher
service grade.

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

TSB: ENG222 (Rev 2) Multiple Models December 2020

Page 8 of 20
SUBJECT:

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Model Year

Soul (AM)

2012 to 2013

Soul (PS)

2014 to 2019

Sportage (SL)

2011 to 2016

Sportage (QL)

2017 to 2018

Optima (TF)

2011 to 2015

Optima (JF/JFa)

2016 to 2018

Optima (QF)

2011 to 2015

Sorento (XMa)

2012 to 2015

Sorento (UMa)

2016 to 2018

REQUIRED TOOL:
Tool Name

Figure

Comments
For each engine, utilize initial
supply of 99F00 AQ019FFF
(qty. 4 per vehicle)
Once depleted, use
1 bottle of (Valvoline #884526)
per vehicle
Additional chemical can be
ordered through Kia Chemicals

Cleaning Fluid

UM020 CH265

Cleaning Kit

KQ234 C6100FFF

For replacement kits and/or
components, contact Snap-On
Business Solutions

Adaptor

KQ234 C6101FFF

4

Hose

KQ234 C6102FFF

2

Syringe and hose

KQ234 C6103FFF

2

Pressurization Adapter

KQ234 C6104FFF

1

Kit Case

KQ234 C6105FFF

1

All Components

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