GROUP

MODEL

ENG

NUMBER

2020MY
Niro (DE
HEV/PHEV)
DATE

224 (Rev 1, 03/17/2021)

January 2021

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)

 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 the procedure to improve the logic of the Active Air Flap (AAF) on some
2020MY Niro (DE P/HEV) vehicles produced from November 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020,
which may exhibit a MIL ON with DTC(s) P059F and/or P05B2. 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 4 of this bulletin. Before conducting the procedure, verify the
vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.
DTC Description:
P059F - Active Grille Air Shutter “A” Performance/Stuck Off
P05B2 - Active Grille Air Shutter “B” Control Circuit Range/Performance
NOTE: In cases where the AAF is replaced, conduct this upgrade after part has been replaced.

 NOTICE
A Service Action is a repair program without customer notification that is performed
during the warranty period. Any dealer requesting to perform this repair outside the
warranty period will require DPSM approval.
Repair status for a VIN is provided on WebDCS (Service → Warranty Coverage →
Warranty Coverage Inquiry → Campaign Information). Not completed Recall / Service
Action reports are available on WebDCS (Consumer Affairs → Not Completed Recall
→ Recall VIN → Select Report), which includes a list of affected vehicles.
This issue number is SA459.
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
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)

ECU Upgrade Procedure:
To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS
download, as described in this bulletin.
Upgrade Event Name
517. DE PE HEV/PHEV AAF MIL ON DTC JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (P059F, P05B2)

 NOTICE
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Confirm a fully charged battery with 12.3 volts or higher is necessary or the use of
a fully charged jump starter box connected to the battery.
Ensure the KDS GDS is sufficiently charged at 60% or higher prior to reflash.
All ECU upgrades must be done with the ignition key in the ‘ON’ position unless
otherwise stated.
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 application.

 IMPORTANT
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.

 NOTICE
Before attempting an ECU upgrade on any Kia model, make sure to first determine
whether the applicable 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: SA459 (Rev 1) Niro (DE P/HEV) January 2021

Page 3 of 8

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)

SUBJECT:

ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE:
Upgrade Event #517
Model

System

DE P/HEV

AAF

IMMO

Yes

ECU P/No.

86967-G5600
86968-G5600

ROM ID
Previous

New

NC003M001_NC003S001
NC003M001_N1003S001
NC003M001_N1013S001
N1003M001_NC003S001
N1003M001_N1003S001
N1003M001_N1013S001
N1013M001_NC003S001
N1013M001_N1003S001
N1013M001_N1013S001

N1033M001_N1033S001

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.

 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.

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

TSB: SA459 (Rev 1) Niro (DE P/HEV) January 2021

Page 4 of 8
SUBJECT:

3.

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)
Confirm communication with VCI (A) and
then configure the vehicle (B) using the
AUTO VIN (C) feature.

B
A

C
4.

Select ECU Upgrade.

5.

The KDS will check the server for recently
uploaded Events and then automatically
download Upgrade Event #517.

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

TSB: SA459 (Rev 1) Niro (DE P/HEV) January 2021

Page 5 of 8
SUBJECT:

7.

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)
Select the AAF system under the System
selection menu.

D

Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the
latest update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #517 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 VCI-II.
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.

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.

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

TSB: SA459 (Rev 1) Niro (DE P/HEV) January 2021

Page 6 of 8
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)

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: SA459 (Rev 1) Niro (DE P/HEV) January 2021

Page 7 of 8
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)

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

DE HEV/PHEV AAF: 86967,86968-G5600

0025

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the AAF system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #517
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: SA459 (Rev 1) Niro (DE P/HEV) January 2021

Page 8 of 8
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF)
MIL ON JUDGMENT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA459)

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Niro (DE HEV/PHEV)

November 1, 2019 to November 30, 2020

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

Causal P/N

Qty.

Repair
Description

Labor Op
Code

Op
Time

Replacement
P/N

Qty.

V

86968 G5600

0

(SA459)
AAF MIL ON Judgement
Logic Improvement

200137R0

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

STANDARD WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION:
Use this information only to file a warranty claim for vehicles for which:
1. A customer complains of the same concern, as described on Page 1.
2. The VIN does not appear on the Affected Vehicles list for Service Action 459.
3. The vehicle model year and production date range are as identified in this bulletin.
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

86968 G5600

0

AAF MIL ON Judgement
Logic Improvement

86967F01

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers
should reference SA459 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: SA459 (Rev 1) Niro (DE P/HEV) January 2021