GROUP
TRA

NUMBER
095

MODEL
2019MY
Sorento (UMa)
w/3.3L GDI, 8AT
DATE
April 2021

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the gear shift logic of the Transmission Control
Unit (TCU) on some 2019MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles produced from January 24, 2018 through
September 24, 2018, equipped with Lambda 3.3L GDI engine and 8-speed automatic
transmission, which may exhibit symptoms of acceleration delay and hesitation after vehicle
speed is reduced and close to 0 mph. To correct this concern, apply the improved logic to the
Transmission 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.

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
SUBJECT:

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

ECU Upgrade Procedure:
To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS
download, as described in this bulletin.
Upgrade Event Name
531. UMA LAMBDA 3.3GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

 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: TRA095 Sorento (UMa) April 2021

Page 3 of 8
SUBJECT:

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE:
Upgrade Event #531
Model

UMa

ENG

3.3L
GDI

EM

ULEV

TM

8AT

TYPE

2WD
4WD

ECU P/No.

95441-4G460
(95440-4G460)

ROM ID
Previous

New

TUM2G33NL0
TUM2G33NL1
TUM2G33NL2
TUM2G33NL3
TUM2G33NL4
TUM2G33NL5
TUM2G33NL6

TUM2G33NL7

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: TRA095 Sorento (UMa) April 2021

Page 4 of 8
SUBJECT:

3.

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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 #531.

 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: TRA095 Sorento (UMa) April 2021

Page 5 of 8
SUBJECT:

7.

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

Select the A/T system under the System
selection menu.

D

Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the
latest update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #531 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: TRA095 Sorento (UMa) April 2021

Page 6 of 8
SUBJECT:

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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: TRA095 Sorento (UMa) April 2021

Page 7 of 8
SUBJECT:

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

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 Lambda 3.3GDI 8AT 2WD : 95440/441-4G460
UMa Lambda 3.3GDI 8AT 4WD : 95440/441-4G480

0644
0844

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the A/T system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #531 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: TRA095 Sorento (UMa) April 2021

Page 8 of 8
SUBJECT:

3.3L GDI 8AT TCU GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Sorento (UMa)

January 24, 2018 to September 24, 2018

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: T43 C Code: ZZ3
Claim
Type

Causal P/N

Qty.

Repair
Description

Labor Op
Code

Op
Time

Replacement
P/N

Qty.

W

95440 4G460

0

TCU Logic Improvement

95441F13

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

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

TSB: TRA095 Sorento (UMa) April 2021