GROUP

MODEL

Product Improvement

2014-2016MY
Optima Hybrid (TF HEV)
w/2.4L MPI

NUMBER

DATE

PI2104

July 2021

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN
THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)
This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the
Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing
damage. This update is for certain 2014-2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles equipped with Theta 2.4L
MPI engines, produced from December 11, 2013 through July 22, 2015.
The KSDS detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear. It is designed to
alert the driver at an early stage of bearing wear before the occurrence of severe engine damage, including
engine failure. If vibrations caused by bearing wear start to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will
blink continuously, and the vehicle will be placed in Limp Home Mode. This will reduce further damage to the
engine and ensure that the vehicle occupants are not exposed to the risk of a more severe engine failure. At
that time, Diagnostic Trouble Code (“DTC”) P1326, specific to the KSDS, will be recorded in the ECU. The
vehicle can continue to be operated for a limited time in Limp Home Mode, but it will accelerate slowly and
have a reduced maximum speed. Also, engine RPMs will be limited to approximately 1800-2000 RPM.
Kia is requesting the completion of this Product Improvement Campaign on all affected vehicles. Before
conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. Also, please have your KDS
connected to the internet regularly to get the latest software updates available.

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.

A printed copy is for reference only; publication information can be updated at any time.
Always refer to KGIS for the latest information. After logging in kdealer.com, the newest technical
publications are listed in ‘Service Releases’ and has the latest service information that has been released.

Page 2 of 8

THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)

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
561. TF HEV THETA 2.4MPI Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) ECU UPGRADE (11-16MY)

 NOTICE
•

Confirm a fully charged battery (12.3 volts or higher is necessary) is used or utilize 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 performed with the ignition set to the ‘ON’ position unless otherwise
stated.

•

Damaged VCI II units should not be used and promptly replaced.

•

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.

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

TSB: PI2104 Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) July 2021

Page 3 of 8

THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)

SUBJECT:


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.

ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE:
Upgrade Event #561
Model

Model
Year

Engine

EM

IMMO

14MY
TF
HEV

39108 2GAN0
Theta

15MY

2.4L
MPI

16MY

ECU P/No.

SULEV

Yes

39108 2GAN1
39108 2GAN2
39108 2GAN3

ROM ID
Previous

New

PEY4RG2A

PEY4RGKA

PFY4RG3A

PFY4RGKA

PGY4RG3A

PGY4RGKA

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: PI2104 Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) July 2021

Page 4 of 8

THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)

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.

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: PI2104 Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) July 2021

Page 5 of 8

THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)

SUBJECT:

5.

The KDS will check the server for recently
uploaded

Events

and

then

automatically

download Upgrade Event #561.

 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.
Select the ENGINE system under the System
selection menu.
Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the latest

D

update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #561, and select Upgrade
to continue.

The ECU upgrade will begin and the progress
of the upgrade will appear on the bar graph.

E

Upgrade part (1/2) (E) will download the
upgrade event to the VCI-II. Upgrade part (2/2)
(F) will upgrade the ECU.

CAUTION

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: PI2104 Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) July 2021

Page 6 of 8

THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)

SUBJECT:

9.

If a “Communication Fail” screen appears, verify
that the VCI-II and KDS are communicating
properly. Select ‘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. Select
‘OK’ to continue.

11.

Once the upgrade is complete, select ‘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 normal 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: PI2104 Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) July 2021

Page 7 of 8

THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)

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

TF HEV SULEV +IMMO/SMK (14MY) : 39108-2GAN0

0280

TF HEV SULEV +IMMO/SMK (15MY) : 39108-2GAN1/N2

2128

TF HEV SULEV +IMMO/SMK (16MY) : 39108-2GAN3

3280

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the ENGINE system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #561 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. Select OK.

7.

Once the upgrade is complete, select 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: PI2104 Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) July 2021

Page 8 of 8

THETA 2.4L MPI - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM
(KSDS) ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI2104)

SUBJECT:

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Optima Hybrid (TF HEV)

December 11, 2013 to July 22, 2015

REQUIRED TOOL:
Tool Name

Figure

Comments

KDS

Kia Diagnostic System

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: X99 C Code: X99
Claim
Type

Causal P/N

Qty.

Repair Description

Labor Op

Op

Replacement

Code

Time

P/N

Qty.

(PI2104)
R

39108 2GAN2

0

KSDS Logic
Improvement

210079R0

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

(TF HEV)

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers should reference
PI2104 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: PI2104 Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) July 2021