GROUP

MODEL

TRA

2015MY
K900 (KH) w/8AT

NUMBER

DATE

096

August 2021

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
8AT (A8LR1-SBW) SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT
AND TCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT
This bulletin provides the procedure to replace two (2) solenoid valves (35R and 4&OD) and improve the gear
shift logic of the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) on some 2015-2016MY K900 (KH) vehicles, equipped with
Tau 5.0L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission w/Shift-By-Wire (A8LR1-SBW), which may exhibit
symptoms of abnormal shift shock during an upshift (2nd→3rd, 3rd→4th, 4th→5th). This condition occurs on
vehicles with mileage over 12,000 miles and may be due to possible premature wear of the solenoid valve. To
correct this concern, replace the 35R and 4&O/D solenoid valves with added “H” ventilation port, perform TCU
relearn, and, if applicable, 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.
Model
K900 (KH)
w/Shift-By-Wire

Engine

Production Date Range

ROM ID Version

Tau 5.0L GDI

January 1, 2014 to September 25, 2014

SKH0G50NB2
SKH0G50NB3
SKH0G50NB5

 IMPORTANT
The following procedures must be performed in sequence. If not, other shift problems may occur.
1.

35R & 4&OD solenoid valve replacement

2. TCU upgrade
3. Reset TCM adaptive learning values

CAUTION
If this procedure is performed on a
‘standard’ shift-by-cable (SBC) type
35R
Solenoid Valve

4&OD
Solenoid Valve

vehicle, damage may occur to the
transmission.

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

8AT TCM SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT
AND GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

Solenoid Valve Replacement Procedure:

 IMPORTANT
After replacing the solenoids, check if the vehicle has the latest TCU ROM ID. If not, upgrade TCU
ROM ID first, then perform TCM adaptive learning values.
Previous Part

New Part

4&OD Solenoid Valve

35R Solenoid Valve

4&OD Solenoid Valve

Added “H” ventilation port

No ventilation port

1.

35R Solenoid Valve

Replace the two (2) solenoid valves (35R and
4&O/D)

by

referring

Transmission

to

System

the
→

“Automatic
Automatic

Transmission Control System → 35R and 4&OD
Clutch Control

Solenoid

Valve

→

Repair

Procedures” chapter in the applicable Shop
Manual on KGIS.
NOTE: Be sure to CAREFULLY follow all of the
instructions outlined in KGIS.
Be sure that the wire harness connector is
unlocked (located on the passenger/right side)
prior to removing/lowering the valve body.

CAUTION
Damage to wire harness may occur if
it is still attached/locked secure.

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

TSB: TRA096 K900 (KH) August 2021

35R

4&OD

Page 3 of 8

8AT TCM SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT
AND GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

Follow bolt removal sequence on KGIS.

CAUTION
The valve body is heavy, carefully
lower it when removing. DO NOT
drop it or damage will occur.

NOTE: Be sure to CAREFULLY follow all of the
instructions outlined in KGIS.

After removing the valve body, ensure that the
black plugs are not missing (they may fall
off/down when removing the valve body). Be
sure to reinstall.

CAUTION
•
•
•
•
•
•

2.

Use a coated apron, latex gloves.
An expert (Expert based on the TRP standard) should perform this service.
Be careful to NOT allow foreign matter to enter the valve body or transmission.
Ensure to install both 35R and 4&OD solenoid valves in the correct location.
Up to 8.45 qts of ATF should be refilled and comply with the ATF level measuring method.
Ensure to torque all required bolts to specifications referenced on KGIS.

After replacing the solenoids, check if the
vehicle has the latest TCU ROM ID from page 4
using KDS.
•

If

not,

proceed

to

ECU

Upgrade

Procedure on page 4. Select ‘OK’.
•

If yes, proceed to reset TCU adaptive
learning values as outline on KGIS.

 IMPORTANT
Upgrade TCU ROM ID first, then
perform TCM adaptive learning values.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: TRA096 K900 (KH) August 2021

Page 4 of 8

8AT TCM SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT
AND GEAR SHIFT 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
543. KH LAMBDA 3.8/TAU 5.0 GEAR UPSHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

 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.

 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.

ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE:
Upgrade Event #543
Model

KH

Engine

Tau 5.0L GDI

TM

8AT

ECU P/No.

95440 4EDB0

ROM ID
Previous

New

SKH0G50NB2
SKH0G50NB3
SKH0G50NB5

SKH0G50NB6

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: TRA096 K900 (KH) August 2021

Page 5 of 8

8AT TCM SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT
AND GEAR SHIFT 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