GROUP

MODEL

TRA

2016-2020MY
Optima (JFa)
w/1.6L T-GDI and 7DCT

NUMBER

DATE

098

August 2021

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:

7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT)
ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
system on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JFa) vehicles produced from August 28, 2015 through June 1, 2020,
equipped with Gamma 1.6L T-GDI engine and 7-speed DCT, which might exhibit clutch judder when
accelerating from a stop. If the vehicle body vibrates without the steering wheel shuddering when performing
creep driving test (driving the vehicle up to 3 mph), the vehicle is exhibiting clutch judder. Follow the flowchart
on page 2 as needed to apply the improved logic to the ‘A/T’ 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)

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
SUBJECT:

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

Procedure Flow Chart:
1. Anti-Judder
ROM Update
Event #541

NO

Vehicle In
(Judder Validated)

OK

NG

KDS Inspection
Vehicle has the
latest S/W?

2. Refer to TSB
(TRA083)

Vehicle Out

YES
YES
Judder Still
Present?

NO

ECU Upgrade Procedure:
To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS
download, as described in this bulletin.
Upgrade Event Name
541. JFA GAMMA 1.6TGDI 7DCT CLUTCH ANTI JUDDER 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.
Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

TSB: TRA098 Optima (JFa) August 2021

Page 3 of 8

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

 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 #541

Model

Engine

TM

DCT P/No.

ECU ROM ID

ECU P/No.

Previous

New

DJF0T16NS0
DJF0T16NS1
41200 2D101

95441 2DBE0

(F833DS)

95440 2DBE0

DJF0T16NS2
DJF0T16NS3

DJF0T16N75

DJF0T16NS4
DJF0T16NS5
DJF0T16N35
DJF0T16NS6

Gamma
JFa

1.6L

DJF0T16NS7

95441 2DBE1

DJF0T16NS8

95440 2DBE1

7DCT

DJF0T16N76

DJF0T16NS9

T-GDI

DJF0T16N36
41200

DJF0T16NL0

2D200/2D200

95441 2DBN0

(F850)

95440 2DBN0

DJF0T16NL1

DJF0T16N77

DJF0T16N37

95441 2DBN1

DJF0T16NL2

95440 2DBN1

DJF0T16N38

DJF0T16N78

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: TRA098 Optima (JFa) August 2021

Page 4 of 8
SUBJECT:

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

 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.

3.

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: TRA098 Optima (JFa) August 2021

Page 5 of 8
SUBJECT:

5.

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT
The KDS will check the server for recently
uploaded

Events

and

then

automatically

download Upgrade Event #541.

 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.
7.

Select the A/T system under the System
selection menu.
Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the latest

D

update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #541 and select Upgrade
to continue.

8.

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: TRA098 Optima (JFa) August 2021

Page 6 of 8
SUBJECT:

9.

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT
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.

14.

If the clutch judder still exists, follow the procedure in TSB TRA083 to replace the 7 speed dual clutch
assembly.

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

TSB: TRA098 Optima (JFa) August 2021

Page 7 of 8
SUBJECT:

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER 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

JFA Gamma 1.6TGDI 7DCT : 95440/1-2DBE0

0210

JFA Gamma 1.6TGDI 7DCT : 95440/1-2DBE1

1210

JFA Gamma 1.6TGDI 7DCT : 95440/1-2DBN0

0211

JFA Gamma 1.6TGDI 7DCT : 95440/1-2DBN1

1211

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the A/T system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #541 and select
Upgrade to continue.

3.

Select the appropriate control unit part number with reference to the ROM ID Information Table on
page 4, 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.

10.

If the clutch judder is still present after S/W upgrade, refer to TSB TRA083.

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

TSB: TRA098 Optima (JFa) August 2021

Page 8 of 8
SUBJECT:

DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Optima (JFa)

August 28, 2015 to June 1, 2020

REQUIRED TOOL:
Tool Name

Figure

Comments

KDS

Kia Diagnostic System

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: I14 C Code: ZZ3
Claim
Type

Causal P/N

Qty.

Repair Description

Refer to EPC
W

for applicable

Labor Op

Op

Replacement

Code

Time

P/N

DCT Logic
0

Improvement for

ECU PN

Clutch Judder

95440F44

0.3
M/H

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

TSB: TRA098 Optima (JFa) August 2021

N/A

Qty.

0