GROUP

MODEL

ELE

2020-2021MY
Niro HEV (DE HEV)
Niro PHEV (DE PHV)

NUMBER

DATE

247

September 2021

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: HCU/LDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT
FOR P-DTC (SA484)

This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Hybrid Control Unit/Low Voltage DC/DC
Converter (HCU/LDC) system on some 2020-2021MY Niro HEV (DE HEV) and Niro PHEV (DE PHEV) vehicles
produced in the date ranges shown below, which may incorrectly set a Power Train Diagnostic Trouble Code
(P-DTC). Follow the procedure outlined in this publication to apply the improved logic to the ‘HCULDC’ 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 2 of this bulletin.
Model

Production Date Range

Niro HEV (DE HEV)

October 20, 2020 to February 4, 2021

Niro PHEV (DE PHEV)

November 26, 2020 to January 22, 2021

Kia Diagnostic System (KDS)

 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 SA484.

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 7

SERVICE ACTION: HCU/LDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P-DTC (SA484)

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
563. DE PE HEV/PHEV HCULDC P-DTC 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.


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 #563
Model

Model
Year

System

Previous

New

36600 2B190

GDEH0N6HNS0 K6D0_FF

GDEH0N6HNS0 K6D0_00

36600 2B192

GDEH1N6HNS0 K6D0_FF

GDEH1N6HNS0 K6D0_00

36600 2B193

GDEH1N6HNS0 K8D0_FF

GDEH1N6HNS0 K8D0_00

36600 2B592

GDEH1N6HNS0 K6N0_FF

GDEH1N6HNS0 K6N0_00

2020

36600 2B195

GDEP0N6HNS0 K600_FF

GDEP0N6HNS0 K600_00

2021

36600 2B196

GDEP1N6HNS0 K600_FF

GDEP1N6HNS0 K600_00

2020
DE HEV

DE PHEV

ROM ID

ECU P/No.

2021

HCU/LDC

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: SA484 Niro HEV/PHEV (DE HEV/PHEV) September 2021

Page 3 of 7
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: HCU/LDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P-DTC (SA484)

 NOTICE
Prior to performing the ECU upgrade, be sure to check that the KDS is fully charged.
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.

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
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: SA484 Niro HEV/PHEV (DE HEV/PHEV) September 2021

Page 4 of 7
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: HCU/LDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P-DTC (SA484)
The KDS will check the server for recently
uploaded

Events

and

then

automatically

download Upgrade Event #563.

 NOTICE
The vehicle must be identified in
Vehicle Selection to download an
Event for that vehicle.

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 ‘HCULDC’ system under the System
selection menu.
Touch ID Check (D) and confirm that the latest

D

update is available.
Select Upgrade Event #563 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: SA484 Niro HEV/PHEV (DE HEV/PHEV) September 2021

Page 5 of 7
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: HCU/LDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P-DTC (SA484)
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.

When instructed on the KDS, turn the ignition
OFF for ten (10) seconds then back on. Select
‘OK’ to continue.

Once the upgrade is complete, select ‘OK’ to
finalize the procedure.

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.

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: SA484 Niro HEV/PHEV (DE HEV/PHEV) September 2021

Page 6 of 7
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: HCU/LDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P-DTC (SA484)

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 PE HEV HCULDC 20MY: 36600-2B190

2190

DE PE HEV HCULDC 21MY: 36600-2B192

2192

DE PE HEV HCULDC 21MY: 36600-2B193

2193

DE PE HEV HCULDC 21MY: 36600-2B592

2592

DE PE PHEV HCULDC 20MY: 36600-2B195

2195

DE PE PHEV HCULDC 21MY: 36600-2B196

2196

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.
Select the ‘HCULDC’ system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #563 and select
Upgrade to continue.
Select the appropriate control unit part number with reference to the ROM ID Information Table on
page 2, and select OK.
Enter the appropriate password from the Manual Mode password table above and select OK.
The upgrade will begin and the progress of the upgrade will appear on the bar graph.
When instructed on the KDS, turn the ignition OFF for ten (10) seconds then back on. Select OK.
Once the upgrade is complete, select OK to finalize the procedure.
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.
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: SA484 Niro HEV/PHEV (DE HEV/PHEV) September 2021

Page 7 of 7

SERVICE ACTION: HCU/LDC LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P-DTC (SA484)

SUBJECT:

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Niro HEV (DE HEV)

October 20, 2020 to February 4, 2021

Niro PHEV (DE PHEV)

November 26, 2020 to January 22, 2021

REQUIRED TOOL:
Tool Name

Figure

Comments

KDS

Kia Diagnostic System

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: N99 C Code: C99
Model

Claim

Causal

Type

P/N

DE HEV
V
DE PHEV

36600
2B190

Qty.

Repair

Labor Op

Op

Replacement

Description

Code

Time

P/N

(SA484)
0

HCU/LDC Logic
Improvement

210101R0

0.5
M/H

N/A

Qty.

0

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers should reference
SA484 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: SA484 Niro HEV/PHEV (DE HEV/PHEV) September 2021