GROUP

MODEL

ELE

2023-2024MY
Niro HEV (SG2 HEV) and
2023-2024MY
Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV)

NUMBER

DATE

318

November 2023

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SERVICE ACTION: BMS SOFTWARE LOGIC

SUBJECT:

IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)

This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Battery Management System (BMS) software logic on certain
2023-2024MY Niro HEV (SG2 HEV) vehicles produced from June 21, 2022 through February 6, 2023, and
2023-2024MY Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) vehicles produced from February 15, 2022 to October 28, 2023,
which may exhibit a “Check Hybrid System” message displayed on the instrument cluster with DTC P1BB2
stored. This condition may occur when the vehicle is exposed to high heat/hot weather environments. Follow
the procedure outlined in this publication to upgrade the BMS software judgement and improve the 12V
charging logic for DTC P1BB2 to correct this concern on the applicable vehicle. Before conducting the
procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.
DTC Description:
P1BB2 - 12V Lithium Battery Cell Voltage High

 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 KDealer+ (Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty
Coverage Inquiry → Campaign Information). Not completed Recall / Service Action reports are
available on KDealer+ (Consumer Affairs → Not Completed Recall → Recall VIN → Select Report),
which includes a list of affected vehicles.
This issue number is SA553.
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:

SERVICE ACTION: BMS S/W LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)

ECU Upgrade Procedure:
To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS
download, as described in this bulletin.
Upgrade Event Name
698.SG2 HEV BMS DTC Judgment Logic Improvement (P1BB2)
700.NQ5 HEV BMS DTC Judgment Logic Improvement (P1BB2)

 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: SA553 Niro HEV (SG2 HEV), Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) November 2023

Page 3 of 8
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: BMS S/W LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)
 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 #698 (Niro HEV) or #700 (Sportage HEV)

Model

System

Type

IMMO

ECU P/No.

SG2
HEV

ROM ID
Previous

New

37513 AT000

6000

6020

37513 CH000

6100

6120

12V
BMS

Lithium

Yes

Battery
NQ5
HEV

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.
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.

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

TSB: SA553 Niro HEV (SG2 HEV), Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) November 2023

Page 4 of 8
SUBJECT:

2.

SERVICE ACTION: BMS S/W LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)
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’.

5.

The KDS will check the server for recently
uploaded

Events

and

then

automatically

download Upgrade Event #698 (Niro HEV) or
#700 (Sportage HEV).

 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.

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

TSB: SA553 Niro HEV (SG2 HEV), Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) November 2023

Page 5 of 8
SUBJECT:

6.

SERVICE ACTION: BMS S/W LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)
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 ‘BMS’ system and applicable ‘Event
Group’ (D) for the vehicle:
Niro HEV: 698.SG2 HEV BMS DTC Judgment
Logic Improvement (P1BB2)

D

or
Sportage HEV: 700.NQ5 HEV BMS DTC
Judgment Logic Improvement (P1BB2)

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: SA553 Niro HEV (SG2 HEV), Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) November 2023

Page 6 of 8
SUBJECT:

9.

SERVICE ACTION: BMS S/W LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)
If a “Communication Fail” screen appears, verify
that the VCI-II and KDS are communicating
properly. Select ‘OK’ and restart the 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: SA553 Niro HEV (SG2 HEV), Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) November 2023

Page 7 of 8
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: BMS S/W LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)

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

SG2 HEV BMS: 37513-AT000

3157

NQ5 HEV BMS: 37513-CH000

4540

1.

Within the ECU Upgrade screen displayed, select Manual Mode.

2.

Select the ‘BMS’ system under the System selection menu. Select Upgrade Event #698 (SG2 HEV) or
#700 (NQ5 HEV) 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: SA553 Niro HEV (SG2 HEV), Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) November 2023

Page 8 of 8
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: BMS S/W LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P1BB2 (SA553)

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

Niro HEV (SG2 HEV)

June 21, 2022 to February 6, 2023

Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV)

February 15, 2022 to October 28, 2023

REQUIRED TOOL:
Tool Name

Figure

Comments

KDS

Kia Diagnostic System

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: I3A C Code: ZZ3
Model

Claim
Type

Causal P/N

NQ5

37513

HEV

CH000
V

Qty.

37513

HEV

AT000

Labor Op

Op

Replacement

Description

Code

Time

P/N

(SA553)
0

SG2

Repair

230117R0
0.3

BMS Software
Logic Upgrade

Qty.

M/H

N/A

0

230117R1

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers should reference
SA553 when accessing the KDealer+ system.

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

TSB: SA553 Niro HEV (SG2 HEV), Sportage HEV (NQ5 HEV) November 2023