GROUP

MODEL

ELE

2025-2026MY
Multiple Models

NUMBER

DATE

413

March 2026

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:

DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) system software on some
2025–2026MY vehicles listed in the table below. Kia has identified that Connected Car Services (CCS)
functionality may intermittently fail due to temporary DCU communication issues. This condition can impact
convenience and connectivity features by causing the Remote Start and Remote Climate functions to become
inoperative, prevent vehicle status updates in the Kia Access app, and interrupt connected navigation routing
services. To resolve this, follow the procedure outlined in this publication to install updated DCU software. Refer
to SST081 for software upgrade instructions using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet with either the VCIIII or VCI-II with ECI Connector, and confirm the Upgrade Event Number/Name, ROM ID information, and
Manual Mode passwords (if applicable) for the relevant vehicle.
This software upgrade may also be available via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update on vehicles with an
‘active’ Kia Connect subscription.
Model

Date Range

Carnival (KA4, KA4 HEV)
Sorento (MQ4a, MQ4 HEV)
EV9 (MV1, MV1a)

2025 - 2026MY

K5 (DL3)
K4 (CL4)

 IMPORTANT
This TSB ONLY applies to vehicles who have experienced a FAILED OTA software
installation.
All claims are subject to review and Warranty chargeback.

 NOTICE
A Technical Service Bulletin is a field fix repair program without customer notification that may be
performed during the warranty period. Any dealer requesting to perform this repair outside the
warranty period will require DPSM approval.
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.
Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 2 of 7

DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

Refer to TSB SST081 for instructions to upgrade the ‘DCU’ system:

 IMPORTANT
The software update may also be available via Over-The-Air (OTA) upgrade feature through an
‘active’ Kia Connect account for customers. An OTA software upgrade may not be available at the
time a TSB publication is released. Dealers can confirm OTA availability by checking for OTA release
notes on the Kia Owners Portal: OTA Software Update Release Notes. If the affected vehicle had
the latest software installed via OTA, no further action is required by the dealer.
Note: An OTA installed software is time-stamped for each VIN.
To correct this condition, the specified system module should be reprogrammed using KDS
as described in this bulletin in ‘Auto Mode’.
Upgrade Event Name
818. DL3 PE DCU Communication Logic Improvement
819. KA4 PE(HEV) DCU Communication Logic Improvement
820. MQ4(a) PE(HEV) DCU Communication Logic Improvement
821. MV1(a) DCU Communication Logic Improvement
822. CL4 DCU Communication Logic Improvement

Connect the negative (-) terminal to the battery as shown below.

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

TSB: ELE413 Multiple Models March 2026

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 3 of 7

DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

ROM ID Information Table:
 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.

 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.

Upgrade Event #818
Model

System

IMMO

ROM ID

ECU P/No.

Previous

New

01I.SKU1.57.054.3.5
K5 (DL3)

DCU

YES

96510 L2GA0

01I.SKU1.57.054.5.5

01J.SKU1.62.060.1.9

01I.SKU1.59.654.5.5
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.

Upgrade Event #819
Model

System

IMMO

96510 R0EA0

Carnival
(KA4,
KA4 HEV)

DCU

ROM ID

ECU P/No.

Previous

New

01I.SKU1.57.054.3.5

YES

01J.SKU1.62.060.1.9
96510 R0FA0

01I.SKU1.59.654.5.5

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

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

TSB: ELE413 Multiple Models March 2026

Page 4 of 7

DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

Upgrade Event #820
Model

System

IMMO

ECU P/No.

Previous

New

01I.SKU1.57.054.3.5

Sorento
(MQ4a,

ROM ID

DCU

YES

96510 R5010

(MQ4 HEV)

01I.SKU1.57.054.5.5

01J.SKU1.62.060.1.9

01I.SKU1.59.654.5.5

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.

Upgrade Event #821
Model

System

IMMO

ECU P/No.

EV9
(MV1,

ROM ID
Previous

New

01I.SKU1.57.054.5.5
DCU

YES

96510 DO700

01J.SKU1.62.060.1.9
01I.SKU1.59.654.5.5

MV1a)

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.

Upgrade Event #822
Model

System

K4 (CL4)

DCU

IMMO

YES

ECU P/No.

96510 GG150

ROM ID
Previous

New

01I.SKU1.61.059.4.7

01J.SKU1.62.060.1.9

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

TSB: ELE413 Multiple Models March 2026

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 5 of 7

DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

 NOTICE
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 the manual upgrade.
‘Manual Mode’ passwords.
Event No.

Menu

Password

818

DL3 PE DCU : 96510-L2GA0

9745

819

KA4 PE/KA4 PE HEV DCU : 96510-R0EA0/FA0

7562

820

MQ4 PE HEV, MQ4a PE DCU : 96510-R5000/10

2796

821

MV1/MV1a DCU : 96510-DO600/700

9273

822

CL4 DCU : 96510-GG100/50

4512

 IMPORTANT
Perform the update by connecting an additional ECI Connector to the VCI-II or by using a VCI-III
Connector since the DCU upgrade uses ethernet for vehicle communication. The ECI Connector
and VCI-III must be connected to the diagnostic terminal with a USB wired cable and the KDS
tablet’s IP must be set.
Using KDS + VCI-II and ECI Connection
Ensure the ECI cable is configured by referring to the
‘KDS Configuration for ECI Cable Usage’.
1.

Connect the ECI DLC connector to the OBD-II
connector, located under the driver’s side of
the instrument panel.

2.

Connect the ECI USB -C connector to the KDS
tablet.

3. Connect the VCI II to the ECI OBD-II
connector.
Using KDS + VCI-III Connection
1.

Connect the VCI III USB-C connector to the
KDS tablet.

2.

Connect the VCI III to the OBD-II connector of
the vehicle.
Printed document copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

TSB: ELE413 Multiple Models March 2026

Page 6 of 7

DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

Software Information:
The required software must be installed by selecting
the ‘Auto Mode’ ECU Upgrade option.
Note: In some case, the ‘Manual Mode’ installation
option may be required ONLY if the ‘Auto Mode’
function fails or is otherwise noted above.
UPGRADE EVENT:
Select the applicable ‘DCU’ system module and the
Event Group.
•

818. DL3 PE DCU Communication Logic
Improvement
or

•

819. KA4 PE(HEV) DCU Communication
Logic Improvement
or

•

820. MQ4(a) PE(HEV) DCU Communication
Logic Improvement
or

•

821. MV1(a) DCU Communication Logic
Improvement
or

•

822.

CL4

DCU

Communication

Logic

Improvement

Verify the affected vehicle Calibration Identification of
the applicable ECU ROM ID and reference the
Information Table on page 3 as necessary.

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

TSB: ELE413 Multiple Models March 2026

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 7 of 7

DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT

SUBJECT:

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Date Range

Carnival (KA4, KA4 HEV)
Sorento (MQ4a, MQ4 HEV)
EV9 (MV1, MV1a)

2025-2026MY

K4 (CL4)
K5 (DL3)

REQUIRED TOOL:
Tool Name

Part Number

Kia Diagnostic System

Figure

Location

N/A

(KDS)

KDS + VCI
SHOP

VCI-II Connector

Comments

Connect
Directly to KDS

N/A

Using Included
Ethernet Cable
Located in

GIT1XDDMN057
or

Toolbox #1

GIT0XDDMN052

Drawer 8

ECI Adapter

ECI Adapter
For VCI-II

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: I11 C Code: ZZ3
Model

Claim

Causal

Type

P/N

W

OTAFAIL

Qty.

Repair

Labor Op

Op

Replacement

Description

Code

Time

P/N

Qty.

CL4
MQ4a
MQ4 HEV
KA4
KA4 HEV

0

DCU Software
Upgrade

O9999F01

0.3
M/H

N/A

0

DL3
MV1
MV1a
Note: For Substitute Transportation policy, please refer to Service Policy and Procedures Manual (SPPM) 6.11
“Kia Substitute Transportation”.
Printed document copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

TSB: ELE413 Multiple Models March 2026