GROUP

MODEL

ENG

2026MY
K5 (DL3) w/
2.5 GDI Theta III

NUMBER

DATE

265

March 2026

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SERVICE ACTION: THETA III 2.5 GDI ECM SW

SUBJECT:

LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA642)
This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Engine Control Module ‘ECM’ system software on certain
2026MY K5 (DL3) vehicles produced from December 03, 2025 through March 09, 2026 equipped with
2.5 GDI Theta III engines. The affected vehicles may exhibit an intermittent “low oil level” message illuminated
on the instrument cluster. This issue may be present due to improper calibration logic of the oil level sensor
value to detect a low oil level, even if the engine oil level is within the recommended factory specification.
Follow the procedure outlined in this publication to upgrade the ‘ECM’ software. Refer to SST081 for software
upgrade instructions using Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet and VCI-II or VCII-III and confirm the Upgrade
Event Number/Name, ROM ID Information, and Manual Mode passwords (if applicable) on the applicable
vehicle.
This software upgrade may also be available via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update on vehicles with an
‘active’ Kia Connect subscription.
DTC Description:
P250F00 – Engine Oil Level Too Low

 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 SA642.
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 6
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: THETA III 2.5 GDI ECM SW LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA642)

Refer to TSB SST081 for instructions to upgrade the ‘ECM’ 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
953.DL3 PE 2.5GDI engine DTC judgment logic improvement (P250F)

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: SA642 K5 (DL3) March 2026

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 3 of 6
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: THETA III 2.5 GDI ECM SW LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA642)

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.

Upgrade Event #953

 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.

AT

ISG

System

IMMO

No

ECU P/No.

ROM ID
Previous

New

391X4 2S311

DPHVD5GMFCXX1RWA

DPHVD5GMFCXX1RWB

391X4 2S312

DPHVD5GMF3XX1RWA

DPHVD5GMF3XX1RWB

391X4 2S313

DPHVD5GMGCXX1RWA

DPHVD5GMGCXX1RWB

2WD
Yes

4WD

No

ECM

Yes

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: SA642 K5 (DL3) March 2026

Page 4 of 6
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: THETA III 2.5 GDI ECM SW LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA642)

Software Information:
The required software must be installed by selecting
the ‘Auto Mode’ ECU Upgrade option.
Note: In some cases, the ‘Manual Mode’ installation
option may be required ONLY if the ‘Auto Mode’
function fails or is otherwise noted above.

 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.
953

Menu

Password

DL3 PE 2.5GDI +IMMO 2WD -ISG : 391X4-2S311

5038

DL3 PE 2.5GDI +IMMO 2WD +ISG : 391X4-2S312

6871

DL3 PE 2.5GDI +IMMO 4WD -ISG : 391X4-2S313

8349

 IMPORTANT
Prior to installing software even #953, follow ALL the steps in the exact order listed on
page 5.

UPGRADE EVENT:
Select the applicable ‘ECM’ system module and the
Event Group.
•

953.DL3 PE 2.5GDI engine DTC judgment
logic improvement (P250F)

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: SA642 K5 (DL3) March 2026

Kia America, Inc. Confidential

Page 5 of 6
SUBJECT:

SERVICE ACTION: THETA III 2.5 GDI ECM SW LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA642)

 IMPORTANT
The following steps MUST be completed in the exact order as listed. If these steps are not followed
exactly, the procedure will need to be restarted at step 1.

1.

Confirm the engine oil level is withing factory specifications.

❖ NOTE: Ensure the engine is sufficiently warmed up. If engine is not sufficiently warmed
up, engine oil level could be checked below the specified value.
2.

Turn the ignition ‘ON’ engine ‘OFF’.

3.

Using the KDS, perform ‘ENGINE’ fault code search.

4. Open the hood.
5. Tun the ignition ‘OFF’.
6. Disconnect the VCI from the vehicle.
7.

Wait a minimum of one (1) minute and then close the hood.

8. Reconnect the VCI to the vehicle and turn the ignition ‘ON’ engine ‘OFF’.
9. If DTC P250F00 is stored, confirm DTC status is in ‘History’.
a.

If DTC P250F00 is NOT stored, proceed to step 10.

b. If DTC P250F00 IS stored in ‘History’ status, proceed to step 10.
c.

If DTC P250F00 is NOT stored in ‘History’ status, repeat steps 2 – 7.

10. Install software event #953.
11. Perform ‘ENGINE’ fault code search.
12. Clear DTCs (This step needs to be performed regardless if DTCs are stored or not).
13. Turn the ignition ‘OFF’.
14. Disconnect the VCI from vehicle.
15. Wait a minimum of ten (10) seconds.
16. Reconnect the VCI to the vehicle and turn the ignition ‘ON’.
17. Turn the engine ‘ON’.
18. Perform ‘ENGINE’ fault code search and confirm P250F00 is NOT stored.
19. Confirm normal operation.
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: SA642 K5 (DL3) March 2026

Page 6 of 6

SERVICE ACTION: THETA III 2.5 GDI ECM SW LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA642)

SUBJECT:

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model

Production Date Range

K5 (DL3)

December 03, 2025 to March 09, 2026

REQUIRED TOOL:
Tool Name

Part Number

Kia Diagnostic System

Figure

Location

N/A

(KDS)

Comments

KDS + VCI
SHOP
Connect

VCI-II Connector

Directly to KDS

N/A

Using Included
Ethernet Cable

WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: N99 C Code: C99
Claim
Type

Causal P/N

Qty.

Repair

Labor Op

Op

Replacement

Description

Code

Time

P/N

(SA642)
V

391X4 2S311

0

ECM SW Logic

260062R0

Improvement

0.4
M/H

N/A

Qty.

0

Note: When substitute transportation is provided, manually enter sublet code ‘X2’ for rental expense
reimbursement or one roundtrip rideshare expense.

 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers should reference
SA642 when accessing the KDealer+ system.

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

TSB: SA642 K5 (DL3) March 2026

Kia America, Inc. Confidential