2023 Kia Sportage AVNT Screen Flickering TSB

Owners of certain 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles may notice their Audio Video Navigation Telematics (AVNT) screen intermittently flickering 'ON/OFF'. This issue, which can be distracting and affect the usability of the infotainment system, is addressed by Kia Technical Service Bulletin ELE355.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of this issue is the AVNT screen flickering 'ON/OFF'. This means the display may go blank or turn off for brief periods before coming back on, which can disrupt the use of navigation, audio, and other crucial infotainment functions. Owners might experience this issue during vehicle operation, making the display unreliable.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the Kia Sportage AVNT screen flickering is identified as an intermittent contact between the coaxial cable connector and the AVNT head unit. This connection issue leads to the erratic display behavior. This problem specifically affects 2023 Kia Sportage (NQ5a) vehicles produced between August 5, 2021, and May 25, 2023. Technicians will confirm this by observing the flickering symptom and verifying the vehicle's production date.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure involves replacing the AVNT head unit coaxial cable. Here's a detailed summary of the steps a technician will follow:

1. Instrument Cluster Removal: The instrument cluster (labeled 'A' in the TSB diagrams) is carefully removed. This step requires referring to the 'Body Electrical System → Indicators and Gauges → Cluster → Removal and Installation [Option Type]' section in the applicable Shop Manual on KGIS.
2. AVNT Head Unit Removal: The AVNT head unit (labeled 'B') is then removed by loosening its four (4) retaining screws. A crucial caution is to place a clean cloth or fender liner under the AVNT head unit to prevent any scratching or damage to its surface during removal.
3. Coaxial Cable Disconnection: The existing coaxial cable connector (labeled 'C') is disconnected from the AVNT head unit. The TSB specifies that only this connector needs to be disconnected. The end of the removed coaxial cable and its connector are then cut off and disposed of.
4. Old Cable Securing: The cut end of the old coaxial cable (labeled 'D') is wrapped using Tesa® tape and then secured to the vehicle's harness as shown in the diagrams.
5. New Cable Connection: The new coaxial cable connector (also labeled 'C') is connected to the back of the AVNT head unit (B).
6. New Cable Routing and Securing: The new coaxial cable (labeled 'D') is routed along the main harness inside the dashboard area. It is then secured to the main harness (labeled 'E') using three (3) zip-ties in the specified locations.
7. Navigation Monitor Connector Preparation: A pin removal tool is used to unlock the yellow tab of the navigation monitor connector (M22), labeled 'F'.
8. Coaxial Pin Separation: Using the pin removal tool, coaxial pin 5 (labeled 'G') is separated from the connector (F). A 'TECH TIP' advises inserting the pin removal tool in the correct orientation.
9. Pin Wrapping: The exposed pin is wrapped with Tesa® tape. The TSB notes that this pin does not need to be cut.
10. New Pin Insertion and Locking: The 'new' coaxial cable pin (G) is inserted into pin 5 of the navigation monitor connector (M22) (F). The locking tab is then engaged.
11. Reinstallation: All previously removed parts are reinstalled in the reverse order of removal.
12. Operation Confirmation: Finally, the technician confirms the normal operation of the AVNT system to ensure the Kia Sportage AVNT screen flickering issue is resolved.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, the following parts are required:

• Coaxial Cable: Part Number 911XO DW010FFF (Quantity: 1)
• Zip-ties: Locally Sourced (Quantity: 3)
• Tesa® Tape: Locally Sourced (As needed)

Important Note: The replacement part number 911XO DW010FFF will require a VIN entry for parts ordering. Kia advises dealers DO NOT order these parts for stocking purposes related to this TSB, as supply is very limited. Dealers must confirm part availability before scheduling customers and expedite warranty claim filing.

Important Warnings

Kia has provided specific instructions and warnings regarding this Technical Service Bulletin:

• No Customer Notification: 'A Technical Service Bulletin is a field fix repair program without customer notification that may be performed during the warranty period.' This means owners will not receive direct mail or notifications about this TSB.
• Warranty Period Requirement: 'Any dealer requesting to perform this repair outside the warranty period will require DPSM approval.' Owners should be aware that repairs outside the warranty period may not be covered without special approval.
• Part Ordering Restrictions: 'DO NOT order these parts for stocking purposes, related to this TSB. Supply is very limited. Until supply stabilizes, please confirm part availability before scheduling customers. Please be sure to expedite warranty claim filing.'

Warranty Information

For dealers performing this repair, the following warranty information applies:

• N Code: 114
• C Code: ZZ3
• Claim Type: W (Warranty)
• Causal Part Number: 91120 DW330
• Repair Description: AVNT Coaxial Cable Replacement
• Labor Operation Code: 91100FO2
• Operation Time: 0.5 Man-Hours (M/H)
• Replacement Part Number: 911XO DW010FFF (Quantity: 1)

Additionally, a sublet code 'X1' can be used for zip-ties and Tesa® tape, with a maximum allowed amount of $0.90 per vehicle.

NHTSA ID: ELE355