2023 Kia Sportage Transmission Wire Harness Issue (SA499)

Symptoms of the Transmission Wire Harness Issue

Owners of affected 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles may notice several symptoms related to the transmission wire harness issue. The primary indicator is the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the dashboard. This is often accompanied by specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) being stored in the vehicle's computer.

Another significant symptom is the vehicle defaulting into 5th gear. While the vehicle can still be driven in this default mode, drivers will experience noticeably slow acceleration. This condition arises from the transmission wire harness rubbing against the shift cable bracket bolt, causing the wiring to chafe and create an intermittent ground.

Fault Codes / DTCs

The transmission wire harness issue in the 2023 Kia Sportage is typically associated with the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

• P07XX: This represents a range of transmission-related fault codes.
• P0880: TCM Power Input Signal Performance Problem.

These codes indicate a problem with the transmission control system, often triggered by the chafed wiring creating an intermittent ground.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause of this problem is the transmission wire harness potentially rubbing against the shift cable bracket bolt. This friction can lead to the wiring becoming chafed, which then creates an intermittent ground connection. This intermittent ground is what triggers the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and sets the DTCs P07XX and P0880.

The condition can also cause the vehicle's transmission to default into 5th gear, affecting acceleration and overall drivability. Technicians will inspect the harness in the area of the shift cable bracket bolt to confirm chafing or damage.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the 2023 Kia Sportage transmission wire harness involves upgrading the harness protection. The procedure begins with essential preparatory steps to ensure safety and access to the affected area.

1. Battery and ECM Removal: The battery and the engine control module (ECM) must be removed to gain access to the transmission wire harness. The ECM bracket itself does not need to be removed.
2. Harness Disconnection: The transmission control harness clip is detached, and two transmission connectors are disconnected. It is crucial to confirm that no other surrounding connectors are accidentally detached during this step.
3. Harness Inspection and Preparation: The repair area, located between the harness clip and a zip tie, is identified. If any damage to the wire insulation is found, the affected wire(s) must be wrapped with electrical tape before proceeding with the next steps.
4. Conduit Application: A 90mm (3.5-inch) piece of 1/2-inch high-temperature plastic conduit flex tubing is cut and used to cover the repair area of the control harness.
5. Taping: High-temperature 3M electrical tape is then adhered around the entire length of the newly applied plastic conduit tubing to secure it.
6. Reassembly and Verification: All removed parts are reinstalled in reverse order. During reassembly, it is critical to ensure that all related and surrounding connectors are securely inserted to prevent a potential no-start condition. Finally, the technician must confirm that the control harness is no longer in contact with the shift cable bracket bolt and that the vehicle operates normally.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform the transmission wire harness upgrade on the 2023 Kia Sportage, technicians will need the following materials:

• Plastic Conduit 1/2" Flex Tubing: Approximately 90mm (3.5 inches) in length. This should be high-temperature (275°F) tubing. The bulletin references P/N FLX-5007T from THE HOME DEPOT® as a suitable source.
• Hi-Temp Electrical Tape: High-temperature (221°F) 3M™ Scotch® electrical tape is required to secure the conduit.

These materials are typically sourced locally by dealers, as specific Kia part numbers are not provided for them.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Kia has issued several important advisories regarding this service action:

• "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."
• "Confirm that no other connectors are detached in the surrounding work areas."
• "If damage to the wire insulation is found, wrap the affected wire(s) with electrical tape prior to continuing with the repair procedure below."
• "Ensure that ALL related and surrounding connectors are inserted securely during re-assembly. A softset or poor connection may cause a no start condition."
• "Confirm that the control harness is not in contact with the shift cable bracket bolt and normal operation of the vehicle."

Owner Action

If you own a 2023 Kia Sportage produced between January 12, 2022, and June 1, 2022, and experience symptoms such as the MIL illuminating, DTCs P07XX or P0880, or your vehicle defaulting to 5th gear with slow acceleration, you should contact your authorized Kia dealer. This is a Service Action (SA499), which means Kia is not directly notifying consumers.

Repairs performed under a Service Action are typically covered during the warranty period. Your dealer can check the repair status for your VIN on WebDCS to confirm if your vehicle is included and if the service action has been completed. If the repair is needed, it will involve upgrading the transmission wire harness as outlined in this bulletin.

NHTSA ID: 10214154