2021 Hyundai Tucson P1326 Engine Bearing TSB

Hyundai has issued Service Campaign T6G, documented under TSB 22-01-023H-1, to address concerns in certain vehicles, including the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. This campaign targets instances where the "Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326" appears, or owners experience an "engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage". The procedure involves a thorough inspection of the vehicle's engine, followed by either an engine replacement or an update to the engine's ECU software, depending on the inspection results. This action aims to ensure vehicle quality and customer satisfaction.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may notice the "Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326" on their dashboard. Additionally, they might experience an "engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage". In some cases, the vehicle may enter "Engine Protection Mode". These symptoms indicate a potential issue with the engine's connecting rod bearings, which requires immediate attention.

Fault Codes / DTCs

The primary diagnostic trouble code (DTC) associated with this service campaign is:

Code	Description
P1326	Engine Bearing Monitoring System Malfunction

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of several critical advisories related to this campaign:

• "If a customer alleges to have experienced a fire related concern with their vehicle, please have them contact Consumer Affairs at 1-800-633-5151."
• "If during the engine diagnosis, there is evidence of a fire or other components are in need of replacement due to fire, please disclose all affected parts to Warranty Prior Approval (PA) as part of the engine PA review process." This ensures proper documentation and approval before proceeding with repairs.
• "PA Approval is required for any engine replacement." No engine replacement should proceed without this approval.
• "Do not charge diagnosis for vehicles that previously had campaign 966 performed and return to the dealership in “Engine Protection Mode” or with DTC P1326." Diagnosis for these specific conditions should be covered.
• "All customers that come in with P1326 or “Engine Protection Mode” should be provided an SRC or alternative 3rd Party Rental. All SRC or Rental claims will be reimbursed regardless of PA's decision to cover the engine replacement." This ensures owners have transportation during the repair process.
• "If a part is found in need of replacement while performing this campaign and the affected part (failure not directly caused by Campaign T6G) is still under warranty, submit a separate claim using the same Repair Order. If the affected part(s) are out of warranty, submit a Prior Approval request for goodwill consideration prior to completing the Campaign." This clarifies the process for parts not directly related to the T6G campaign.
• "Important: If a vehicle passes the bearing inspection test, but DTC P1326 comes back on after the code is cleared, contact Techline for further assistance on diagnosing the vehicle." This indicates further specialized support may be needed for persistent issues.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

The diagnosis and repair for the Hyundai Tucson P1326 engine bearing issue involves several detailed steps, as outlined in TSB 22-01-023H-1. Before any work begins, technicians must complete specific training, including Level of Technician Certification and coursework like Engine Technology - Classroom (#SVCET28_208) or its vILT Final Exam (#SVCDENGVILTEXITW20_865), along with the "Engine Support" training.

Shop readiness is also crucial, requiring a properly configured Special Service Tool (SST) bearing clearance tester. This tool needs specific air pressures: a minimum of 0.36 MPa (50 psi) shop air supply, with AP between 0.1-0.11 MPa and VC between -73 to -83 Kpa. The bearing tool SST itself requires a 12-volt or 13.8-volt (2 amp) external AC/DC power supply.

Upon vehicle arrival, technicians must check the Vehicle Information Screen in WebDCS for open campaigns and recalls and review Blue Link alerts for DTC P1326. The Global Diagnostic System (GDS) must be connected, and a Multi-Point Inspection (MPI) performed. It's essential to ensure the vehicle has the latest software installed and that the GDS-M software is also up-to-date.

The diagnostic process begins by scanning for any DTCs and capturing freeze frame data. Technicians must take specific photos, including the dipstick, the underside of the oil cap, and the inside of the oil filler opening. These photos are crucial for Prior Approval (PA) submissions, and the VIN must be clearly visible in them.

Several engine condition checks follow. This includes inspecting for external lower end damage to the engine block and verifying the presence of oil on the dipstick. The engine oil is then drained and measured; if less than 1.5 quarts are collected, specific PA steps are triggered. A crankshaft rotation test is performed using a torque wrench set to 94 lb-ft. If the crankshaft is seized and cannot rotate, a PA submission is required.

The next critical step is the Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), performed according to TSB 21-EM-004H-1. Photos of the AP/VC gauges are taken, and calibration is performed if necessary, as per TSB 20-GI-009H. The BCT results can be "Pass," "No Pass," or "No BCT," each leading to different subsequent actions, including further PA submissions for "No Pass" or "No BCT" results.

If the inspection and PA process determine that an engine replacement is necessary, it is carried out following the shop manual and TSB procedures. Concurrently, the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software is updated if a newer version is available, as part of Service Campaign 966. After repairs, DTC P1326 is cleared with the engine running, and adaptive values are reset.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform the inspection and repair outlined in TSB 22-01-023H-1, specific tools and parts are required:

• Engine Bearing Clearance Tester set (bearing tool)
• Torque Wrench Socket
• Injector Combustion Seal Ring Installer (refer to TSB 19-FL-001H for usage instructions)
• 5 quart container for oil measurement
• Engine Bearing Clearance Tester (Main Body): Part number KQ231-2T100QQH
• Spark Plug Rod (Connection for Clearance Gauge): Part numbers KQ231-2T101QQH (M12 type) and KQ231-2T107QQH (M14 type)
• Crankshaft Rotator Tool: Part number KQ231-2T102QQH
• Clearance Gauge: Part number KQ231-2T103QQH
• Power Supply Cable: Part number KQ231-2T104QQH
• Test Hose (Air Hose for Clearance Gauge): Part number KQ231-2T105QQH
• Optional Tool: 17 mm 12-Point Metric Flank Drive® Reversible Ratcheting Box/ Speed Open-End Combination Wrench (Snap-on SRXRM17) for unfastening torque converter bolts if the engine cannot rotate.

Warranty Information

The warranty for engine connecting rod bearing wear or damage on affected vehicles has been extended under Warranty Extension TXXM TSB 22-EM-006H-1. It is crucial to confirm diagnosis meets warranty eligibility requirements before proceeding with any repairs under Service Campaign T6G. Prior Approval (PA) is mandatory for any engine replacement.

Warranty claims for the bearing tool itself are covered by a 12-month warranty, excluding damage or abuse. If defective, the claim should be submitted in Sublet using the related T6G VIN, with the bearing tester tool replacement part as the Causal Part, and the first 5 digits of the part number plus "AZZ" as the Labor Op. An X1 Sublet Code and parts invoice are required, and the claim will be paid at dealer cost without markup or labor.

For engine replacements, Hyundai's Warranty Policy and Procedure dictates the use of OE or Reman engines. In some cases, a Reman engine might not be available, defaulting to an OE part. A special exception applies for PA-approved engine replacements in vehicles under 5 years and 60,000 miles, where new 'OE' engines might not be available. FFHRM remanufactured engines meet OE standards.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Hyundai Tucson and experience the "Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326" or any "engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage", it is important to contact your authorized Hyundai dealership promptly. If your vehicle enters "Engine Protection Mode", this also warrants an immediate visit to the dealership. Be prepared for potential vehicle downtime and discuss alternative transportation options, such as a Service Rental Car (SRC) or a third-party rental, as these costs may be reimbursed.

NHTSA ID: 10211662