2021-2022 Kia Sportage Anti-Theft Software Upgrade TSB

Kia has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) CS2302 (Revision 1, dated January 31, 2023) to address an anti-theft software logic upgrade for specific Sportage models. This bulletin outlines the procedure to enhance the anti-theft capabilities of vehicles that may not have been equipped with an immobilizer from the factory. New or revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area of the original document.

This TSB is crucial for owners of affected vehicles as it directly impacts vehicle security. The upgrade adds anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation, providing an additional layer of protection against theft. The process also includes the installation of visible decals to indicate the completion of this important security enhancement.

Why This Matters

For Kia Sportage owners whose vehicles were manufactured without an immobilizer, this software upgrade is a significant security enhancement. The addition of anti-theft ignition start logic makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to start and steal the vehicle. This proactive measure by Kia aims to improve vehicle security and provide owners with greater peace of mind.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

This anti-theft upgrade is applicable to Kia Sportage vehicles that were not originally equipped with an immobilizer. Technicians will verify the vehicle's eligibility by checking the Calibration Identification of the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM) ROM ID and referencing the ROM ID Information Table provided in the TSB. This table lists various ECU Part Numbers (e.g., 95400 3WLCO, 95400 D9700, 954A0 D9AXO) and their corresponding ROM IDs for both SL and QL Sportage models, indicating which software versions are eligible for the upgrade.

Before attempting any ECU upgrade, it is critical to determine if 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.

Repair Procedure Summary

The Kia Sportage anti-theft upgrade involves reprogramming the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS). The procedure is as follows:

1. Preparation: Confirm the vehicle's battery is fully charged (12.3 volts or higher) or connect a fully charged jump starter box. The KDS GDS unit must also be sufficiently charged at 60% or higher prior to reflash. All ECU upgrades must be performed with the ignition set to the 'ON' position unless otherwise stated.
2. Connect KDS: Connect the VCI-II to the OBD-II connector, located under the driver's side of the instrument panel. The KDS ECU upgrade function operates wirelessly, so a USB cable is not necessary for the upgrade.
3. Vehicle Identification: Turn on the KDS tablet, select 'KDS' from the home screen, confirm communication with VCI, and configure the vehicle using the 'AUTO VIN' feature.
4. Initiate Upgrade: Select 'ECU Upgrade'. The KDS will automatically check the server for recently uploaded events and download the relevant upgrade event (#652 for QL models or #653 for SL models).
5. System Selection: Select the IBU/BCM system under the System selection menu. Perform an 'ID Check' to confirm the latest update is available, then select the appropriate Upgrade Event and proceed.
6. Software Reflash: The ECU upgrade will begin. The process involves two parts: downloading the upgrade event to the VCI-II (part 1/2) and then upgrading the ECU (part 2/2).
7. Completion: Once the upgrade reaches 100%, turn the ignition 'OFF' for ten seconds, then back 'ON', and select 'OK'. The system will then perform a data validation, which can take up to 10 minutes. Do not close the pop-up message until data validation is complete.
8. DTC Check: When prompted, select 'YES' to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as EPS, ESC, and TPMS that may have been set during the upgrade, and erase them.
9. Final Check: Start the engine to confirm normal operation of the vehicle.

If the automatic upgrade fails, a manual upgrade procedure is available. This requires turning the ignition 'OFF' for about 10 seconds to reset the control unit before proceeding. Specific passwords are listed in the TSB for manual mode, such as 4000 for SL BCM: 95400-3WLCO/LDO/MCO/MDO.

Required Tools or Parts

• Tool: KDS (Kia Diagnostic System) is required to perform the software upgrade.
• Part: 'Kia Anti-Theft Logic' Decal (Part Number: SO230-ATL). Two decals are required per vehicle. These decals are auto-shipped to dealers in rolls containing 100 quantity.

Decal Installation Procedure

After the software upgrade, two 'Kia Anti-Theft Logic' decals must be applied to the front windows, unless the customer specifically requests they not be installed. The procedure involves:

1. Preparation: Ensure the door window glass is dust-free and clean from any fingerprints or smudges before applying the decals.
2. Template: Print page 9 of the TSB to 100% scale and cut out the template sheet along the black dotted lines. This template can be saved for future use.
3. Placement: With the door glass completely up, adhere the template sheet to the outside of the left driver's front door glass using masking tape. Ensure the template edges are flush against the B-pillar trim corner and bottom inner side, and along the bottom door window trim.
4. Application: Carefully expose the leading edge of the decal adhesive by simultaneously pulling back the liner and pushing the leading edge of the label forward. DO NOT TOUCH ADHESIVE. Once approximately half of the label is removed, position it on the INSIDE of the driver's door window, aligned to the template box.
5. Finishing: From the outside, confirm perfect alignment. From the inside, press on the decal in a forward direction, pushing out any air bubbles, until fully applied.
6. Repeat: Remove the template sheet and repeat steps 3-5 for the right passenger side.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners and technicians should be aware of several critical warnings to ensure a successful and safe Kia Sportage anti-theft upgrade:

• Battery and KDS Charge: The vehicle battery must be fully charged (12.3 volts or higher), and the KDS GDS unit must be at 60% charge or higher before reflash.
• Ignition Position: All ECU upgrades must be performed with the ignition set to the 'ON' position.
• VCI-II Connection: