2023 Kia Sportage ADAS Alert Volume Change Service Action

What this Service Action addresses

Kia has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 272, detailing Service Action SA517, to improve the software logic of the Cluster (CLU) system. This update allows the default alert volume for the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to be adjusted by the driver. The original software prevented owners from modifying this setting, which could lead to an unsatisfactory driving experience.

This software improvement is crucial for ensuring driver comfort and customization of vehicle safety features. The update applies to various 2023 Kia models equipped with the CLU system, addressing the Kia Sportage ADAS alert volume issue among others.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Owners and technicians should be aware of several critical points regarding this Service Action:

• No Customer Notification: This is a Service Action, which is a repair program performed during the warranty period without direct customer notification. Owners will not receive a letter about this update.
• Dealer Stock Priority: Kia is requesting that this Service Action be completed on all affected vehicles currently in dealer stock prior to delivery to customers.
• No Engine Start During Update: Technicians are strictly instructed DO NOT start the engine during the ECU upgrade procedure.
• Maintain Power During Update: It is critical DO NOT turn the ignition key 'OFF' or interrupt the power supply at any point during the ECU upgrade. Doing so can cause damage to the control unit.
• Avoid System Buttons: Technicians must NOT touch system buttons (like 'Back', 'Home', 'etc.') while the ECU upgrade is in progress.
• Do Not Disconnect Equipment: If a 'Communication Fail!' error screen appears, technicians are warned DO NOT disconnect the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) or Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI-II) and instead contact GIT America Help Desk at (888) 542-4371 or Techline.
• Risk of Damage: Unnecessarily performing the update, especially if the vehicle's ROM ID does not require it, can cause damage to the cluster.
• No Software Upgrade Needed: If a "No need for S/W update" pop-up window is displayed on KDS in 'Auto Mode', then no software upgrade is required for that vehicle.
• Damaged VCI-II Units: "Damaged VCI II units should not be used and promptly replaced."

Repair Procedure Details

To address the inability to change the Kia Sportage ADAS alert volume, technicians will use the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) to perform an ECU upgrade on the Cluster (CLU) system. The process involves several critical steps:

1. Initial Setup: Confirm the vehicle battery is fully charged (12.3 volts or higher) or connect a jump starter. Ensure the KDS GDS is at least 60% charged. Connect the VCI-II to the vehicle's OBD-II connector, located under the driver's side instrument panel. The ECU upgrade function on KDS operates wirelessly, so a USB cable is not necessary.
2. KDS Operation: Turn the ignition to the 'ON' position and power on the KDS tablet. Select 'KDS' from the home screen. Confirm communication with the VCI and configure the vehicle using the 'AUTO VIN' feature.
3. ECU Upgrade Selection: Select 'ECU Upgrade' from the KDS menu. The KDS will then check for and download recently uploaded upgrade events, including #629, #630, #631, #632, #633, #634, and #635.
4. Mode Selection: Select 'Auto Mode' to begin the upgrade. Technicians are advised DO NOT attempt 'Manual Mode' unless 'Auto Mode' fails. If 'Auto Mode' fails, the ignition must be turned 'OFF' for 10 seconds and then 'ON' again before attempting 'Manual Mode'.
5. System and ROM ID Check: Select the 'CLU' system from the system selection menu. Perform an 'ID Check' to confirm the latest update is available by verifying the ROM ID against the information tables provided in the bulletin (pages 3-5). These tables list specific ECU Part Numbers (e.g., 94041 M7041, 94083 P4060, 94003 CV000, 94013-DWOOO) and their corresponding 'Previous' and 'New' ROM IDs.
6. Upgrade Execution: Select the appropriate upgrade event (e.g., #629, #630, etc.) and proceed with the upgrade. The KDS will display the progress as the upgrade event downloads to the VCI-II and then to the ECU. During this process, technicians must NOT touch system buttons or disconnect the VCI-II.
7. Completion and DTC Check: Once the upgrade is complete, the KDS will display "Succeed". Turn the ignition 'OFF' for 10 seconds, then back 'ON'. When prompted with "Do you want to run Fault Code Searching?", select 'YES' to check for and erase any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have been set during the upgrade (e.g., related to EPS, ESC, TPMS).
8. Final Verification: Start the engine to confirm normal vehicle operation.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary tool required for this Service Action is the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS), which includes the Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI-II). A fully charged battery or an external jump starter is also necessary to maintain power during the ECU upgrade process. The bulletin references various ECU Part Numbers such as 94041 M7041 for BDm models, 94083 P4060 for MQ4 HEV, 94003 CV000 for CV, and 94013-DWOOO for NQ5a, which are updated to new ROM IDs.

Warranty Information

This Service Action is performed under warranty. The applicable warranty codes are N Code: N99 and C Code: C99. The repair description is "(SA517) Cluster Logic Improvement". Labor operation codes for this repair include:

• 220M15RO for Forte (BDm) models with ECU P/N 94041 M7041.
• 220137RO for Sorento (MQ4 P/HEV) and Soul (SK3) models with ECU P/N 94083 P4070.
• 220A23RO for Sportage (NQ5a) models with ECU P/N 94013 DW000.

The standard operation time for this repair is 0.3 M/H (Man-Hours). Kia retailers should reference SA517 when accessing the WebDCS system for VIN inquiry and tracking purposes.

What Owners Should Do

Since this is a Service Action without customer notification, owners of affected 2023 Kia Sportage, Forte, EV6, Soul, Niro, or Sorento vehicles should contact their authorized Kia dealership. While no direct notice will be sent, dealers are instructed to perform this update on eligible vehicles during routine service visits or if the owner inquires about the Kia Sportage ADAS alert volume adjustment feature. The repair will be performed free of charge under warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10228179