2021-2023 Kia Service Reminder Light Reset Procedure TSB

Symptoms

The primary symptom for a Kia Sportage service reminder issue is the illumination of the "service reminder lamp" on the instrument cluster. This lamp indicates that the vehicle has reached its first service interval reminder alert. Owners may also notice that the service interval is not set according to their preferred schedule, such as a 'Severe' versus 'Normal' maintenance schedule.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The service reminder lamp will activate when the vehicle reaches its first service interval. These intervals are initially set during the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and vary by model year and engine type. For 2019-2021 model year Kia vehicles, the intervals are 7,500 miles (12 months) for Non-Turbo Engines + EV models, and 6,000 miles (12 months) for Turbo Engines. For 2022 model year and newer Kia vehicles, the intervals are 8,000 miles (12 months) for Non-Turbo Engines + EV models, and 8,000 miles (6 months) for Turbo Engines. The issue is triggered when the cluster is in 'Workshop' mode, and the reminder needs to be switched to 'Customer Mode' or adjusted to a different service schedule.

Repair Procedure Summary

Kia dealerships will utilize the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) to perform the service reminder setting reset procedure. The general steps for this process are as follows:

1. Connecting the Diagnostic Tool: A VCI-II (Vehicle Communication Interface) is connected to the vehicle's OBD-II connector, which is typically located under the driver's side of the instrument panel.
2. Initiating KDS: With the vehicle's ignition turned ON, the KDS tablet is powered on, and the 'KDS' application is selected from its home screen.
3. Vehicle Identification: The KDS confirms communication with the VCI and then configures the vehicle. This often involves using the 'AUTO VIN' feature for automatic vehicle identification.
4. Accessing Service Reminder Settings: Technicians navigate through the KDS menu, selecting the 'Cluster Module' and then 'Service Reminder Setting' found within the 'S/W Management' menu.
5. Changing Service Type: The service type is then changed from 'Workshop' to 'Customer' mode to align with owner preferences.
6. Inputting Service Intervals: The correct mileage and time for the service interval are entered. This is based on the vehicle's maintenance guide and the customer's desired schedule (Normal or Severe).
7. Finalizing Settings: The newly entered settings are confirmed and saved. This procedure ensures the service reminder lamp functions accurately according to the customer's specific maintenance schedule.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary tool necessary for this procedure is the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS), along with its VCI-II interface. No specific replacement parts are required, as this is a software setting adjustment.

What Owners Should Know

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB ELE209) is intended for Kia dealers to address the service reminder lamp. Owners will not receive a direct notification from Kia regarding this bulletin. It is important for owners to understand that service reminder intervals are initially set during the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and can be adjusted based on their driving conditions or preferences (Normal or Severe schedule).

Kia specifies that "ONLY ONE CLAIM CAN BE FILED PER VIN AND SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AT THE FIRST OIL SERVICE INTERVAL." This means that this adjustment should ideally be performed during your vehicle's initial scheduled maintenance visit. If you notice your Kia Sportage service reminder light is on or suspect your service intervals are incorrectly set, you should discuss this TSB with your authorized Kia dealership. This procedure helps ensure your vehicle's instrument cluster accurately reflects your maintenance schedule.

NHTSA ID: 10217892