2021-2022 Kia Sportage Anti-Theft Software Upgrade

Why This Matters

Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) CS2302 to address a customer satisfaction concern regarding the anti-theft capabilities of certain 2011-2016 model year (MY) Sportage (SL) and 2017-2022 MY Sportage (QL) vehicles. Some of these vehicles may not have been equipped with an immobilizer, potentially leaving them vulnerable to theft. This TSB provides a software update to enhance vehicle security.

Symptoms

The primary symptom addressed by this TSB is the potential lack of an immobilizer system in affected vehicles. Owners would not typically observe a warning light or error message directly related to this condition. Instead, the concern is a reduced level of anti-theft protection due to the absence of anti-theft ignition start logic.

What's Being Upgraded

This customer satisfaction campaign involves two main components: a software upgrade and a decal installation. The software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system will be updated to incorporate anti-theft ignition start logic. Additionally, window decals bearing the phrase "THIS VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH KIA ANTI-THEFT LOGIC" will be installed on both front windows to indicate the completion of this security enhancement.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Owners and technicians should be aware of several critical points related to this Kia Sportage anti-theft upgrade:

• Future Updates: This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) will be updated with software and claim information for Sportage (SL) models under (CS2302A) as soon as it is available.
• VIN Status: Repair status for a VIN is provided on WebDCS (Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty Coverage Inquiry → Campaign Information). Not completed Recall / Service Action reports are available on WebDCS (Consumer Affairs → Not Completed Recall → Recall VIN → Select Report), which includes a list of affected vehicles.
• Immobilizer Check: Before attempting an ECU upgrade on any Kia model, technicians must first determine whether 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.
• Battery Condition: Confirm a fully charged battery (12.3 volts or higher is necessary) is used, or utilize a fully charged jump starter box connected to the battery.
• KDS Charger: Ensure the KDS GDS is sufficiently charged at 60% or higher prior to reflash.
• Ignition Position: All ECU upgrades must be performed with the ignition set to the 'ON' position unless otherwise stated.
• VCI II Unit: Damaged VCI II units should not be used and promptly replaced.
• Connection Stability: Be careful not to disconnect the VCI-II connected to the vehicle during the ECU upgrade procedure.
• Engine Operation: DO NOT start the engine during ECU upgrade.
• Power Interruption: DO NOT turn the ignition key 'OFF' or interrupt the power supply during ECU upgrade.
• Post-Upgrade Procedure: When the ECU upgrade is completed, turn the ignition 'OFF' and wait 10 seconds before starting the engine.
• Software Use: ONLY use approved ECU upgrade software designated for the correct application.
• Part Number Reference: It is recommended to ALWAYS check the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) to locate the ECU Part Number respective to Auto/Manual Mode ROM IDs. DO NOT reference the parts label affixed to the ECU.
• KDS Charge Prior to Upgrade: Prior to performing the ECU upgrade, be sure to check that the KDS is fully charged.
• KDS Button Interaction: Do not touch any system buttons while performing this function during the KDS download.
• Manual Upgrade: Do NOT attempt to perform a Manual Mode upgrade UNLESS Auto Mode fails. Always follow the instructions given on the KDS in either Auto or Manual mode.
• System Buttons During Upgrade: Do not touch the system buttons (like 'Back', 'Home', 'etc.') while performing ECU Upgrade.
• Error Handling: If an error notice continues to appear or if the upgrade cannot be performed, DO NOT disconnect the KDS/VCI-II. Contact GIT America Help Desk at (888) 542-4371 or Techline.
• Data Validation: After ECU upgrade reaches 100%, the last data validation will take up at least 10 minutes. DO NOT close the pop-up message until last data validation is complete.
• Manual Upgrade Reset: If the automatic upgrade fails, turn the ignition 'OFF' for about 10 seconds then place it back in the 'ON' position to reset the control unit BEFORE performing manual upgrade.
• Decal Application: Be sure the door window glass is dust free and clean from any fingerprints or smudges before applying decals to glass surface. DO NOT TOUCH ADHESIVE.
• Decal Availability: Decals may not be available at the time this bulletin is released. Estimated time of delivery for decals will begin the week of January 30, 2023. Additional orders may be made through Archway (866) 542-6268 when decals are available. Please track any customers that may require window decals if unavailable at the time of the anti-theft S/W upgrade.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Kia Sportage anti-theft upgrade involves an ECU software update using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) and the installation of anti-theft decals. The process is as follows:

1. Connect KDS: Connect the VCI-II to the OBD-II connector located under the driver's side instrument panel. Ensure the KDS is fully charged and the vehicle battery is at 12.3 volts or higher.
2. Start KDS: Turn on the KDS tablet with the ignition in the 'ON' position and select 'KDS' from the home screen.
3. Vehicle Identification: Confirm communication with the VCI and configure the vehicle using the 'AUTO VIN' feature.
4. Select ECU Upgrade: Choose 'ECU Upgrade' from the KDS menu.
5. Download Event: The KDS will check for and automatically download Upgrade Event #652 (QL) for the Kia Sportage anti-theft upgrade.
6. Select Mode: Select 'Auto Mode' for the upgrade. If Auto Mode fails, a manual upgrade can be performed after cycling the ignition off for 10 seconds to reset the control unit.
7. System Selection: Select the IBU/BCM system under the System selection menu. Touch 'ID Check' to confirm the latest update is available, then select Upgrade Event #652 (QL) and 'Upgrade' to continue.
8. Upgrade Progress: The ECU upgrade will begin, displaying progress on a bar graph. The process involves downloading the event to the VCI-II and then upgrading the ECU. Do not touch system buttons during this time.
9. Post-Upgrade Cycle: If a "Communication Fail!" error occurs, verify connections and restart from step 4. Once instructed by the KDS, turn the ignition 'OFF' for 10 seconds, then back 'ON', and select 'OK'.
10. Finalize Upgrade: After the upgrade reaches 100%, select 'OK' to finalize. A data validation process will take at least 10 minutes; do not close the pop-up message during this time.
11. DTC Check: When prompted, select 'YES' to check for and erase any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as EPS, ESC, and TPMS that may have been set during the upgrade.
12. Engine Start: Start the engine to confirm normal vehicle operation.
13. Decal Installation: Print the decal template to 100% scale and cut it out. Clean the window glass thoroughly. Adhere the template to the outside of the driver's front door glass. Carefully apply the 'Kia Anti-Theft Logic' decal to the inside of the window, aligning it with the template. Remove the template and repeat for the passenger side.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this Kia Sportage anti-theft upgrade, the following are required:

• KDS (Kia Diagnostic System): The specialized diagnostic tool for performing the ECU software upgrade.
• 'Kia Anti-Theft Logic' Decal (Part Number: SO230-ATL): Two decals are required per vehicle, to be applied to the front windows.

Warranty Information

This customer satisfaction campaign is covered under specific warranty codes:

• N Code: N99
• C Code: C99
• Claim Type: V
• Labor Op Code: TBD for Sportage (SL) models under CS2302A, and CS2302R1 for Sportage (QL) models under CS2302B.
• Labor Time: 0.3 Man-Hours (M/H).

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Source: NHTSA ID 10230879