2024-2025 Kia P2B59F0 Engine Coolant Valve TSB

Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) ENG264 to address an Engine Control Unit (ECU) logic issue affecting certain 2024-2025 Kia K5, Sorento, and Sportage models. This issue can cause an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on the dashboard, accompanied by Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2B59F0.

The TSB specifies that affected vehicles are equipped with 2.5 GDI or 2.5 T-GDI Theta III engines. While the MIL may illuminate, Kia notes that there are no associated drivability issues with this particular fault.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2024-2025 Kia vehicles may notice the following symptom:

• An illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on the instrument cluster while driving. This is specifically linked to the Kia Sportage P2B59F0 issue, as well as K5 and Sorento models.

Fault Codes / DTCs

The primary diagnostic trouble code associated with this issue is:

Code	Description	Module
P2B59F0	Engine Coolant Flow Control Valve Control Circuit/Open	ECU

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Kia has provided several critical notices regarding this TSB:

• No Customer Notification: "A Technical Service Bulletin is a field fix repair program without customer notification that may be performed during the warranty period." This means owners will not receive a letter from Kia about this update and should proactively check if their vehicle is affected.
• Diagnosis Required: "This bulletin should only be performed when there is a valid customer complaint of MIL illumination accompanied by DTC P2B59F0." Do not request this service without the specific symptom.
• Battery Condition: Ensure the vehicle's battery is fully charged (12.3 volts or higher) or use a fully charged jump starter box before performing the ECU upgrade.
• KDS GDS Charge: The Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) Global Diagnostic System (GDS) tablet must be at 60% charge or higher before the reflash procedure.
• Ignition Position: All ECU upgrades require the ignition to be in the 'ON' position unless otherwise specified.
• VCI-II Unit: Do not use damaged VCI-II units; replace them promptly. Avoid disconnecting the VCI-II during the upgrade.
• Engine Operation: "DO NOT start the engine during ECU upgrade." Also, "DO NOT turn the ignition key 'OFF' or interrupt the power supply during ECU upgrade."
• Post-Upgrade: After the ECU upgrade is complete, turn the ignition 'OFF' and wait 10 seconds before starting the engine.
• Software Use: Only use approved ECU upgrade software for the correct application.
• Immobilizer System: Before any ECU upgrade, verify if the vehicle has an immobilizer security system. Incorrect procedures could render the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) inoperative, potentially leading to chargebacks for repairs.
• ROM ID Verification: "DO NOT reference the parts label affixed to the ECU." Always check the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) to find the correct ECU Part Number and ROM IDs.
• VDN Requirement: A Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) must be created for DTCs before ordering parts or performing procedures. Failure to do so will cause issues with parts ordering and warranty claims.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The primary trigger condition for this service is the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on the dashboard, specifically when accompanied by the Kia Sportage P2B59F0 diagnostic trouble code. The TSB indicates that the issue is related to the Engine Coolant Flow Control Valve Control Circuit/Open.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves upgrading the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet and a VCI-II connector. The general steps are:

1. Prepare the Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle's battery is fully charged. Connect the negative (-) terminal to the battery as shown in the TSB's visual guide.
2. Prepare KDS: Ensure the KDS GDS tablet is sufficiently charged.
3. Connect KDS: Connect the KDS and VCI-II to the vehicle.
4. Select Upgrade Mode: Choose the 'Auto Mode' ECU Upgrade option within the KDS. If 'Auto Mode' fails, turn the ignition 'OFF' for 10 seconds, then 'ON' again, and attempt 'Manual Mode'.
5. Select Event Group: Select the applicable upgrade event based on the vehicle model:
   • Sportage (NQ5, NQ5a): Upgrade Event #832
   • K5 (DL3): Upgrade Event #857
   • Sorento (MQ4a): Upgrade Event #887
6. Verify Calibration: Confirm the vehicle's ECU ROM ID by referencing the information tables provided in the TSB (pages 3-4) to ensure the correct software is applied.
7. Perform Upgrade: Execute the ECU software upgrade.
8. Finalize: Once the upgrade is complete, turn the ignition 'OFF' and wait 10 seconds before restarting the engine.

Required Tools or Parts

Technicians will require specific tools and information to perform this ECU upgrade:

• Kia Diagnostic System (KDS): The primary diagnostic and programming tool.
• VCI-II Connector: Used to connect the KDS to the vehicle's OBD-II port.
• ECU Part Numbers (P/No.): The TSB lists numerous ECU P/Nos (e.g., 39100-2S506, 39103-2S300, 39104-2S100) with corresponding previous and new ROM IDs (e.g., NQFVD5GMAXXX1Q2A to NQFVD5GMAXXX1Q6A) for various Sportage, K5, and Sorento configurations.
• Upgrade Event Numbers: #832, #857, #887, which correspond to specific software packages for different models.
• TSB SST081: This separate TSB provides detailed software upgrade instructions.

Warranty Information

This ECU software upgrade is covered under warranty. The following codes apply:

• N Code: N99
• C Code: C99
• Repair P/N: CA2516A, CA2516B, CA2516C, CA2516D (depending on model)
• Labor Op Codes: 250241RO, 250A41RO, 250241R1, 260A05RO
• Operation Time: 0.3 M/H

Owner Action

If you own a 2024-2025 Kia K5, Sorento, or Sportage with a 2.5 GDI or 2.5 T-GDI Theta III engine and experience an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light with the Kia Sportage P2B59F0 code, you should schedule an appointment with an authorized Kia dealership. Since this is a field fix repair program without customer notification, it's important to proactively address the issue if you observe the symptom. The repair involves a software update and should be performed under warranty.