Technical Service Bulletin

Subject: SERVICE ACTION: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SA424)

Group: ELE

Number: 200 (Rev 2, 07/23/2020)

Model: 2019-2021 Multiple Models with IVT

Date: June 2020

This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

Service Action Overview

This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the Transmission Control Module (TCM) logic and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on 2019-2021 model year vehicles. Vehicles may exhibit a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) with the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) listed below. The production ranges of the vehicles within the scope of this bulletin are listed in the table. To correct this concern, apply the improved logic to the CVT system using the KDS ECU Upgrade function as described in this bulletin and/or replace the IVT assembly. For confirmation that the latest reflash has been applied, verify the ROM ID using the table on page 4. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

Affected Vehicles:

ModelProduction Date
Forte (BDm)7/9/18 – 4/2/20
Soul (SK3)11/24/18 – 4/17/20
Seltos (SP2)11/20/19 – 4/10/20

A Service Action is a repair program without customer notification that is performed during the warranty period. Any dealer requesting to perform this repair outside the warranty period will require DPSM approval.

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.

This issue number is SA424.

Circulate To:

Flowchart Summary

Vehicle enters the process with a stored DTC (P0730, P0731, P0741, P0867).

YES: Perform TCM S/W Upgrade (Page 3).

NO: Perform TCM S/W Upgrade (Page 3).

After upgrade, initiate 'Resetting Auto Trans Adaptive Values' procedure.

Perform 'Oil-pressure Characteristics input (A/T Replacement)' procedure.

If FAILED (Blinking 'P' on cluster and DTC P160300): proceed to replace IVT/CVT Assembly.

If SUCCESSFUL: Complete 'Auto Trans Adaptive Values' relearn procedure and verify on KDS Data Analysis screen. Vehicle is released.

Vehicle DTC(s)

After completing ‘Resetting Auto Trans Adaptive Values' on the KDS:

When replacing the IVT/CVT assembly, carefully follow the installation procedure outlined on KGIS to complete the Auto Trans Adaptive Values learning procedure. Performing the 'Oil-pressure Characteristics Input', refer to the IMPORTANT and NOTICE boxes on page 10. The adaptive values learning procedure may require that the engine be shut OFF/ON multiple times until the values are fully learned; start the vehicle, confirm the vehicle is idling in 'Park' without accelerator or brake input and verify the ‘CVT Learning – P Range' Current Data reads ‘ON’.

A Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) must be created with at least one of the five (5) DTCs listed above, prior to IVT replacement. If a VDN is not created, Parts Ordering and Warranty claim submission issues WILL occur.

ECU Upgrade Procedure

To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS download, as described in this bulletin.

Upgrade Event Name
494. BDM NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
495. SK3 NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
496. SP2 NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

A fully charged battery is necessary before ECU upgrade can take place. It is recommended that a battery charger is used in ECU mode during reflashing or the use of a fully charged jump starter box connected to the battery.

  • DO NOT connect any other battery charger to the vehicle during ECU upgrade.
  • Ensure the KDS or GDS is sufficiently charged prior to reflash.
  • All ECU upgrades must be done with the ignition key in the ‘ON’ position.
  • Be careful not to disconnect the VCI-II connected to the vehicle during the ECU upgrade procedure.
  • DO NOT start the engine during ECU upgrade.
  • Do NOT turn the ignition key ‘OFF’ or interrupt the power supply during ECU upgrade.
  • When the ECU upgrade is completed, turn the ignition ‘OFF' and wait 10 seconds before starting the engine.
  • ONLY use approved ECU software designated for the correct model and model year.

Before attempting an ECU upgrade on any Kia model, make sure to first determine whether the particular 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.

ECU Upgrade Steps:

  1. Connect VCI-II: Connect the VCI-II to the OBD-II connector, located under the driver's side of the instrument panel. (Note: ECU upgrade function on KDS operates wirelessly; USB cable is not necessary.)
  2. Power ON KDS: With the ignition ON, turn ON the KDS tablet. Select KDS from the home screen.
  3. Confirm Communication & Configure Vehicle: Confirm communication with VCI (A) and then configure the vehicle (B) using the AUTO VIN (C) feature. (Note: Perform DTC scan prior to initializing software upgrade.)
  4. Select ECU Upgrade: Select the ECU Upgrade option.
  5. Download Event: The KDS will check the server for recently uploaded Events and automatically download the relevant Upgrade Event (#494, #495, or #496). (Note: The vehicle must be identified in Vehicle Selection to download an Event.)
  6. Select Auto Mode: Select Auto Mode. (Caution: Do NOT attempt Manual Mode unless Auto Mode fails. Follow KDS instructions.)
  7. Select CVT System: Select the CVT system under the System selection menu. Touch ID Check (D) to confirm the latest update is available. Select the appropriate Upgrade Event and then select 'Upgrade'.
  8. Initiate Upgrade: The ECU upgrade will begin. The progress will appear on the bar graph. Part 1/2 downloads the event to VCI-II (E), and Part 2/2 upgrades the ECU (F). (Caution: Do not touch system buttons like 'Back', 'Home', etc. during the upgrade.)
  9. Handle Communication Failures: If a "Communication Fail" screen appears, verify VCI-II and KDS communication. Touch OK and restart from step 4. (Notice: If errors persist, do not disconnect KDS/VCI-II. Contact GIT America Help Desk at (888) 542-4371 or Techline.)
  10. Complete Upgrade: When instructed, turn the ignition OFF for ten (10) seconds, then back ON. Touch OK to continue.
  11. Finalize Procedure: Once the upgrade is complete, touch OK to finalize.
  12. DTC Check: When prompted, select YES to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and erase any stored DTCs (e.g., EPS, ESC, TPMS) set during the upgrade.

Manual Upgrade Procedure

The manual upgrade should ONLY be performed if the automatic upgrade fails. 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.

Manual Mode ECU Upgrade Passwords:

MenuPassword
BDM NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT : 39171/3-2ECA0/B0/D0/D1/E0/E19171
SK3 NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT: 39171/3-2ELC0/C13201
SP2 NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT (2WD) : 39171/3-2EPT01320
SP2 NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT (4WD) : 39171/3-2EPV01321
  1. Within the ECU Upgrade screen, select Manual Mode.
  2. Select the CVT system, then select the appropriate Upgrade Event (#494, #495, or #496) and select 'Upgrade'.
  3. Select the correct control unit part number referencing the ROM ID Information Table (Page 4), and select OK.
  4. Enter the appropriate password from the table above and select OK.
  5. The upgrade will begin and progress will show on the bar graph.
  6. When instructed, turn the ignition OFF for ten (10) seconds, then back ON. Touch OK to continue.
  7. Once complete, touch OK to finalize.
  8. When prompted, select YES to check for DTCs and erase any stored DTCs.
  9. Start the engine to confirm proper operation.

Replacement Procedure

Replace the IVT assembly by referring to the "2.0 MPI NU (ATKINSON) ➡️ Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) System ➡️ Continuous Variable Transmission ➡️ Intelligent Variable Transmission ➡️ Repair procedures" chapter in the applicable Shop Manual on KGIS.

Transmission cooler requires flushing for Seltos (SP2) and Soul (SK3). Flushing for Forte (BDm) is not required as it features a cooler/heater system.

Adaptive Values Learning Procedure:

  1. Initiate the ‘Resetting Auto Trans Adaptive Values' procedure on the KDS.
  2. Perform the 'Oil-pressure Characteristics input (A/T Replacement)' procedure on the KDS, select 'OK'.
  3. Complete the ‘Auto Trans Adaptive Values' relearn procedure.
  4. On the KDS home menu, enter the CVT module 'Data Analysis' screen and confirm the Adaptive Values have learned.

Note: The adaptive values learning procedure may require that the engine be shut OFF/ON multiple times until the values are fully learned; start the vehicle, confirm the vehicle is idling in 'Park' without accelerator or brake input and verify the ‘CVT Learning – P Range' Current Data reads ‘ON’.

Affected Vehicle Range

ModelProduction Date Range
Forte (BDm)July 9, 2018 to April 2, 2020
Soul (SK3)November 24, 2018 to April 17, 2020
Seltos (SP2)November 20, 2019 to April 10, 2020

Required Parts

ModelPart NameP/N (Remanufactured.)Figure DescriptionQty.
Forte (BDm)CVT/IVT Assembly48000 2H300QQKR[Image of IVT Assembly]1
Soul (SK3)48000 2H351QQKR[Image of IVT Assembly]1
Seltos (SP2) FWD48000 2H353QQKR[Image of IVT Assembly]1
Seltos (SP2) AWD48000 2H751QQKR[Image of IVT Assembly]1
ALL (Except BDm)Transmission Cooler FlushUM013 CH060[Image of Transmission Cooler Flush Bottle]1
ALL*IVT Fluid SP-CVT1UM018 CH130N/AUp to 7 Qts.

*May NOT be claimed if a new CVT/IVT assembly was shipped with P/N ending in QQK.

A Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) must be created with at least one of the five (5) DTCs listed on page 2, prior to IVT replacement. If a VDN is not created, Parts Ordering and Warranty claim submission issues WILL occur.

Warranty Information

N Code: N99 C Code: C99

ModelClaim TypeCausal P/NQty.Repair DescriptionLabor Op CodeOp TimeReplacement P/NQty.
BDm48000 2H3000SA(424)
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Success)
200M05R00.3 M/HN/A0
DTC Check + IVT Replacement + TCM S/W Upgrade200M05R13.3 M/H48000 2H300QQKR1
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Fail) + IVT Replacement200M05R23.4 M/H
SK348000 2H3510SA(424)
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Success)
200034R00.3 M/HN/A0
DTC Check + IVT Replacement + TCM S/W Upgrade200034R13.1 M/H48000 2H351QQKR
UM013 CH060
1
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Fail) + IVT Replacement200034R23.2 M/H
V48000 2H3530SA(424)
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Success)
200034R30.3 M/HN/A0
SP2 (FWD)DTC Check + IVT Replacement + TCM S/W Upgrade200034R43.2 M/H48000 2H353QQKR
UM013 CH060
1
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Fail) + IVT Replacement200034R53.3 M/H
SP2 (AWD)48000 2H7510SA(424)
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Success)
200034R30.3 M/HN/A0
DTC Check + IVT Replacement + TCM S/W Upgrade200034R63.7 M/H48000 2H751QQKR
UM013 CH060
1
DTC Check + TCM S/W Upgrade + TCM Learning (Fail) + IVT Replacement200034R73.8 M/H

A Vehicle Diagnosis Number (VDN) must be created with at least one of the five (5) DTCs listed on page 2, prior to IVT replacement. If a VDN is not created, Parts Ordering and Warranty claim submission issues WILL occur. If necessary, use sublet code ‘X1’ for UM018-CH130 SP-CVT1 fluid (up to 7qts.) for a $68.25 total reimbursement cost. Use sublet code ‘X2’ for rental expense reimbursement (up to 5 days maximum) for transmission replacement labor codes only.

VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers should reference SA424 when accessing the WebDCS system.

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MC-10177747-0001 Microsoft Word 2010 Microsoft Word 2010

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