TSB-TRA065

GROUP
TRA
NUMBER
065
MODEL
2017MY
Sportage (QL) w/
2.0T-GDI/2.4 GDI
DATE
November 2016
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SERVICE ACTION: TCU UPGRADE – DRIVING
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (SA257)
SUBJECT:
This bulletin provides information related to the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) software
upgrade of some 2017MY Sportage (QL) 2.0T-GDI/2.4GDI vehicles produced from December
10, 2015 through October 27, 2016 to improve the gear shift and acceleration performance
logic. To apply the improved logic, the TCU should be reprogrammed using the GDS/KDS
download, as described in this bulletin. For confirmation that the latest reflash has been applied
to a vehicle you are working on, verify the ROM ID using the tables in this TSB. Kia is
requesting the completion of this Service Action on all affected vehicles in dealer stock, prior to
delivery. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of
affected VINs.
Global Diagnostic System (GDS)
Kia Diagnostic System (KDS)
 NOTICE
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 SA257.
File Under: 
Circulate To:
x General Manager

x Service Advisor(s)

x Service Manager

x Parts Manager

x Technician(s) 
x Body Shop Manager  Fleet Repair

Page 2 of 6
SUBJECT:
SERVICE ACTION: TCU UPGRADE –
DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (SA257)
TCU Upgrade Procedure:
To apply the improved logic, the TCU should be reprogrammed using the GDS/KDS
download, as described in this bulletin.
UPGRADE EVENT NAME
306.QL 2.0T-GDI/2.4GDI TCU Gear Shift Logic Improvement
 NOTICE

A fully charged battery is necessary before ECU upgrade can take place. It is
recommended that the Midtronics GR8-1299 system be used in ECU mode during
charging. DO NOT connect any other battery charger to the vehicle during ECU upgrade.

All ECU upgrades must be done with the ignition key in the ‘ON’ position.

Be careful not to disconnect any cables connected to the vehicle or GDS 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 upgrade software designated for the correct model, year.
CAUTION
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.
 NOTICE
If performing this TSB using KDS, refer to TSB SST 037 for detailed information.
TSB: TRA065 / SA257 Sportage (QL) November 2016
Page 3 of 6
SUBJECT:
SERVICE ACTION: TCU UPGRADE –
DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (SA257)
ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE:
Upgrade Events – Sportage (QL)
T/M
Event #
Model
2.0T GDI
6AT
306
TCU P/N
ROM ID
Previous
New
39100-2GHJ0
39100-2GHJ5
TQL2T20NS0
TQL2T20NS1
39100-2GHK0
39100-2GHK5
TQL4T20NS0
TQL4T20NS1
39100-2GHR5
39100-2GHS0
39100-2GHT5
39100-2GHV0
TQL2G24NS0
TQL2G24NS1
TQL2G24NS2
39100-2GHV5
39100-2GHS5
39100-2GHT0
39100-2GHW0
TQL4G24NS0
TQL4G24NS1
TQL4G24NS2
2.4 GDI
To verify the vehicle is affected, be sure to check the Calibration Identification of the
vehicle's ECU ROM ID and reference the Information Table, as necessary.
1.
Connect the power supply cable to the GDS.
 NOTICE
If attempting to perform the ECU upgrade with the power supply cable
disconnected from the GDS, be sure to check that the GDS is fully charged before
ECU upgrade. If the GDS is not fully charged, failure to perform the ECU upgrade
may occur. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the power supply connector
be connected to the GDS.
2.
Connect the USB cable between the VCI and the GDS.
 NOTICE
When performing the ECU upgrade using the GDS, wireless communication
between the VCI and GDS is not available. Therefore, be sure to connect the USB
cable between the VCI and the GDS.
3.
Connect the Main 16-pin DLC cable (GHDM – 241000) to the VCI.
TSB: TRA065 / SA257 Sportage (QL) November 2016
Page 4 of 6
SUBJECT:
SERVICE ACTION: TCU UPGRADE –
DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (SA257)
4.
Connect the Main 16-pin DLC cable
(GHDM – 241000) to the OBD-II
connector, located under the driver's
side of the instrument panel.
5.
With the ignition key ON, turn ON the VCI and GDS. Access the GDS vehicle identification
number (VIN) screen and configure the vehicle using the VIN AUTO DETECT Function.
6.
Select A/T system and click OK.
Image shown is for reference purposes only and will vary by model.
7.
Select ECU Upgrade from the bottom right-hand corner. Next select Auto Mode, and
then A/T. Perform the upgrade in accordance with normal GDS ECU upgrade procedures.
8.
Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes using the GDS and erase any DTCs stored that may
have been set during reprogramming.
9.
Confirm proper operation of the vehicle.
TSB: TRA065 / SA257 Sportage (QL) November 2016
Page 5 of 6
SERVICE ACTION: TCU UPGRADE –
DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (SA257)
SUBJECT:
CAUTION
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.
 NOTICE
Do NOT attempt to perform a Manual Mode upgrade unless Auto Mode fails. Always
follow the instructions given on the GDS in either Auto or Manual mode. See table
for Manual Mode passwords.
Manual Mode Upgrade
MANUAL MODE UPGRADE PASSWORD:
Upgrade Event – Sportage (QL)
EVENT #
SYS
2.0T GDI
306
2.4 GDI
MENU
QL 2.0T-GDI : 39100-2GHJ0/J5
QL 2.0T-GDI : 39100-2GHK0/K5
QL 2.4GDI : 39100-2GHR5/S0/T5/V0
QL 2.4GDI : 39100-2GHS5/T0/V5/W0
PASSWORD
0205
0206
5050
5051
1.
Within the ECU Upgrade screen, select Manual Mode in the left column, select A/T and
then select Upgrade Event #306. Select the appropriate control unit part number by
referring to the ROM ID Information Table on Page 3, and click OK.
2.
Enter the password from the table above, and click OK.
3.
Upgrade will begin and the progress of the upgrade will appear on the bar graph.
TSB: TRA065 / SA257 Sportage (QL) November 2016
Page 6 of 6
SUBJECT:
SERVICE ACTION: TCU UPGRADE –
DRIVING PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (SA257)
4.
When the GDS reports that the TCU upgrade has been successfully completed, click OK,
turn OFF the ignition key, and wait at least 10 seconds before attempting to start the
engine.
5.
Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes using the GDS and erase any DTCs stored that may
have been set during reprogramming.
6.
Confirm proper operation of the vehicle.
AFFECTED VEHICLE PRODUCTION RANGE:
MODEL
Sportage (QL)
PRODUCTION DATE
December 10, 2015 through October 27, 2016
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION:
Claim
Type
V
Causal
P/N
39100
2GHJ0
Qty.
0
N
Code
N99
C
Code
C99
Repair
Description
Labor
Op Code
Time
Replacement
Parts
Qty.
(SA257)
QL 2.0TGDI/2.4GDI
TCU Gear
Shift Logic
Improvement
160113R0
0.3
M/H
N/A
N/A
 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers
should reference SA257 when accessing the WebDCS system.
TSB: TRA065 / SA257 Sportage (QL) November 2016