TSBELE131R1

GROUP
ELE
MODEL
2017MY
Sorento (UMa)
Optima (JFa)
NUMBER
DATE
131 (Rev 1, 7/21/2017) April 2017
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:
SERVICE ACTION: VOLTAGE REGULATOR
PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT (SA278)
 NOTICE
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.
This bulletin provides the procedure to increase the torque on the voltage regulator screws on
some 2017MY Sorento (UMa), produced from October 3, 2016 to January 24, 2017, and
2017MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from October 3, 2016 to January 26, 2017, which
may experience low battery voltage or a no-start condition. Follow the procedure outlined in
this bulletin to increase the two (2) screws’ torque on the voltage regulator. Before conducting
the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.
Voltage Regulator Screws
 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 SA278.
File Under: 
Circulate To:
X General Manager

X Service Advisors

X Technicians

X Service Manager

X Parts Manager

X Body Shop Manager 
X Fleet Repair

Page 2 of 5
SUBJECT:
VOLTAGE REGULATOR PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT (SA278)
Service Procedure:
1. Record the customer’s radio presets
before proceeding to the next step.
2.
With the vehicle lowered on a vehicle lift,
disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal.
CAUTION
Ensure the negative (-) battery
terminal is disconnected to
prevent blowing the Main Fuse.
Warning indicators may not be
present with the fuse blown.
The vehicle battery may also
deplete and cause a no-start
condition. If the Main Fuse is
blown after performing this
procedure, the Warranty Claim
may be subject to chargeback.
3.
Raise the vehicle and remove the
undercover (A).
A
4.
Partially remove the drive belt (B) by
turning
the
belt
tensioner
(C)
counterclockwise.
C
B
C
B
TSB: SA278 (Rev 1) Sorento (UMa), Optima (JFa) April 2017
Page 3 of 5
SUBJECT:
5.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT (SA278)
Remove the harness clip (D) from the
A/C compressor and disconnect the A/C
compressor connector (E).
D
6.
E
Remove the four (4) compressor
retaining bolts (F) and move the
compressor to the side.
F
F
F
7.
Disconnect the alternator connector (G)
and remove the “B+” post terminal nut
under the terminal cover (H). Move the
connector and wire to the side.
Tightening torque for B+ nut:
86.4 – 104.4 lb.in (9.8 – 11.8 Nm, 1.0 –
1.2 kgf.m)
H
G
CAUTION
Ensure the negative (-) battery
terminal is disconnected to
prevent blowing the Main Fuse.
TSB: SA278 (Rev 1) Sorento (UMa), Optima (JFa) April 2017
Page 4 of 5
SUBJECT:
8.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT (SA278)
Remove the B+ post spacer (I).
 NOTICE
I
When reinstalling the spacer,
ensure it is properly seated.
9.
Remove the three (3) alternator cover
retaining nuts (J) and remove the cover
(K).
K
Tightening torque:
39.5 lb.in (4.4 Nm, 45 kgf.cm)
J
10. With a torque wrench, tighten the two (2)
voltage regulator screws (L) to the
specified torque.
Tightening torque:
18.58 lb.in (2.1 Nm, 22 kgf.cm)
L
11. Reinstall all removed components in the reverse order of removal. Torque all removed
nuts and bolts to specifications.
12. Start the engine and turn the headlights on. Connect a DVOM at the positive post of the
alternator and chassis ground and confirm charging system voltage is present.
13. Confirm proper operation of the vehicle.
14. Reprogram the customer’s radio presets if necessary.
TSB: SA278 (Rev 1) Sorento (UMa), Optima (JFa) April 2017
Page 5 of 5
SUBJECT:
VOLTAGE REGULATOR PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT (SA278)
AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
Model
Production Date Range
Sorento (UMa)
October 3, 2016 to January 24, 2017
Optima (JFa)
October 3, 2016 to January 26, 2017
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
N Code: N99 C Code: C99
Model
Claim
Type
Causal
P/N
V
37300
2G061
UMa
JFa
Qty.
Repair
Description
Labor Op
Code
170A17R0
0
(SA278)
Voltage Regulator
Performance
Enhancement
170A18R0
Op
Time
Replacement
P/N
Qty.
0.8
M/H
N/A
0
CAUTION
Ensure the negative (-) battery terminal is disconnected to prevent blowing the Main
Fuse. Warning indicators may not be present with the fuse blown. The vehicle battery
may also deplete and cause a no-start condition. If the Main Fuse is blown after
performing this procedure, the Warranty Claim may be subject to chargeback.
 NOTICE
VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers
should reference SA278 when accessing the WebDCS system.
TSB: SA278 (Rev 1) Sorento (UMa), Optima (JFa) April 2017