Kia Software Upgrade Needed

This bulletin provides information related to the engine control module software update for the electronic control unit in certain 2012-2014 Kia Sorento, 2012-2013 Optima and 2012-2013 Sportage vehicles equipped with the 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo GDI engines.

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Mike Mavrigian

Oct. 25, 2021

The engines are equipped with a gasoline direct injection system that utilizes a flow control valve (FCV) to control the supply of fuel. The FCV needle may experience excessive wear, eventually resulting in impairment of fuel flow. If this happens, and to protect the engine, the ECU may reduce engine acceleration while illuminating the check engine light. The ECU update will improve the durability and operation of the FCV needle.

To correct the condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the currently available GDS download.

About the Author

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.

Mike Mavrigian

Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.