2008-2009MY SORENTO (Bl) TCM Reprogram W/3.3L (TRA025)

WARNING: This page is about the Sorento Base, A5SR1, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2009-10-01
Reference number: TRA025

2008-2009MY SORENTO (BL) TCM REPROGRAM W/3.3L

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 025, Date of Issue: October 01, 2009

KIA:	2008-2009 Sorento (BL)
GROUP:	Transmission/Driveline

Description

This service bulletin provides information related to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) upgrade for 2008-2009 Sorento (BL) models. Some 2008-2009 Sorento (BL) vehicles with a 3.3L engine may experience a "bumping" symptom during engagement of the damper clutch (torque converter lock-up clutch), and a "bucking" symptom when the damper clutch is fully engaged.

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

GDS DOWNLOAD DESCRIPTION

Bumping	4th/5th gear	Vehicle Speed: 28~36 mph (4th gear); 42~45 mph (5th gear) Accelerator pedal depressed 18-22% (Slight acceleration) Engine Speed: 1300~1740 rpm
Bucking	4th gear	Vehicle Speed: 28~36 mph Accelerator pedal depressed below 10% (Constant speed) Engine Speed: 1100~1400 rpm
Bucking	5th gear	Vehicle Speed: 34~44 mph Accelerator pedal depressed below 10% (Constant speed) Engine Speed: 1100~1400 rpm

This TCM software upgrade will optimize the lock-up operation in 4th and 5th gear.

TCM SOFTWARE UPGRADE

CAN Communication

Production Dates: November 2006 and later

NOTE: Global Diagnostic System (GDS) users should access the "Notice" function from the GDS Main Screen for instructions regarding ECU upgrade events.

NOTE:

A fully charged battery is necessary before TCM upgrade can take place. DO NOT connect a battery charger to the vehicle during TCM upgrade. Make sure the blower motor is 'OFF' during TCM upgrade.
All TCM 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 TCM upgrade procedure.
DO NOT start the engine during TCM upgrade.
DO NOT turn the ignition key 'OFF' or interrupt the power supply during TCM upgrade.
When the TCM upgrade is completed, turn the ignition key 'OFF' and wait 20 seconds before starting the engine.
ONLY use approved TCM upgrade software designated for the correct model, year and engine size. Failure to do so may create other driveability issues due to the use of the incorrect TCM calibration.

ROM ID INFORMATION TABLE

ROM ID INFORMATION

TCM	ROM ID		Diagnostic Interface/Engine Size
TCM	Current	New	Diagnostic Interface/Engine Size
95440 4C300	TBL0C33NC1 TBL0C33N10	TBL0C33N20	CAN-bus (3.3L)
95440 4C300	TBL0C33NC2 TBL0C33NC3 TBL0C33N11	TBL0C33N21
95440 4C301	TBL0C33NE1 TBL0C33N12	TBL0C33N22
95440 4C301	TBL0C33NE3 TBL0C33N13	TBL0C33N23

Connect the power supply cable to the GDS tool.
NOTE: If attempting to perform the TCM upgrade with the power supply cable disconnected from the GDS tool, be sure to check that the GDS tool is fully charged before TCM upgrade. If the GDS tool is not fully charged, failure to perform the TCM upgrade may occur. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the power supply connector be connected to the GDS tool.
Connect the USB cable between the Vehicle Communications Interface (VCI) and the GDS tool.
NOTE: When performing the TCM upgrade using the GDS tool, wireless communication between the VCI and GDS tool is not available. Therefore, be sure to connect the USB cable between the VCI and the GDS tool.
Connect the Main 16-pin DLC cable (GHDM - 241000) to the VCI.
Connect the Main 16-pin DLC cable (GHDM - 241000) to the OBD-II connector, located under the driver's side of the instrument panel.

Fig 1: 16-Pin DLC Cable
With the ignition key ON, turn ON the VCI and GDS tool. Access the GDS vehicle identification number (VIN) screen and configure the vehicle using manual VIN entry.
NOTE: Global Diagnostic System (GDS) users should access the "Notice" function from the GDS Main Screen for instructions regarding ECU upgrade events.
At the GDS Main Screen, select ECU UPGRADE from the menu buttons located on the bottom of the screen Next, select Auto Mode, AT .
Perform the TCM upgrade in accordance with normal GDS tool ECU upgrade procedures.
NOTE: Do NOT attempt to perform a Manual Mode TCM upgrade unless Auto Mode fails. Always follow the instructions given on the GDS tool in either Auto or Manual mode. See table for Manual Mode passwords. In addition, a TCM reset is required if Auto Mode fails; refer to the table below for procedure.
Follow the procedures displayed on the GDS screen to complete the ECU Upgrade process. Return to the GDS main screen when complete.
Check for (and clear) any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the Engine, Trans, and ABS/ESC ECUs.
Perform the TCU SUB ROM RESET and adaptive value reset procedure in accordance with Trans/Drive TSB 017, steps 26-30.
Confirm proper shift points of A/T units after reprogramming to reduce customer complaints of excessive shift shock and improper shift points.

* MANUAL MODE TCM UPGRADE PASSWORDS

Manual Mode Menu Item	Diagnostic Interface	TCM Reset Procedure	Password
BL 3.3 F/L 95440-4C300[TBL0C33NC1, TBL0C33N10]	CAN-bus (3.3L)	Turn the Ignition Key OFF for 10 seconds Turn the Ignition Key ON	4300
BL 3.3 F/L 95440-4C300[TBL0C33NC2/3, TBL0C33N11]			4301
BL 3.3 F/L 95440-4C301[TBL0C33NE1, TBL0C33N12]			4302
BL 3.3 F/L 95440-4C301[TBL0C33NE3, TBL0C33N13]			4303
Select the correct upgrade event for the diagnostic interface using the Current ROM ID from the ROM ID Information Table contained in this bulletin

* Do NOT perform Manual Mode TCM upgrade unless Auto Mode fails.

AFFECTED PRODUCTION RANGE

2008MY and 2009MY Sorento (BL) vehicles with 3.3L engine

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Claim Type	Causal P/N	Qty.	N Code	C Code	Repair Description	Labor Op Code	Time	Related Parts	Qty.
W	95440 4C300	0	N21	C40	(TSB-TCM Reprogram 3.3L)	95440F00	0.2	NA	0
W	95440 4C301	0	N21	C40	(TSB-TCM Reprogram 3.3L)	95440F00	0.2	NA	0

Only one labor operation may be claimed.