Aftermarket Equipment Causing Can Codes And/Or Improper Operation (ELEPS399)

Publication date: 2015-09-01
Reference number: ELEPS399

AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT CAUSING CAN CODES AND/OR IMPROPER OPERATION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): ELEPS399, Date of Issue: September 29, 2015

KIA:	All Models
GROUP:	Electrical

SERVICE INFORMATION

On some vehicles, customers or dealers may choose to install non-Kia aftermarket accessories which, under certain circumstances, may cause improper operation or even damage to components. When diagnosing improper and unusual operation or CAN codes, especially in ABS/ESC, TPMS, NAV head units, ECM, TCM, HVAC, BSD and other systems on the CAN bus, technicians should inspect under the dash, and in engine compartment areas, for any aftermarket equipment that may have been added to the vehicle. Where wires have been spliced, identify the circuit and system before making recommendations for replacement of components/parts and, temporarily, disconnect the accessory from the vehicle's electrical system to test and verify it is not the root cause. If confirmed, advise owner of the incompatibility and recommend removal of the aftermarket equipment. Removal costs are considered the responsibility of the owner and should be communicated to the customer BEFORE attempting any repairs. If equipment was dealer installed, the selling dealer may be held accountable for the cost of repairs and any associated warranty claims may be subject to chargeback.

NOTE: Examples of aftermarket equipment may include: non-Kia Alarm systems, starter interrupt systems, lighting systems, cellphone chargers, parking assist systems, radar detectors, CB/HAM equipment, LoJack® Modules or similar tracking devices (see Pg. 2), A/V headrests, rear entertainment systems or other equipment. In the example shown below, an aftermarket parking assist module and wires spliced into the CAN system created multiple CAN codes.

Example of a tracking device which was permanently installed/attached to the DLC port and caused various drivability issues.

Refer to TSB GEN 052 for more information on similar concerns between OE TPMS systems and aftermarket accessories.