This bulletin was released by Kia and applies to all models. 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 the engine compartment for any aftermarket equipment that may have been added to the vehicle.
Where wires have been spliced, identify the circuit and system before making any recommendations for replacement of components, and temporarily disconnect the accessory from the vehicle’s electrical system to test and verify it is not the root cause.
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, A/V headrests, rear entertainment systems, etc.