Sephia LS Sedan L4-1.8L (1998)
Engine Control Module: Technical Service Bulletins
Engine Controls - Driveability/Hard A/T Shifts
SOURCE: Kia Technician Times
TITLE: Control Unit Ground Connections
APPLIES TO: 98- Sephia
SERVICE TIP:
CONDITION
Various engine or transmission management related concerns such as hard shifts, driveability complaints and possible stored or pending DTC's.
CAUSE
Poor ECM/TCM ground connections. The grounds for both ECM and TCM are routed through G100 and G101. These ground terminals in the EGI
harness are attached to two threaded studs welded to the body. The studs also serve as attaching points for the ECM mounting bracket.
Primer, paint or sound insulation material on the studs and/or insufficiently tightened attaching nuts may cause a poor ground connection and cause a
variety of ECM/TCM related operational concerns.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
-
Loosen or cut wire tie that secures EGI harness to RH side of mounting bracket. Remove ECM but don't disconnect ECM connector.
-
Loosen wire tie that secures air bag harness to bracket, then remove the two nuts that hold G100/G101 ground terminals and mounting bracket in
place.
-
Lift ECM mounting bracket from studs (note orientation) and set aside.
-
If necessary, remove sound insulation material from an area approximately 1 inch in diameter around studs. Thoroughly clean all
insulation/primer/paint off studs using a small wire wheel or brush.
-
Clean ground terminals as required.
-
Reinstall ECM mounting bracket and ground terminals over studs and install and tighten nuts securely.
-
Secure air bag harness with wire tie.
-
Reinstall ECM, secure EGI harness with wire tie and retest vehicle.
Note: Because a good ground connection is a prerequisite for any electronic control unit to function properly, many control unit malfunction issues
could be caused by a poor ground. Therefore, you may encounter problems other than the ones noted in this article. When you encounter control unit
function issues, you should always check and, if necessary, improve the ground connections as described.
