Yep you're right, they're cheaping out yet again.

Brake fluid leaking onto circuitry can cause a short in this case. The new fuse is in hopes the fuse blows before catching fire - a band-aid at best.

 

This theory sparked my interest. I just tested a capful of DOT3 brake fluid with my multimeter. Resistance is up in the mega ohm range. Enough that switching to continuity testing results in an open circuit. I don't believe this theory is valid.

 

This is about " Hyundai and Kia's violations of the Safety Act, NTSB is monitoring the recall process...

 

Some updates from internet sources.

Hyundai and Kia recall. A hydraulic electronic control unit and an ABS module are to blame. Hyundai is recalling 1,642,551 cars because of an antilock brake module that can leak and cause a fire under the hood. Kia is recalling 1,730,192 cars because a hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) can experience an electrical short and cause a thermal event.

Despite both possible fire risks stemming from an electrical short, the root causes are different. The sweeping Hyundai recall is due to a brake fluid leak that could cause an electrical short, which then could cause a fire. Hyundai’s remedy, according to the recall notice, is to replace the ABS fuse. While this doesn’t exactly address the underlying problem. Kia’s problem stems from the HECU apparently developing an electrical short and causing a fire.

Affected cars:

2012-2015 Hyundai Accent
2012-2015 Hyundai Azera
2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra
2013-2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
2014-2015 Hyundai Equus
2011-2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2010-2013 Hyundai Tucson
2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell
2012-2015 Hyundai Veloster
2010-2012 Hyundai Veracruz
2010-2019 Kia Borrego
2014-2016 Kia Cadenza
2010-2013 Kia Forte
2010-2013 Kia Forte Koup
2015-2018 Kia K900
2011-2015 Kia Optima
2011-2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
2012-2017 Kia Rio
2010-2011 Kia Rondo
2011-2014 Kia Sorento
2011-2012 Kia Soul
2010-2013 Kia Sportage

 

Interesting. I literally just put my multimeter probes into a capful of brake fluid. It's not even close to having enough conductivity to cause a short. We got this notification in the mail as well. When I get the throttle body issue solved and it's drivable again, we will have the dealer do whatever theyre gonna do for this. Smaller value fuses? I don't really like that approach but understand it's much cheaper than replacing the ABS pump.

 

Good point, the official story is a brake fluid leak causing a short so maybe that’s going to teach me again for taking it at face value (like the engine debris story)

Prowling the net I’m finding two separate ABS issues, water ingress and fluid egress. Perhaps fluid contamination contributes to the latter? (water? corrosion? Ford’s cruise control electrical short issue allegedly stemmed from corrosion/metal particles accumulating on a vertically-mounted switch but whether that’s relevant…)

 

Water ingress, for sure would cause corrosion and likely a short. Ive not looked into the system deep enough to compare fuse sizes with ABS pump amp draw, etc. I know I would hate to have my better half driving and popping the ABS fuse if it had been replaced with a lower value when its needed most (in operation, during an emergency)!

 

Lets just say it is water and/or brake fluid ingress and the "fix" is a fuse? No way in my mind is this even close to a solution. Fix the ingress first and foremost?. Looks like the manufacturer would expect us now to carry extra fuses in the event we run thru a rain storm or have a leak in the ABS. As far as the HECU, how about some conformal coating? ABS leaking, it needs replaced! Its the most important safety item.

 

Photo of 2013 Kia Sorento Ex right rear wheel hub with dirt shown is a leak of fluid/lubricant going down to the brake abs sensor wire connector will trigger a shortage or worst scenario with metal rubbing inside creates spark and will cause fire or short circuit to damage the computer unit. When the hub is emptied with lubricant abs dashboard light-lights on and shared with ESC, DBC lights on. Possible water ingress on abs sensor connector will trigger circuit shortage. Lowering the fuse current rating will help but not solve the problem. This is assumption only.

 

Lets just say it is water and/or brake fluid ingress and the "fix" is a fuse? No way in my mind is this even close to a solution. Fix the ingress first and foremost?. Looks like the manufacturer would expect us now to carry extra fuses in the event we run thru a rain storm or have a leak in the ABS. As far as the HECU, how about some conformal coating? ABS leaking, it needs replaced! Its the most important safety item.

the FIX is to replace the module. You are replacing the fuse with a lower amperage one so that if there is a short, power gets cut and it should do this BEFORE the module catches fire. As stated in the letter, this is for your safety until you can get it replaced.

Photo of 2013 Kia Sorento Ex right rear wheel hub with dirt shown is a leak of fluid/lubricant going down to the brake abs sensor wire connector will trigger a shortage or worst scenario with metal rubbing inside creates spark and will cause fire or short circuit to damage the computer unit. When the hub is emptied with lubricant abs dashboard light-lights on and shared with ESC, DBC lights on. Possible water ingress on abs sensor connector will trigger circuit shortage. Lowering the fuse current rating will help but not solve the problem. This is assumption only.

that is not what the recall is about. it's about brake fluid leaking from the ABS module which is under the hood. the ABS module houses the ABS pump and a bunch of electronics. it's the one where all the brake lines connect to from the master cylinder before going to each wheel. There is a seal inside that can leak fluid onto the electronics causing a short and can also cause a fire if not handled. the lower fuse is to have it blow in the event of a fuse. you still have braking, you just do not have ABS, traction control, stability control and AWD if you have it. This is because the wheel speed sensors talk to the ABS module is what controls all those systems.


I just wish it included the 2016 in this. i had to pay for a new ABS module last year.

 

All this letter really did is remove KIA from any liability if the car caught fire in your garage and burnt your house down. Like most recalls, it does not address the main cause of the problem and only applies a band aid fix to the problem. This is the type of fix that was used for the ignition lock problem and car theft. It is very rare that a recall problem fixes the actual part in question. Software "fixes" are the cheapest for the manufacture to use to "correct" a design flaw, so look for that first.

 

Can I just replace those two 40A fuses with 20A and 25A fuse by myself at home?
I don't understand why I wait for 3+ months parking my car outdoor next to a bad noisy neighbor's house.

 

This "MIGHT" be KIA's deniability of claim if an owner trys to fix a recall item without official solution/methods????? Just a thought..

 

I mean if it burns down it's probably not going to come back to them other than a PR hit but plenty of Hyundai/Kia's have caught fire and their sales are still on fire. Honestly you could just do that and swap the old fuses back in for the dealer to swap when your turn comes.

Also see if other dealers can fit you in sooner.

 

I don't know why, but maybe once per week when I check oil, I also "feel up" the HECU and surrounding area looking for dampness. :O(

 

2 more days and KIA will MISS a March update.

And today " Kia recalling 427,000 Telluride SUVs because they might roll away while parked"

 

Got a follow up letter from Kia today. Question, how long does it take to change 2 fuses? According to the letter 1 - 2 hours. Here is what they sent me:

 

read my post (#11) above. the actual recall is changing the HECU (ABS Module) because of the leak. changing the fuse is to avoid a fire in the event that yours has a leak. the higher rated fuses were there from factory but the lower ones will trip sooner before something can catch fire.

 

Petso, that's not how I read the letters from Kia. It doesn't say the recall is for replacing the HECU. It says that they are replacing fuses. I believe Kia should be replacing the HECU but it looks like they are only replacing the fuses. If you mean the owners are responsible for replacing the HECU and not KIA, then this is not a recall...this is simply a bandaid solution to replace the fuses.

 

A guest this morning had her 2012 Sorento done already. Said 15 minutes, fuses only. The letter above is directed to Sorento's for fuses only. Hyundai's are the ones with the leak.

But I believe VIM raises a valid question, suppose the module does short out on a Sorento, and the new fuses save the vehicle from a fire. Then What?? Kia should replace the module at no cost or at least extend the warranty for 10yrs or so in that area.

 

i'm sorry, you are right. they have indeed changed it to only say that they are replacing the fuses. which is not the long term fix. I guess they've deemed it to not be that bad of a leak if one were to happen where the smaller fuses would stop the fire and therefore they are ok to not replace the HECU.

and yeah, it's a bandaid, not a fix.

but yeah, 1 to 2 hours to replace 2 underhood fuses is crazy.

 

I am still having trouble with the language in parts of this letter. i.e. "KIA dealers will install new fuse(s) to prevent an electrical short circuit condition in the HECU's electrical circuit board" New fuse(s) will not prevent a short circuit, they will prevent any possible damage caused by a short circuit [so says KIA]. IMHO, wording in letters like this should be approved by technical engineer. I agree with Petso, this is not a long term fix.

 

Called for appointment, was informed that they had the part (fuses). After 20 mile trip, they had to take a picture of my VIN so that they could order parts?? Expected to arrive in 3-7 days. Loosers!!

 

Called Dealer #2. Parts guy ordered parts, emailed me when they came in. Appointment today, checked in, went to lobby, attendant parked my car in line. 1 hr later, checked, car still in line. 15 minutes later service guy said it was complete and he gave me a free car wash. So in/out about 1 hr, 15 minutes. The actual job was ~15 minutes. Service guy said there were fuses under the dash that was also replaced??? All and all, great experience much more than Dealer #1.
Fuse kit identified by below drawings. 18790 xxx was the old, 91ZZ9 was the replacement. No apparent fuse change in the fuse box? [put tiny black dot on all originals, they are still there] and the parts that were used on my invoice at the bottom. Parts guy said there are a ton of different "kits" based on the VIN # recalled. Hope this helps others.

 

Thanks a lot for this info but I would like to ask for just a bit more.
The pic above, is that from in the engine compartment or under the dash? Are you saying that they changed the fusebox itself or a fuse or set of fuses? If it's just a few or similar I would much prefer to do this myself if possible. More pics and longer explanation if possible. Thanks.

 

Sorry for the confusion. My Sorento is a 2013, so this picture/configuration may not be the same for your model.?? The part shown is like a circuit board that is removed and replaced and ordered by VIN # to match your vehicle. This circuit board [called fuse kit] slides down beside the main fuse panel as shown below. Hope this helps. Use battery post for reference. Should not much if any difference between a 2.5 and 3.5. Notice this fuse kit is bolted down with the two big nuts shown.

 

Thank you. Excellent explanation. Very much appreciated. I also have a 2013. So it would appears then that this is NOT something that an owner can do for themselves because I don't think we can buy that part. Oh well. I guess I'll have to go to the dealer. I hate that.
Thanks again though.