[meebers]

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.

 

[Petso]

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.

 

[meebers]

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.

 

[meebers]

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!!

 

[meebers]

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.

 

[HansDelbruck]

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.

 

[meebers]

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.

 

[HansDelbruck]

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.

 

[meebers]

No problem. Suggest you give dealer a call with your VIN # so they can order the part, else you may have to make 2 trips. [see post #24]

 

[TonyEvil]

No problem. Suggest you give dealer a call with your VIN # so they can order the part, else you may have to make 2 trips. [see post #24]

Found the official recall procedure here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCRIT-21V331-2763.pdf
I'm having my 2011 Soul done today. I assume it took so long because the multifuse they are replacing would have to be custom made with the new fuse values. The procedure involves testing the HECU for a parasitic draw above 70 uA. I guess that indicates a short in the HECU and they will replace it only if positive test result. I also assume that any short would have to be caused by water plus brake fluid ingress.
They also inspect the wiring harness HECU connector for signs of overcurrent (melting, corrosion) and would have to special order a replacement harness connector set if necessary.