P200A error code - VCM replace and ECM upgrade?

7237 Views 12 Replies 4 Participants Last post by nickleblu, Oct 26, 2021

SteelV

Discussion Starter · Aug 15, 2020

Got a P200A error code on my 2011 Sportage (2WD, 2.4L). Local non-Kia mechanic saw that a vacuum hose had a small tear; replaced hose; all seemed ok. But Chk Eng light came back on, with same error code.

They pulled a service bulletin from All Data.com, which states that: a. the error code stays in memory; and b. the VCM has to be replaced, along with an ECM upgrade (ECM must be reprogrammed). As much as they wanted to do the work, they said they can't do the ECM upgrade; only a stealership can.

Anyone have any experience with this? Is there a workaround of some sort? Last thing I want to do is hand over my wallet and half my paycheck at a stealership. Thanks.

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SteelV

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 15, 2020

kiaguy002 said:
The correct way to proceed with this is to first function test the VCM, not automatically replace it. If the VCM tests ok, then the problem is likely to be with the runners inside of the intake manifold. Kia says to replace the intake manifold, but what they don't tell you is that it might be possible to clean the gunk out and correct the problem that way. But that's not surprising at all, because saving you $$ and reducing their income is not a part of their business model. And I've never read a report from a DIYer who said they actually needed the ECM upgrade, so just I recommend just tossing that part into the waste basket.

Good info, thanks. When you say "I recommend just tossing that part into the waste basket", which part are ya referring to ? Thanks.

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SteelV

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 16, 2020

Good feedback from all. At this point, I'll see if I can get a mechanic to check out the VCM and the intake manifold.

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SteelV

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 16, 2020

kiaguy002 said:
My suggestions are primarily intended for DIYers, and you need to be aware that most shops are likely to be reluctant about requests by owners, especially when those things do not appear in the documentation they subscribe to. Now in this particular case, testing the VCM should be a reasonable thing for them to do, because the VCM is easy to remove and test by applying voltage directly from the battery. And if the VCM doesn't test ok, then replacing it is easy as well, although they will likely want to get the part from a Kia dealer for around $400 or so. (versus ordering online for less $$)

However, if the VCM tests ok, then removing/reinstalling the intake manifold is a time consuming job, and would be billed at 2 hours or more, which translates into $300+. And they are also likely to be very skeptical about possibly resolving the issue by cleaning the manifold, based on advice from a forum.

So consider these things before speaking to them, in order to plan what your response will be, depending on what they have to say.

Superb feedback, thanks. I have a couple different independent mechanic shops that I use....these are 1 or 2-person operations, and they are willing to do tests, and clean out things, etc, rather than doing the typical stealership action of rapid parts replacement. And, they're also willing to install parts that I procure, including non-OEM parts. So, I'll run this by them to see if they think it's viable to do, etc. Again, I very much appreciate the astute feedback and reco's here.

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