Kia Soul: Fault Diagnosis

Kia Soul 2014-2019 PS Service Manual / Automatic Transaxle System / Fault Diagnosis

Features a fail-safe mechanism that provides "limp-home" 4th gear hold to enable the vehicle to be driven to the owner's home or dealer shop.

Fail-Safe: The TCM provides 4th gear hold and Reverse gear in the event of a malfunction.

Limp Home: Maintains minimal functionality (Drive(4th gear hold), Reverse) in the event of a malfunction, making it possible for the vehicle to reach the dealer shop.

Self-diagnosis

Transaxle Control Module (TCM) is in constant communication with the control system's components (sensors and solenoids).

If an abnormal signal is received for longer than the predefined duration, TCM recognizes a fault, stores the fault code in memory, and then sends out a fault signal through the self-diagnosis terminal. Such fault codes are independently backed up and will not be cleared even if the ignition switch is turned off, the battery is disconnected, or the TCM connector is disconnected.

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Disconnecting a sensor or an actuator connector while the ignition switch is in the "On" position generates a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and commits the code to memory. In such event, disconnecting the battery will not clear the fault diagnosis memory. The diagnosis tool must be used to clear the fault diagnosis memory.

•	Before removing or installing any part, read the diagnostic trouble codes and then disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal.

•	Before disconnecting the cable from battery terminal, turn the ignition switch to OFF. Removal or connection of the battery cable during engine operation or while the ignition switch is ON could cause damage to the Transaxle Control Module (TCM).

•	When checking the generator for the charging state, do not disconnect the battery '+' terminal to prevent the Engine Control Module (ECM) from damage due to the voltage.

•	When charging the battery with the external charger, disconnect the vehicle side battery terminals to prevent damage to the TCM.

Checking Procedure (Self-diagnosis)

•	When battery voltage is excessively low, diagnostic trouble codes can not be read. Be sure to check the battery for voltage and the charging system before starting the test.

Inspection Procedure (Using the GDS)

1.	Turn OFF the ignition switch.

2.	Connect the GDS to the data link connector on the lower crash pad.

3.	Turn ON the ignition switch.

4.	Use the GDS to check the diagnostic trouble code.

5.	Repair the faulty part from the diagnosis chart.

6.	Erase the diagnostic trouble code.

7.	Disconnect the GDS.

Troubleshooting

Trouble symptom	Suspect area	Remedy
Shift delay	Breakdown of clutch or brake Faulty hydraulic control Faulty hydraulic supply	Clutch, Brake Solenoid valve, Valve body Mechanical oil pump Cleanliness of automatic transaxle fluid (foreign material) Automatic transaxle fluid level
Vibration of the vehicle, when the shifting	Damaged clutch / brake	Clutch, Brake
Shift shock	Faulty hydraulic control Faulty hydraulic supply Faulty transaxle mounting Faulty speed sensor Faulty harness Damaged connector & wiring	Solenoid valve, Valve body Mechanical oil pump Cleanliness of automatic transaxle fluid (foreign material) Automatic transaxle fluid level Speed sensor and connector Harness & connector of transaxle Connector & wiring of vehicle
Fixed gear (shift impossible)	Faulty solenoid valve Faulty TCM software program	Clutch, Brake Solenoid valve, Valve body Mechanical oil pump Cleanliness of automatic transaxle fluid (foreign material) Automatic transaxle fluid level Speed sensor and connector Harness & connector of transaxle Connector & wiring of vehicle
limited gear (shift possible)	Faulty inhibitor switch Faulty hydraulic supply	Inhibitor switch & connector Connector & wiring of vehicle POWER
Driving impossible	Faulty CAN Communication	CAN Communication line TCM, ECM POWER
Poor acceleration	Faulty hydraulic control Faulty hydraulic supply	Solenoid valve, Valve body Mechanical oil pump Cleanliness of automatic transaxle fluid (foreign material) Automatic transaxle fluid level Connector & wiring of vehicle POWER

Special Service Tools

Tool Name / Number Illustration Description Engine support fixture (bar) 09200-3N000 Used for holding engine assembly when removing / in ...

Automatic Transaxle Control System

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