2018 Kia Soul EV eFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

FM/AM Broadcasting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Kia Soul EV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Features/Misdiagnose cases
    Inspection Description
    (1) System features
    1. Last played channel will continue to play after IGN ON (Last memory)
    2. BSM (Best Station Memory) mode picks strongest radio reception
    (2) Vehicle Parts configuration (Radio antenna type and configuration)
    G12820851Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    (3) Misdiagnose cases
    1. Check battery drain and B/U voltage shutdown → Last played channel may change
    2. Poor reception area → Noise due to poor reception area (Not H/U defect)
    3. Vehicle modification noise → Remove any modification before testing

    System features 

    * Vehicle parts

    1. When ACC On, last radio channel at ACC Off should be played (Last memory)
    2. When radio channel is automatically searched (Seek/Stop), radio broadcasting should be well received
    Fig 1: Vehicle Parts Location
    G12820852Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  2. Sirius XM Reception
Inspection Description
(1) Duplicate issue
  1. Audio output on other mode (CD, Media)
    1. If same issue occurs in different mode, check sound (Refer to "SOUND TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE ")
  2. Radio continues to play last played channel (frequency) before turning IGN off
    1. If last played channel is changed, check battery drain B/U voltage shutdown

    → Last played channel may change

  3. Radio channel (Frequency) issue when using Seek/Stop button?
    1. Part defect if Seek/Stop button fails to receive signal in a good reception environment (Antenna, H/U, feeder cable, etc.)
(2) External/Environmental Issue
  • Poor reception area
  • Black box
  • Cable connection
  1. Move to better reception environment (Poor reception area)
    1. If this issue continues, proceed with step 2 below

    Information 

    • Bad reception by circumstances
    Fig 2: Moving Better Reception Environment (Poor Reception Area)
    G12820853Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  2. Black box (vehicle modification noise)
    1. Remove power on black box (Especially rear) and re-test
  3. Engineering mode > Care > Vehicle I/F Test/Radio (Confirm reception using different vehicles)
    1. Check reception on good reception environment: Normal if above 30db
G12820853G12820854Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
(2) External/Environmental Issue
  • Poor reception area
  • Black box
  • Cable connection
 4. Check antenna cable and connection if the value for step 3 is below 30db
  1. Check antenna location and type

Information 
  • Examples of defect of antenna and cable
G12820855Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
(3) Defect caused by Ext. parts
  1. If antenna connection is good, replace antenna and feeder cable and re-test (Use certified antenna)
(4) Check H/U defect
  1. If this issue continues, replace H/U and re-test
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.