Limp Home Function

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Kia Forte5, 2015 Kia Forte Koup, and 2015 Kia Forte. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Limp Home By Tester
If the ECM detects the fault of the Immobilizer or transponder, the ECM will allow limp home function of the immobilizer. Limp home is only possible if the user password (4 digits) has been given to the ECM before. This password can be selected by the vehicle owner and is programmed at the service station.

The user password can be sent to the ECM via the special tester menu.

Only if the ECM is in status "learnt" and the user password status is "learnt" and the user password is correct, the ECM will be unlocked for a period of time (30 sec.). The engine can only be started during this time. After the time has elapsed, engine start is not possible.

If the wrong user password is sent, the ECM will reject the request of limp home for one hour. Disconnecting the battery or any other action cannot reduce this time. After connecting the battery to the ECM, the timer starts again for one hour.

Fig 1: Scan Tool Display - Limp Home Mode Select Screen
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Scan Tool Display - Limp Home Mode Input User Password Screen (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Scan Tool Display - Limp Home Mode Input User Password Screen (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Scan Tool Display - Limp Home Mode Test Completed Screen
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Limp Home By Ignition Key
The limp home can be activated also by the ignition key. The user password can be input to the ECM by a special sequence of ignition on/off. Only if the ECM is in status "learnt" and the user password status is "learnt" and the user password is correct, the ECM will be unlocked for a period of time (30 sec.).

The engine can be started during this time. After the time has elapsed, engine start is not possible. After a new password has been input, the timer (30 sec.) will start again.

After ignition off, the ECM is locked if the timer has elapsed 8 seconds. For the next start, the input of the user password is requested again.

Fig 5: Limp Home Operating Blinking Pattern
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.