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Kia C1687

MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING Page 4 of 5 TSB: CHA084 (Rev 3) Multiple Models November 2018 SUBJECT: Replacement Procedure for MDP

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence. The bulletin specifically recognizes that MDPS may be inoperable; obtain professional assessment rather than relying on the code alone to determine driving suitability.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceContact a Kia dealer or qualified service provider for diagnosis under the applicable Kia service information, particularly if MDPS is inoperable or C1687 returns.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

Kia DTC C1687 is identified in TSB CHA084 as “CAN Time Out VSM.” The verified Kia procedure says: if the DTC returns and MDPS is inoperable, replace the MDPS ECU; if the DTC returns and MDPS operation is normal, continue investigating wiring issues.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

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1. What does C1687 mean?

Kia DTC C1687 is identified in TSB CHA084 as “CAN Time Out VSM.” The verified Kia procedure says: if the DTC returns and MDPS is inoperable, replace the MDPS ECU; if the DTC returns and MDPS operation is normal, continue investigating wiring issues.

2. Technical explanation

MDPS refers to the motor-driven power steering system. For C1687, the verified bulletin identifies a CAN communication timeout involving the VSM. The supplied evidence does not establish a single failed part from the code alone. Kia’s bulletin differentiates the next action based on whether MDPS operation is inoperable or normal after the DTC returns.

3. What system is affected?

Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), including MDPS ECU communication with the VSM over CAN.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • The verified procedure distinguishes between a condition where MDPS is inoperable and one where MDPS operation is normal.
  • Other specific driver-visible symptoms are not yet established by verified evidence.

6. Possible causes

  • A CAN timeout involving the VSM is established by the C1687 description in Kia TSB CHA084.
  • Wiring issues are identified for continued investigation when C1687 returns while MDPS operation is normal.
  • A specific root cause beyond these items is not yet established by verified evidence.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence. The bulletin specifically recognizes that MDPS may be inoperable; obtain professional assessment rather than relying on the code alone to determine driving suitability.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Have the vehicle evaluated using Kia’s applicable diagnostic information and procedures.
  • Record whether MDPS operation is normal or inoperable when the code returns.
  • Do not assume that replacing a component will resolve C1687 without following the applicable diagnostic procedure.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Confirm the presence and return of DTC C1687 using the appropriate diagnostic equipment.
  2. Determine whether MDPS is inoperable or whether MDPS operation remains normal when the DTC returns.
  3. If the DTC returns and MDPS is inoperable, Kia TSB CHA084 directs replacement of the MDPS ECU.
  4. If the DTC returns and MDPS operation is normal, Kia TSB CHA084 directs continued investigation into wiring issues.

11. When to contact service

Contact a Kia dealer or qualified service provider for diagnosis under the applicable Kia service information, particularly if MDPS is inoperable or C1687 returns.

12. What the service center may check

  • Retrieve and verify DTC C1687.
  • Assess MDPS operating status when the DTC returns.
  • For normal MDPS operation with a returning C1687, investigate wiring issues as directed by Kia.
  • Use the current Kia service information; the bulletin states that printed copies are reference-only and information may be updated.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • If C1687 returns and MDPS is inoperable, replace the MDPS ECU, per TSB CHA084.
  • If C1687 returns and MDPS operation is normal, continue investigation into wiring issues, per TSB CHA084.
  • Whether further repair is required after wiring investigation is not yet established by verified evidence.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Kia TSB CHA084, “Replacement Procedure for MDPS Motor, ECU and/or Steering Column Housing,” Rev. 3, published through NHTSA as MC-10167301 on 2019-10-15.
  • Kia TSB CHA084 Rev. 4, published through NHTSA as MC-10168850 on 2019-11-26.
  • Kia TSB CHA084 Rev. 5, published through NHTSA as MC-10183332 on 2020-11-04.
  • Kia TSB CHA084 Rev. 6, published through NHTSA as MC-10183333 on 2020-11-25.
  • Kia TSB CHA084 Rev. 7, published through NHTSA as MC-10189545 on 2021-03-25.
  • Kia TSB CHA084 Rev. 8, published through NHTSA as MC-10202226 on 2021-10-05: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10202226-0001.pdf

16. Recall information

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Verified official manufacturer communications are Kia TSB CHA084 revisions 3 through 8, published by NHTSA. The latest supplied source is Rev. 8: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10202226-0001.pdf. The bulletin states that printed copies are for reference only and directs users to KGIS for the latest information.

19. Frequently asked questions

What does Kia code C1687 mean?

In the supplied Kia TSB CHA084 evidence, C1687 is listed as “CAN Time Out VSM.”

Does C1687 mean the MDPS ECU must be replaced?

Not in every case. Kia directs MDPS ECU replacement if C1687 returns and MDPS is inoperable. If the code returns while MDPS operation is normal, Kia directs continued investigation into wiring issues.

Which vehicles are covered by the supplied applicability data?

The supplied data lists U.S.-region Kia Niro model years 2015–2022, Optima model years 2015–2022, Sorento model years 2015–2022, and Soul model years 2015–2022. Exact inclusion depends on the applicable bulletin and vehicle configuration.

Is C1687 covered by a recall?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
Kia C1687: MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING Page 4 of 5… | EV Diagnostics