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Kia P160300

Manual Mode ECU Upgrade Passwords Menu Password BDM NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT : 39171/3-2ECA0/B0/D0/D1/E0/E1 9171 SK3 NU 2.0MPI ATK CVT/IVT : 39171/3-2ELC0/C1 3201 SP2 NU 2.0MPI ATK CV

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence. The supplied record lists safe-to-drive status as unknown.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence. This is not established as an EV charging-related diagnostic by the supplied evidence.
ServiceContact an authorized Kia dealer or qualified Kia service facility. Ask them to check the applicable service-action bulletin and current Kia service information for the vehicle VIN.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

For the verified application, Kia’s service information links P160300 to the IVT/TCM learning and service-action process. If the MIL remains on with P160300 after the specified adaptive-value reset/TCM learn procedure, the bulletin directs replacement of the IVT.

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 P160300 mean?

For the verified application, Kia’s service information links P160300 to the IVT/TCM learning and service-action process. If the MIL remains on with P160300 after the specified adaptive-value reset/TCM learn procedure, the bulletin directs replacement of the IVT.

2. Technical explanation

The supplied diagnostic label is a manual ECU-upgrade password/menu entry, not a plain-language fault definition. However, Kia service-action bulletins submitted to NHTSA state that, after the applicable TCM learn or “Resetting Auto Trans Adaptive Values” procedure is completed, a remaining MIL with DTC P160300 leads to IVT replacement. The learning procedure includes confirming the vehicle is idling in Park with no accelerator or brake input and verifying “CVT Learning – P Range” current data reads ON. The bulletin notes that engine OFF/ON cycles may be required until values are fully learned.

3. What system is affected?

IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) / TCM adaptive-learning process.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence. The supplied record lists severity as unknown.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • MIL illuminated with DTC P160300, as described in the verified Kia service bulletin.

6. Possible causes

  • Not yet established by verified evidence. The verified bulletin establishes a service path after P160300 remains following the specified learning procedure, but does not provide a root-cause diagnosis in the supplied evidence.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence. The supplied record lists safe-to-drive status as unknown.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence. This is not established as an EV charging-related diagnostic by the supplied evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange diagnosis by an authorized Kia dealer or qualified service facility.
  • Provide the technician with DTC P160300 and reference Kia service action SC199/SA424, as applicable.
  • Do not attempt transmission replacement or manufacturer software programming without authorized equipment and procedures.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. A qualified technician should follow the applicable Kia procedure for resetting automatic-transmission adaptive values/TCM learning.
  2. The verified procedure includes confirming the vehicle is idling in Park, without accelerator or brake input, and checking that “CVT Learning – P Range” current data reads ON.
  3. The bulletin states that repeated engine OFF/ON cycles may be necessary until learning values are fully learned.
  4. If P160300 remains with the MIL after the specified procedure, the bulletin directs IVT replacement.

11. When to contact service

Contact an authorized Kia dealer or qualified Kia service facility. Ask them to check the applicable service-action bulletin and current Kia service information for the vehicle VIN.

12. What the service center may check

  • Confirm the vehicle matches the verified application before applying the bulletin.
  • Perform the specified TCM learn or automatic-transmission adaptive-value reset procedure.
  • Verify “CVT Learning – P Range” current data reads ON under the stated idle-in-Park condition.
  • Confirm vehicle operation after the learning procedure.
  • If the MIL and P160300 remain after the specified procedure, follow the bulletin’s IVT replacement direction.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • Kia’s verified bulletin directs IVT replacement when P160300 remains with the MIL after completion and verification of the specified adaptive-value reset/TCM learn procedure.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Kia Service Action SC199, including revisions 1–3, submitted to NHTSA: addresses the learning procedure and directs IVT replacement if P160300 remains after the procedure.
  • Kia Service Action SA424, including revisions 1–3: titled “IVT Software Logic Improvement and/or IVT Replacement”; it directs IVT replacement if the MIL with P160300 remains after the TCM learn procedure.
  • Official NHTSA-hosted source: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10217922-0001.pdf

16. Recall information

  • Not yet established by verified evidence. The supplied sources are manufacturer communications/service bulletins, not recall records.

17. Official manufacturer information

Verified applicability: 2020 Kia Soul, United States. The supplied sources are Kia manufacturer communications hosted by NHTSA. Always have a dealer confirm VIN applicability and the latest Kia service information.

19. Frequently asked questions

What does P160300 mean for the verified Kia application?

The supplied title is a manual ECU-upgrade password/menu label. The verified Kia bulletins associate P160300 with the IVT/TCM learning service process and specify IVT replacement if the code remains with the MIL after the required procedure.

Does P160300 automatically mean the IVT must be replaced?

No. In the verified bulletin, IVT replacement is directed only if P160300 remains with the MIL after the specified TCM learn or adaptive-value reset procedure has been completed and verified.

Which vehicle is verified in the supplied evidence?

A 2020 Kia Soul in the United States. Other vehicles or years are not established by the supplied applicability record.

Is this a recall?

Not yet established by verified evidence. The provided documents are service bulletins/manufacturer communications, not recall documentation.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
Kia P160300: Manual Mode ECU Upgrade Passwords Menu Password BDM NU… | EV Diagnostics