Hi Scotty. Love your videos. My wife got a recall (SC197) on her 2014 Kia Sorento. It says to have the dealer check the HECU for leaking brake fluid, and that they will replace it if it is found to be leaking. I don't trust the dealer. How can I check it myself. I don't know where the HECU is. My daughter has a 2015 Kia Sorento, so I have to check her's too. Thank you! Dave Fitzgerald
I think you might want to reconsider your comment “I don’t trust the dealer” This is a potential safety issue, don’t walk to make an appt RUN.....
Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, and apparently it starts fires. The dealer is the only one who's going to fix it, so I don't see that you have a choice. I doubt they'll tell you how to check it yourself.
If one dealer says no, go to another (if reasonably close by). You can also escalate the issue to regional Hyundai/Kia management.
The reason that dealers sometimes are so passive/aggressive about warranty work is that it's not nearly as profitable, because manufacturers' going labor rate is considerably lower than what is charged to customers. The shop makes less, the mechanics make less, and the work is usually considerably more challenging than charging a customer $35 (with labor) for a 5 minute job and a $6 part.
You don't trust the dealer but this is a recall. The job will be performed at no cost to you. Just go to the dealer with both vehicles, get the job done & leave. No money or financial transactions involved.
Ultimately, I will take it to the dealer to fix it. But the recall says that the dealer will determine if it needs to be fixed. That's why I don't trust them. I I know what to look for. I just don't know where the HECU is. Thank you for your feedback. Dave
wouldn't it be easier if you just take it there? You know ... in case they want to fix it.
I think your mistrust is misplaced. The dealer didn't cause this issue, Kia did. Are you really considering gambling you & your daughter's lives in the process?
https://m.carcomplaints.com/news/2020/kia-hecu-recall-engine-fires.shtml
The 2013-2015 Kia Optima and 2014-2015 Kia Sorento vehicles have HECU components that may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short-circuit, starting fires in the engine compartments.
In February Kia received a complaint about a 2015 Sorento that concerned electrical failures. The dealership found the HECU had melted and it was later learned the HECU connector and circuit board near the connector suffered heat damage.
Kia worked with the supplier and determined the HECU had internal damage caused by brake fluid.
Two more incident reports were filed and more fire and heat damage reports arrived about Kia Optima and Sorento vehicles.
The supplier also discovered the same HECU component used in the Kia vehicles was also causing problems in Hyundai vehicles, which today recalled more than 151,000 Santa Fe Sports following 15 engine compartment fires.
Kia owners may notice burning odors, smoke from the engine compartments or illuminated warning lights.
Kia dealers will inspect the HECUs for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECUs if needed.
The HECU recall begins October 15, 2020, but concerned Optima and Sorento owners may contact Kia at 800-333-4542 and refer to recall number SC197.