The i100 car scanner can play a crucial role in accurately assessing the State of Health (SOH) of your Kia electric vehicle’s battery. Some Kia dealers may dismiss readings from non-KIA Diagnostic Units (KDU). They might attempt to improve the Guess-o-Meter (GoM) reading through BMS updates, which can temporarily inflate the percentage. These updates often reset the BMS to default values, requiring multiple drive cycles to provide accurate data. This can lead to an artificially high SOH reading, potentially masking underlying battery issues.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, familiarize yourself with Kia Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) PS548, which outlines the proper procedure for assessing battery health. Request that the dealer adheres strictly to the TSB, emphasizing the importance of obtaining the BMS data before applying any updates. Highlight the crucial steps in the TSB document to underscore the correct methodology. Point out that applying updates prior to reading the data can prevent a valid SOH reading. A reading below 70% should trigger a dealer report to Kia, potentially leading to a battery replacement.
Alternatively, you can calculate the SOH yourself using the i100 car scanner or a similar OBD-II tool capable of reading Kia-specific data:
- Fully charge your vehicle. Reset the mi/kWh reading (it will display “–” when reset). Record the mileage and battery percentage (if not 100%).
- Drive until your next charge. Before plugging in, note the mileage and battery percentage. Also, record the mi/kWh reading.
- Calculate kWh consumed: Subtract the initial mileage from the current mileage and divide the result by the mi/kWh reading.
- Determine usable capacity: Subtract the initial battery percentage from the current percentage and multiply by 0.01 (to get a decimal). Divide the kWh consumed (from step 3) by this decimal value. This provides the usable battery capacity at a 100% charge.
- Calculate SOH: Divide the usable capacity (from step 4) by your Kia’s nominal battery capacity (e.g., 27, 30, 39.2, or 64 kWh, depending on the model) and multiply by 100.
This calculation method has been verified against professional-grade diagnostic tools and provides a reliable estimate of your Kia EV’s battery SOH, enabling you to make informed decisions about maintenance and potential warranty claims. Using an i100 car scanner, you can ensure you’re getting an accurate reading, empowering you to advocate for necessary repairs or replacements.
