[Lor20]

Digital key 2 being an issue seems very likely at this point (and very likely other sleep mode issues as well). Just for reference phones that support UWB (same tech as air tags) and the car can locate each other 100-200 feet away - in theory so the car can be all ready for you when you get there - you don't even need to be all that close but it definitely seems it wakes way to much of the car up at this time. If your phone supports it you could turn off just the UWB portion of your digital key so you can still use it as an nfc key but that depends on the phone if you can or can't. May be safer to just turn off until we have more confirmation that things are fixed.

Unfortunately the more electronic features a car has the harder it is to get the software right to turn on and off the right systems in the right conditions. At least Kia can push OTA updates to just about all electrical systems in the car so these issues should get fixed without going to the dealer for those that have not yet experienced the issue.

Devices with UWB are these so if you got one of those you'd be more likely affected:

• Apple iPhone 11, 12, 13, and 14
• Apple Watch series 6, 7, 8, and Ultra.
• Google Pixel 6 Pro 7 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Xiaomi Mix 4.

 

[Mstrofsmthing]

There is an option in the iOS wallet app under the digital key to enable or disable passive entry. That might turn off the UWB, but i am not certain.

 

[acadapter]

There is an option in the iOS wallet app under the digital key to enable or disable passive entry. That might turn off the UWB, but i am not certain.

This is how it works in the GV60. Passive Entry = UWB and disabled = NFC Touch

 

[Mstrofsmthing]

Has anyone replaced their 12v battery and re-enabled Digital Key?

Have read in other places this issue is mainly due to poor 12v batteries being provided by KIA.

 

[Robbo]

I picked up my EV9 two weeks ago. I've driven about 200 miles. Yesterday morning I went to take my kid to school (had about 70% charge) and the car was dead. After some research, I learned about the 12v needing a jump start, and was able to get Kia roadside out to jump it. I drove it for a bit and went to a store to pick up a unit to jump start it again as a future "just in case" .... when I got home, I put it back on my L2 charger to get it back up to 80% and try to give a little more juice to it. This morning (the next day) my 12v is dead again.

I don't drive a ton, but it's frequently around 10 miles a day. The only issue I can think of is the temperature, which is around 20-30 degrees F outside, and not much warmer in the garage. But would that be the issue? I know I've read now that it's not uncommon to have 12v issues. But after 2 weeks and 200 miles to have it need a jump twice?

Is it weather or something else? Help 🙏

If you plug your vtl (240v/110v) outlet plug it switches on 12v charging. (on my ev6). I tried it and it works. Iv never tried it on a dead/flat 12v batt. But I will if my goes flat. I also have a blue tooth battery monitor permanently attached so I can see the battery charge.

 

[Wes]

If you plug your vtl (240v/110v) outlet plug it switches on 12v charging. (on my ev6). I tried it and it works. Iv never tried it on a dead/flat 12v batt. But I will if my goes flat. I also have a blue tooth battery monitor permanently attached so I can see the battery charge.

You're correct about the first part. However, if the 12v goes flat, your V2L connector won't turn on because the 12v battery opens the contactor to allow V2L or any other system to access the HV battery. There's no other solution than an external power source jumping the car or replacing the 12v battery once it goes bad.

 

[Robbo]

You're correct about the first part. However, if the 12v goes flat, your V2L connector won't turn on because the 12v battery opens the contactor to allow V2L or any other system to access the HV battery. There's no other solution than an external power source jumping the car or replacing the 12v battery once it goes bad.

Thanks I also carry in the car a jump start battery device. Never used it BUT!

 

[woodeasy]

Thanks I also carry in the car a jump start battery device. Never used it BUT!

What is a good jump start for EV9?

 

[Robbo]

What is a good jump start for EV9?

Don’t know but any good unit will do the job as it’s the same electrical system as in the ev6

 

[am_i_AI]

What is a good jump start for EV9?

I bought the nexpow 2500A from Amazon, as many on reddit seem to like it

 

[Mikensf]

I picked up my EV9 two weeks ago. I've driven about 200 miles. Yesterday morning I went to take my kid to school (had about 70% charge) and the car was dead. After some research, I learned about the 12v needing a jump start, and was able to get Kia roadside out to jump it. I drove it for a bit and went to a store to pick up a unit to jump start it again as a future "just in case" .... when I got home, I put it back on my L2 charger to get it back up to 80% and try to give a little more juice to it. This morning (the next day) my 12v is dead again.

I don't drive a ton, but it's frequently around 10 miles a day. The only issue I can think of is the temperature, which is around 20-30 degrees F outside, and not much warmer in the garage. But would that be the issue? I know I've read now that it's not uncommon to have 12v issues. But after 2 weeks and 200 miles to have it need a jump twice?

Is it weather or something else? Help 🙏

I had the same problem, I had several incidents like yours, I carry a jump start power unit and it starts right up. I left it at the dealer they were unable to duplicate my problem, they had it for a week without a problem. Brought it home and it was dead the next day, I called Kia and they towed it with tow dollies to the dealer, they tested and found the battery was faulty after 4 days and a special technician visiting the dealer. They replaced the battery and not a problem since. I still have the power pack in the back seat. Just in case.
Good Luck

Mike in SF

 

[shabuforlife]

I had the same problem, I had several incidents like yours, I carry a jump start power unit and it starts right up. I left it at the dealer they were unable to duplicate my problem, they had it for a week without a problem. Brought it home and it was dead the next day, I called Kia and they towed it with tow dollies to the dealer, they tested and found the battery was faulty after 4 days and a special technician visiting the dealer. They replaced the battery and not a problem since. I still have the power pack in the back seat. Just in case.
Good Luck

Mike in SF

Are you by chance using the digital key? The dealership still has our car for 2 weeks (2nd time going back to the dealership after they replaced the 12v the first time), they recently called with generic questions with their engineer from Korea on site to try to troubleshoot. (where is parked? are you charging it overnight? was there a key left inside the car? are you using kia access app?

The Kia team said they have to keep our car for a few more days to test but have yet to replicate the 12v drain issue, leading me to think it is the digital key.

 

[EV9ers]

Is it possible to attach a low amp battery tender to the 12v battery just to make to sure it's always topped off?

 

[ParkerAmaro]

So I’ve jumped it 3 times now since I got it on 12/30. And that includes 6 days of not driving being iced in.

I can jump it and drive it for a bit. Will the 12v eventually not need jumped anymore, or should I actually get a charger for the 12v to “reload it” and not just a jump starter?

I’m trying to not have to jump start my car every time I get in it. And it’s a lease.

Do I just drive it for a bit and it will recover?
Do I buy a charger and actually charge the 12v?
Do I complain to Kia and get them to replace it under warranty?
Do I just go get another better 12v and it doesn’t matter for my lease?

 

[Dansta31]

So I’ve jumped it 3 times now since I got it on 12/30. And that includes 6 days of not driving being iced in.

I can jump it and drive it for a bit. Will the 12v eventually not need jumped anymore, or should I actually get a charger for the 12v to “reload it” and not just a jump starter?

I’m trying to not have to jump start my car every time I get in it. And it’s a lease.

Do I just drive it for a bit and it will recover?
Do I buy a charger and actually charge the 12v?
Do I complain to Kia and get them to replace it under warranty?
Do I just go get another better 12v and it doesn’t matter for my lease?

I would have the dealership replace it at this point . Have you tried the things listed to people believe is tied to the 12v dying?

 

[spinfire]

Once a 12V lead acid battery has been deeply discharged enough to require jump starting more than once or twice it’s permanently toasted and should be replaced.

 

[ParkerAmaro]

I would have the dealership replace it at this point . Have you tried the things listed to people believe is tied to the 12v dying?

I did. Once I jumped it back to life, I removed the digital key from both car and phone, and I disabled the charger lock. I never set up fingerprint.

Once I did that, I drove it for 20 minutes to the mall. After a couple hours there, I came out to the parking lot to a dead battery again. I had to send the wife and kid back inside while I struggled in 35 degree rain to open the door handle and wrestle my way in to jump it once more. That was yesterday. So I jumped it again and was able to get back home ... as of this morning, it seems like it's alive.

So I just don't know if driving it a bit gave the 12v enough life to trust it now, and the other things I did will help ensure it doesn't draw down as much anymore. If it's working now, and based on other readings, it sounds like the dealer won't be able to determine that there's anything wrong with the battery and thus won't replace it.

 

[SoulMan]

Here's another YouTube video about the 12V batteries.

 

[MSE_EV]

I did. Once I jumped it back to life, I removed the digital key from both car and phone, and I disabled the charger lock. I never set up fingerprint.

Once I did that, I drove it for 20 minutes to the mall. After a couple hours there, I came out to the parking lot to a dead battery again. I had to send the wife and kid back inside while I struggled in 35 degree rain to open the door handle and wrestle my way in to jump it once more. That was yesterday. So I jumped it again and was able to get back home ... as of this morning, it seems like it's alive.

So I just don't know if driving it a bit gave the 12v enough life to trust it now, and the other things I did will help ensure it doesn't draw down as much anymore. If it's working now, and based on other readings, it sounds like the dealer won't be able to determine that there's anything wrong with the battery and thus won't replace it.

If the battery deeply discharges, 20min of driving likely won't be enough for the charge to recover to a usable level. On my Niro EV, I found that putting the vehicle in utility mode for an hour sufficiently recharged the 12V battery (>80%) that it has been able to hold a charge since then.

 

[EMm]

I’ve had my EV9 for less than 3
Weeks. Week 2 we had an ice storm,
Didn’t move the car for 4 days. I had the auto warm scheduled daily for my normal morning routine and didn’t turn it off thinking it would be good to defrost it a little once in a while. Day 4 the car was bricked, battery was at 58%. Had Kia come jump the 12v, but after looking up the issue I felt really uneasy about it so I ordered a portable jumper.
I also disconnected my remote key and turned off my climate schedule. No issue with it again so far. That was 4 days ago.