[KDMB]

I came out to the EV9 and could not get it to unlock. Turns out the 12V battery had completely drained. Had to use the physical key to open it up and then pop the frunk manually to get at the 12V. The RAC came out (under service agreement) and boosted it for me which got it going. Then had to take it to Kia garage where they update the VCU and ICC software and "think that should fix it" (Note: they didn't actually diagnose the problem but basically "turned it on anf off again" with a software update)

Not had an issue since.

But things to note:

• I've had Jag iPaces for 6 years and this happened on them occasionally, too. It's not an uncommon EV issue so it's worth being prepared....
• always have the physical key with you so you can get in - it's design is annoying that it is a separate part. Other cars have it built into the fob.
• have a charged 12V battery booster with you. If you can physically get in to the car and open the frunk, the 12V is very accessible and the car will come alive with the booster operating.
• leaving the main battery on for about 30mins should recharge the 12V sufficiently (NB: you don't have to drive the car like an ICE as there is no altenator charging the 12V battery, it's a direct feed)

Whilst this is an inconvenience and annoying, especailly in a brand new vehicle, it's not the end of the world if you're prepared for it.

Had it happen twice on our Soul FE when the wife left various doors open.
We bought a NOCO Power booster and kept it in the glovebox and the wife is a dab hand at using it now she’s bought a new EV9 Gt line 6. She’s drained the battery on that vehicle once so far, but the night is young. 🤣
I’ve got a new Nero EV 3 and I was given a NOCO for Christmas by the wife and it sits in the glovebox as well. 🤗

 

[iooi]

Thanks for the reply. Airplane mode is to stop the Kia Connect app making a call to the car in the background (don't know whether it would do this, but Kia have recommended uninstalling the app).

We don't spend any time sat in the car - no usage pattern I can think of that could account for the drain. It's happening sporadically overnight when the car is unused.

Connect app will only talk to car if it is opened & refreshed. So can't see the app being the issue.
Is the car charging cable connected when this happens. Is Zappi linked to Kia Connect, so it can see SOC on car?

I would invest in a BM 2/6 bluetooth battery monitor to see exactly have battery is draining.

 

[Soula]

Had it happen twice on our Soul FE when the wife left various doors open.
We bought a NOCO Power booster and kept it in the glovebox and the wife is a dab hand at using it now she’s bought a new EV9 Gt line 6. She’s drained the battery on that vehicle once so far, but the night is young. 🤣
I’ve got a new Nero EV 3 and I was given a NOCO for Christmas by the wife and it sits in the glovebox as well. 🤗

Can you confirm whether or not the Soul FE and EV9 can be accessed when the 12V battery is completely flat ?

 

[nicq]

Yes with the emergency key in the fob under the cover on the driver door handle

 

[Soula]

Earlier in this thread @GaryL said that the physical key would not work because the lock is operated by a solenoid? I did think this was strange because there are several reports and YouTube videos about using a jump starter pack, which would not be possible if you could not open the car. Contradictory and confusing.

 

[nicq]

The key does work.

 

[KDMB]

Can you confirm whether or not the Soul FE and EV9 can be accessed when the 12V battery is completely flat ?

Had to use the emergency key to get in, but battery wasn’t completely flat, just under 11v. Once NOCO Pack was connected it started fine and the 12v got charged.

 

[Soula]

While having the main battery on for 30 minutes will provide enough charge for everything to operate, it will not return the battery to a fully charged state leaving it vulnerable. It will likely take several hours with the car in drive or utility mode to restore the battery. Alternatively a charge from an external smart battery charger.

 

[GaryL]

Earlier in this thread @GaryL said that the physical key would not work because the lock is operated by a solenoid? I did think this was strange because there are several reports and YouTube videos about using a jump starter pack, which would not be possible if you could not open the car. Contradictory and confusing.

Yes, definitely the case for my Soul (solenoid) I have since confirmed by trying to lock/unlock with the aux disconnected. It may be that some circuits are retained at differing terminal voltages, but I don't know TBH.