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I purchased a 2015 Kia Forte LX and I'm wanting to replace the stock remote control panel on the steering wheel with that of the panel on the EX. I know it's possible because every time I spoke to someone at the dealership they said I wouldn't even be able to get the EX panel from anyone but them (I purchased a genuine OEM panel online) they also told me they checked and the part wouldn't fit.

Now after extensive research I was able to check on the Kia site and I entered my VIN and the item number and not only will it fit but it is compatible. So their next argument is I would have to reprogram my body control module (I've yet to do research on that).

So long story short once I have it installed will the additional buttons work automatically or will I in fact have to reprogram my BCM?

All I want is to stop all the doors for unlocking when I remove my key. It's a huge safety thing for me since I take night classes and don't like the fact that once the key is out my car is open to the world! Sorry for the long post I'm just really disappointed with the lack of knowledge the "professionals" have.

dlu
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Karla Parker
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2 Answers2

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Search online for a body control module for both your LX and the EX: if they have the same part number, you will probably not need to reprogram your body control module.

If all you are trying to do is to prevent your doors from automatically unlocking when you remove the key, most cars will allow you to reprogram features like this. Look in your owner's manual.

tlhIngan
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Some control modules require "coding" or "reprogramming" to tell the module what features are present in the car. Newer cars/modules are better at figuring it out for themselves than older ones, to it might work automagically. If it does not the "coding" (at least on Volkswagens) is a pretty straight forward process – it is just a matter of entering a single number in the right place. Knowing the place and having the software tools to add it is the hard part.

Dealers are almost certain to have to the equipment and access to the knowledge to do this, wether or not they are willing to do it is another matter. I did a bit of browsing on Kia forums and it looks like as early as 2011 it was possible for the dealer to completely disable the auto-unlock. It also sounds like some dealers would refuse to do it…

So option 1) would be to ask your dealer to disable it. If they refuse I'd be inclined to try to call Kia directly and explain what you want and that you'd like them to refer you to a nearby dealer who is able to do it for you. A bit of poking seems to indicate that the same BCM is used in the LX and EX, so option 2) could be trying to update to the LX steering wheel controls.

dlu
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