Dark Current Cut-off Systems

Parasitic draw, or dark current, is the electrical current consumed by the vehicle when the ignition is OFF; it is not the normal consumption of current. This current has increased because of new vehicle technologies, such as more control units, improved anti-theft systems, and more robust memory systems. So, a Dark Current Cut-off System was needed, which is now in its third generation.

First Generation

1. Has an ON/OFF switch in the Smart Junction Box (SJB)
2. Switch is OFF to block dark current during factory production and shipment
3. Blocks dark current from lamps, body electric field, and multimedia standby current
4. The ON/OFF switch does not disconnect controllers that always need power
5. The switch must be turned ON for customer delivery

Second Generation

1. No separate ON/OFF switch
2. Dark current blocking is part of the Integrated Central Control Unit (ICU)
3. Switch is OFF to block dark current during factory production and shipment
4. Blocks dark current from lamps, body electric field, and multimedia standby current
5. USM can be used to switch between customer, transport/dealer, and factory modes
6. Automatically switches to customer mode 100 km after initial production

Third Generation

1. Configuration and logic are the same as the second-generation
2. After the engine is turned off, uses LIN communication to detect elapsed time and battery state of charge (SOC)
3. If the battery condition is low, notification is provided by Kia Connect^*
4. If the tail lights or emergency lights are on for 10 minutes after the engine is turned OFF, notification is provided by Kia Connect^*

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