May 20, 2021
CSE Quick Tips
CSE Quick Tip #24

TO: Sales Consultants & Sales Managers
SUBJECT: CSE Quick Tip #24 – HomeLink® Wireless Control System
DATE: May 2021

HomeLink® is a wireless control system that allows drivers a way to replace up to three handheld radio frequency (RF) transmitters used to activate devices such as garage door openers, gate remotes, entry door locks, security systems, and home lighting systems. This has been identified as a Difficult to Understand (DTU) feature, which has the potential to negatively impact the customer experience and survey scores, which comes from two sources. The first is the customer not understanding what vehicle configurations are equipped with HomeLink® capabilities. The second is the customer not understanding how to program HomeLink® or which garage openers are not compatible with this feature.

It is important to fully explain the features and programming of HomeLink® to your customers so that they understand how it seamlessly integrates into their vehicle’s interior and the benefit of how the feature conveniently connects to their home devices with just a few button presses.

Recent Kia customers voiced concerns about HomeLink®:

  • A customer who purchased a 2021 K5 wrote, “First car of the last five that I've own[ed], that does not have a garage door opener function. I assumed the home link feature was included because I could not find what package or trim included it.”
  • A customer who purchased a 2021 Sorento said “HomeLink was hard to program [and] had to use YouTube™ to find the proper sequence.”

These, and other, customer concerns may be solved with these tips:

  • Be very clear with your customer so they fully understand if HomeLink® is a feature included on the vehicle and trim level they are considering.
  • To ensure the vehicle has HomeLink®, please consult with the Parts Manager. For some models, Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ HomeLink® (dealer installed accessory) is available for purchase – click here for the Kia Accessory Guide.
  • For garage door openers, park outside the garage when programming.
  • Do not use HomeLink® with garage door openers that do not have safety stop and reverse features.
  • Not all garage door openers are compatible with HomeLink® (compatibility references are available here).
  • It is recommended to replace the batteries in the hand-held transmitter of the device you are programming for quicker HomeLink® training and accuracy of radio frequency transmission.
  • Place the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ACC (Accessory) position for programming.
  • To obtain instructions specific to the manufacturer and vehicle/garage door model, the information can be found here.

You can also remind customers that their Owner’s Manual contains more detailed instructions if they run into issues or problems.

Sincerely,

Sales and Field Operations Team
Kia America, Inc.