The 2014 Kia Soul, especially the base model, is a fantastic and affordable vehicle. However, one feature that some base models lacked was the convenience of keyless entry. If you’re tired of fumbling with keys to lock and unlock your doors, you’re in luck! Adding keyless entry to your 2014 Kia Soul is a surprisingly simple and budget-friendly DIY project. For around $15 and a couple of hours of your time, you can enjoy the modern convenience of a key fob. This guide will walk you through the process of installing an aftermarket keyless entry system, specifically focusing on the popular and cost-effective Bighawks system, on your 2014 Kia Soul.
Why Add Keyless Entry to Your 2014 Kia Soul?
Before we dive into the installation, let’s quickly touch on why keyless entry is such a worthwhile upgrade:
- Convenience: No more digging for keys, especially when your hands are full. Simply press a button on your key fob to unlock your doors.
- Security: Keyless entry can sometimes be integrated with car alarms, adding an extra layer of security to your vehicle.
- Modern Feature: Keyless entry is a standard feature on most modern cars. Adding it to your older Kia Soul brings it up to date with contemporary conveniences.
- Affordability: As this guide demonstrates, you can achieve keyless entry for a fraction of the cost of dealer-installed systems.
What You’ll Need for Your DIY 2014 Kia Soul Key Fob Installation
For this project, you will need the following:
- Aftermarket Keyless Entry System: The original article uses the Bighawks system, readily available on platforms like eBay for around $15-$30. These systems are universal and can be adapted to various vehicles.
- Basic Hand Tools:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Wire strippers/cutters
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
- Possibly a multimeter (optional, but helpful for testing)
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your 2014 Kia Soul Key Fob System
This guide is based on the experience shared in the original article and is tailored for a 2014 Kia Soul base model. Always exercise caution when working with your car’s electrical system. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any wiring work to prevent shorts and electrical damage.
1. Prepare the Keyless Entry System Wiring
To simplify the installation, we’ll modify the wiring of the Bighawks keyless entry system. The goal is to only use the essential wires: Lock, Unlock, Power, Ground, and Parking Lights.
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Identify Wires: Refer to the wiring diagram included with your Bighawks system (if provided). Typically, the necessary wires are color-coded and labeled. You’ll be looking for wires for:
- Power (12V Constant) – Usually Red
- Ground – Usually Black
- Lock – Usually Brown or Orange
- Unlock – Usually Yellow or White
- Parking Lights – Usually Purple or Blue
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Simplify Wiring: Cut and remove any wires from the keyless entry unit’s connector that are not needed for basic keyless entry (like siren, trunk release, etc.). This will reduce clutter and simplify the wiring process.
- Group Wires (as per original post): In the example, the installer tied together the blue, yellow/black, and black wires from the keyless entry unit. This step might be specific to the Bighawks system used and the 2014 Kia Soul wiring. Double-check your system’s wiring diagram and potentially consult online forums specific to your keyless entry system or the Kia Soul for clarification on these wire groupings. If unsure, it’s safer to connect power and ground separately first to test basic functionality before making complex wire groupings.
2. Access the Fuse Box and Wiring Under the Steering Wheel
- Locate Fuse Panel: Inside your Kia Soul, usually on the driver’s side under the dashboard, locate the fuse panel.
- Remove Panels: You’ll likely need to remove the plastic panel underneath the steering wheel to gain access to the wiring behind the fuse box. This usually involves removing a few screws.
3. Mount the Keyless Entry Module
- Choose a Location: Find a secure spot under the dash to mount the black box of the keyless entry system. Ensure it’s away from moving parts and won’t interfere with pedals or steering.
- Secure the Module: Use zip ties to securely mount the module to a wiring harness or a non-moving part of the car’s frame.
4. Connect the Wires
Now, carefully connect the wires from the keyless entry system to the corresponding wires in your Kia Soul’s wiring harness. The original article provides specific wire locations within the fuse box area. It is crucial to verify these wire colors and locations with your Kia Soul’s wiring diagrams (available online or in a repair manual) to ensure correct connections. Incorrect wiring can damage your car’s electrical system.
Based on the original installer’s experience:
- Parking Lights: Connect the two purple wires (parking lights) from the keyless entry to the Green/black and Brown/black wires on the large white plug in the fuse box area. These wires will likely trigger your Kia Soul’s parking lights to flash when you lock/unlock the doors, providing visual confirmation.
- Constant 12V Power: Connect the red wire (power) from the keyless entry to the yellow wire on the large grey plug. This provides the constant power needed for the keyless entry system to operate.
- Ground: Connect the black wire (ground) from the keyless entry to a grounding point. The original installer used a screw to the left of the fuse box area. Ensure you are connecting to a solid metal part of the car’s frame for a good ground connection.
- Unlock: Connect the yellow wire (unlock) from the keyless entry to the yellow/black wire on the small white plug.
- Lock: Connect the brown wire (lock) from the keyless entry to the red wire on the small white plug.
5. Test Your Keyless Entry System
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Test Functionality: Use the key fob to test the lock and unlock functions. The doors should lock and unlock, and the parking lights should flash (if wired correctly).
6. Finalize Installation
- Secure Wiring: Use electrical tape to insulate all wire connections and zip ties to neatly organize the wiring harness.
- Reinstall Panels: Reinstall the plastic panels under the steering wheel and the fuse box cover.
Enjoy Your Upgraded 2014 Kia Soul Key Fob!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed a keyless entry system on your 2014 Kia Soul for a minimal cost. You can now enjoy the convenience of keyless entry every day.
Important Considerations and Disclaimer:
- Wiring Diagrams are Crucial: While this guide is based on a successful installation, wiring colors and locations can vary slightly. Always consult your Kia Soul’s specific wiring diagrams to confirm wire functions and locations before making any connections.
- Professional Installation: If you are not comfortable working with car electronics, it is always recommended to have a professional car audio or security installer perform the installation.
- System Compatibility: While the Bighawks system is mentioned, other aftermarket keyless entry systems are available. Ensure the system you choose is compatible with 12V automotive electrical systems.
- Key Fob Programming: In most cases, aftermarket keyless entry systems come with pre-programmed key fobs that should work immediately upon installation. If you encounter issues, refer to the keyless entry system’s manual for troubleshooting or programming instructions.
- Liability: This guide is for informational purposes only. Follow these instructions at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damage to your vehicle or the keyless entry system due to improper installation.
By following these steps and taking proper precautions, you can easily add the convenience of a key fob to your 2014 Kia Soul and enhance your ownership experience.
