Australia Bi-Modal Exhaust Updates

[basysmith]

You can't control when the valves are open and closed unless you're meeting the parameters of the bimodal ecu. So some people like to keep the valves open by disconnecting it. Unfortunately some people don't understand how it works and end up disconnecting the system with the valves are closed.

 

[Flameangel]

Cause its there and they like modding?

yep, it doesn't make any sense to disconnect it, if it's too loud should have stuck to stock, but I thought Bimodal does only come in on certain rpms and if you keep the car on sport mode.

 

[AV8R]

You can't control when the valves are open and closed unless you're meeting the parameters of the bimodal ecu. So some people like to keep the valves open by disconnecting it. Unfortunately some people don't understand how it works and end up disconnecting the system with the valves are closed.

Makes sense to me, I learnt something today

 

[Coast GT]

You can't control when the valves are open and closed unless you're meeting the parameters of the bimodal ecu. So some people like to keep the valves open by disconnecting it. Unfortunately some people don't understand how it works and end up disconnecting the system with the valves are closed.

Wouldn’t it make more sense then to fit an exhaust that’s always open rather than buying a bi-modal knowing that it opens and closes depending on set parameters?

 

[Stumpeter]

I didn't want the hassel of an aftermarket system and being dissapointed with the note, I knew what I was getting and got the Kia warranty too. I'm hoping that Kia may see the error of their ways and give us a patch that lets "sport" mode be permanently open. Why get Bi-modal? My wife drives it too she prefers stealth mode!

 

[Stumpeter]

You can't control when the valves are open and closed unless you're meeting the parameters of the bimodal ecu. So some people like to keep the valves open by disconnecting it. Unfortunately some people don't understand how it works and end up disconnecting the system with the valves are closed.

Does that mean if I disconnect the plugs with it running at idle, which is "open " mode, it will stay open indefinitely? I assumed there was an electromagnet in the circuit with a spring return. Sounds more like a stepper motor in the actuator in that case!

 

[Ozstung]

Wouldn’t it make more sense then to fit an exhaust that’s always open rather than buying a bi-modal knowing that it opens and closes depending on set parameters?

I went for an after market exhaust after i heard the bi modial reviews. I like the exhaust note from the moment i press the pedal and not have the sensation of wondering at what stage the exhaust will kick in.
We might ask @ShannonC to see what he may know about unplugging the exhaust?

 

[basysmith]

Kia's bimodal works exactly the same as an Xforce Varex with their smart box. The key points are;

• Xforce is a cat back with mid pipes and resonator that delete the secondary cats
• Kia's bimodal is a simple muffler replacement
• Xforce can be controlled using a manual switch or remote for on or off.. OR.. With an add on "smart box" that taps into the Canbus via OBD-II to set parameters like open when at 70% or open closed based on geo fencing (requires phone).
• Kia's bimodal also uses a "smart box" or ECU (as they call it) which taps into the Canbus to read speed and rpm DIRECTLY from the cluster which requires parts of the dash to come off to install.
• Both Xforce and Kia's bimodal run wiring down the side trim to the mufflers and are powered through a fuse tap in the fuse panel under the steering wheel.

This is where you can easily disconnect Kia's bimodal. Simply pull the fuse tap. If you've got a few fuse taps and are unsure (dashcam etc) just trace it back to the small "ECU" box they've put down there near the accelerator.

I suspect the Melbourne based company that produced the bimodal for Kia had strict instructions and regulations to follow as their solution could have been a lot easier to install if they simply tapped into the OBD-II. Something to do with variable exhaust sound being illegal unless it's an oem function of the car and fully integrated. That's just an educated guess though.

 

[basysmith]

Does that mean if I disconnect the plugs with it running at idle, which is "open " mode, it will stay open indefinitely? I assumed there was an electromagnet in the circuit with a spring return. Sounds more like a stepper motor in the actuator in that case!

Yes. When they're open, pull the fuse tap. The valves will then be stuck in that position until you supply power back to the bimodal ECU and valves.

 

[ShannonC]

Yes. When they're open, pull the fuse tap. The valves will then be stuck in that position until you supply power back to the bimodal ECU and valves.

I was thinking you could go this way as well. When my left side actuator fell apart the valve shaft was clearly visible and free moving so I had to put up with an annoying rattle most of the time. The entire system was replaced and the old returned to the factory for investigation as to why it failed.
View attachment 22956 View attachment 22956

 

[ZeroPenguins]

Yes. When they're open, pull the fuse tap. The valves will then be stuck in that position until you supply power back to the bimodal ECU and valves.

Interesting, so which fuse do I need to pull to keep the Bimodal exhaust open the entire time? Do you know the exact location, maybe a photo with the fuse highlighted would be helpful for some of us who are keen

 

[basysmith]

Interesting, so which fuse do I need to pull to keep the Bimodal exhaust open the entire time? Do you know the exact location, maybe a photo with the fuse highlighted would be helpful for some of us who are keen

I wouldn't trust it to be in the exact same spot for everyone because it's a fuse tap and will depend on things like existing taps for dashcam etc and where the installer decided to put it. Like I said, open the fuse panel under the steering wheel and look for a red fuse tap. If there's more than one then trace the power cable back to the ECU box near the accelerator, tucked up under the dash. If you don't know what a fuse tap is then you should probably take it to someone who does incase you go pulling at things you're not suppose to.

 

[ZeroPenguins]

I wouldn't trust it to be in the exact same spot for everyone because it's a fuse tap and will depend on things like existing taps for dashcam etc and where the installer decided to put it. Like I said, open the fuse panel under the steering wheel and look for a red fuse tap. If there's more than one then trace the power cable back to the ECU box near the accelerator, tucked up under the dash. If you don't know what a fuse tap is then you should probably take it to someone who does incase you go pulling at things you're not suppose to.

Sorry, I quickly read your post on my mobile when I was still at work. Now that I have taken a proper read, I get what you mean now, initially I thought you meant you just had to pull the fuse for the Bimodal exhaust (I totally missed the "tap" part).

I will give it a try sometime tomorrow and see how it goes.

 

[Hectic_AUS]

Might be a stupid question but can any of you explain why you would fork out $2600 on the bi-modal and then want to disconnect it? I don’t have it, I’ve thought about it, but I’m curious why you’d want to disconnect it.

wanted to actually compare to stock exhaust is all. Mine came with it fitted brand new from the dealer.
It seems less loud in ECO and Comfort mode, compared to Sport.. Really kicks in with a bark at 3500rpm..

 

[pdmit]

When you find the fuse just run it through an on/off switch then you can have it open all the time if you want

 

[app_master]

Do xforce varex (or another) do just a muffler type bimodal too?
So like the kia one but without the hefty price tag for essentially a muffler (...with a go loud mode via direct ecu integration and (the often mentioned) warranty).

 

[basysmith]

Yes.

 

[app_master]

Yes.

Cool, thanks, interested ... off the shelf or custom fab?
I only found this link on au website .. .KIA STINGER GT 3.3L V6 TWIN TURBO RWD 2017- | XForce Australia

 

[basysmith]

That's the one except I bought mine from sparesbox which have 20% off frequently.

 

[ShannonC]

When you find the fuse just run it through an on/off switch then you can have it open all the time if you want

Would the thick red single wire be the fuse tap?