2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Paddle Shifters Not Working TSB 21-035-24

2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Paddle Shifter Not Working: TSB 21-035-24 Addresses TCM Software Issue

Owners of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale may experience an issue where the vehicle's paddle shifters do not operate when the transmission is in Drive, only functioning correctly when the vehicle is in manual mode. This specific problem, identified in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-035-24, is caused by outdated Transmission Control Module (TCM) software. Stellantis has released this bulletin to provide a software update that resolves the Tonale paddle shifter not working condition.

Symptoms of the Tonale Paddle Shifter Not Working Issue

The primary symptom customers will notice is that their "Shift paddles will not work when the shifter is in Drive." Instead, the "Shift paddles only work when the transmission is in manual mode." This can limit the driver's ability to quickly shift gears in certain driving conditions when in automatic mode.

Cause of the Problem

The root cause of the Tonale paddle shifter not working issue has been identified as the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software. An update to this software is necessary to restore full functionality to the paddle shifters in both Drive and manual modes.

Important Warnings for the Repair Procedure

Technicians performing this repair must adhere to specific precautions to ensure a successful update and prevent damage to other vehicle components:

• Battery Voltage: A battery charger must be installed to maintain battery voltage between 13.2 and 13.5 volts during the flash process. Allowing the voltage to drop below 13.2 volts or climb above 13.5 volts can disrupt the update.
• Interrupted Flash: If the software flash process is interrupted or aborted for any reason, it must be restarted from the beginning.
• Fuse F81 Removal: It is critically important to remove the green 30 Amp fuse from cavity F81, which controls the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump, before beginning the reprogramming. Failure to remove fuse F81 may result in damage to the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in TSB 21-035-24 involves updating the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software. The process is as follows:

1. Prepare the Vehicle: Before starting, ensure a battery charger is connected and maintaining the correct voltage. Crucially, locate and remove the green 30 Amp fuse from cavity F81, which powers the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump, located in the engine compartment's Power Distribution Center (PDC).
2. Reprogram TCM: Using a wiTECH diagnostic tool, the technician will reprogram the TCM with the latest available software. If any issues arise during this flashing process, support can be sought through the wiTECH Diagnostic Application's Help menu.
3. Reinstall Fuse: Once the TCM reprogramming is complete, the green 30 Amp fuse from cavity F81 must be reinstalled.
4. Clear DTCs: After the software update, the wiTECH application will automatically display any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have been set during the reprogramming. These must be cleared from all modules.
5. Verify Functionality: The final step is to verify that the paddle shifters now function correctly when the vehicle is in Drive. If they do, the bulletin is completed. If not, additional diagnosis is required.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary tool required for this repair is a wiTECH diagnostic system or an equivalent scan tool capable of performing module reprogramming. No specific replacement parts are listed, as the repair is software-based.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and are experiencing the Tonale paddle shifter not working symptom, where the paddle shifters only work in manual mode, you should contact your authorized Alfa Romeo dealership. Reference Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-035-24. The repair involves a software update to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and is reimbursable under the provisions of your vehicle's warranty. The estimated labor time for this procedure is 0.3 hours.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11001284