2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale, Dodge Hornet Low Battery SOC

Symptoms: Inoperative Heated Systems

Owners of 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles may observe that their rear window defroster and heated mirrors are not operating. A key characteristic of this issue is the absence of any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) when the vehicle is scanned. This lack of fault codes can make diagnosis challenging for technicians.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause for the inoperative heated systems is often a low Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC). The vehicle's control systems are designed to inhibit the operation of the heated rear window and heated side view mirrors when the IBS-SOC value falls below 65%. This measure is implemented to preserve overall battery capacity for essential vehicle functions.

Technicians can diagnose this condition by using a scan tool to view the current Intelligent Battery Sensor-State of Charge (IBS-SOC). This value can be found under "OBDII Monitors" > "select OBDII Folder" > "Engine Start Stop" > "IBS SOC percent charge."

Important Warnings

This document, identified as manufacturer communication S2308000069 Rev. B, does not authorize warranty repairs. It serves as a record of past experiences and does not provide definitive conclusions about what is wrong with a vehicle. Instead, it compiles known cases related to the described symptom. Technicians are advised to use their expertise to determine the appropriate course of action.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Tonale Hornet low battery SOC and restore functionality to the heated systems, a specific procedure is recommended. First, ensure all connections at the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) are secure. If the battery's State of Charge is low, it should be properly charged using an available battery charger.

Once the battery is sufficiently charged, perform three repeat ignition cycles to allow for correct initialization of the IBS. This sequence involves:

1. Ignition OFF
2. Ignition ON
3. Start Engine (driving is not required)
4. Ignition OFF

After completing the ignition cycles, lock the vehicle using the keyless remote control. The vehicle must then remain undisturbed for at least four hours to enter a deep BUS sleep mode, allowing the IBS to complete its calibration process. Finally, a test drive should be performed to confirm the proper operation of the heated systems once the battery's SOC is above 67% and the IBS has reset.

What Owners Should Know

If your 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale or Dodge Hornet is experiencing the Tonale Hornet low battery SOC issue, it's crucial to understand that replacing the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) is generally not the solution for low battery SOC readings. The primary focus should be on ensuring the battery is adequately charged and that the IBS connections are verified. This approach helps resolve the inoperative heated systems without unnecessary part replacement.

Source

NHTSA ID: 11018280