2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale Power Liftgate Module Update

Owners of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale may encounter issues with their power liftgate, indicated by a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminating on the dashboard or specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs being set. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-225-24, also identified as Z08 FSAR-TSB-4288, addresses these concerns by providing a software update for the Power Liftgate Module (PLGM).

This bulletin applies to 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles built on or before November 30, 2023, with MDH 1130XX, that are equipped with a Power Liftgate (Sales Code JRC). The primary cause of these issues is identified as the PLGM software.

Symptoms

Owners experiencing issues with their Alfa Romeo Tonale power liftgate module may notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. In addition to the MIL, one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be present:

• B1004-01 - Rear Closing Lock Trunk Button - General Electrical Failure
• B1014-64 - Latch Switch Information - Signal Plausibility Failure

Customers might also report a warning message appearing on the Instrument Cluster Panel (IPC) that states, "check the electrical tailgate."

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the Alfa Romeo Tonale power liftgate module issue, technicians may find the following specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

Code	Description
B1004-01	Rear Closing Lock Trunk Button - General Electrical Failure
B1014-64	Latch Switch Information - Signal Plausibility Failure

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

This bulletin applies if a customer experiences a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle exhibits or sets one or more of the listed DTCs. Additionally, if the customer reports the warning message "check the electrical tailgate," the conditions for this TSB are met. Technicians should use a Scan Tool (wiTECH) to verify all related systems and ensure no other unrelated DTCs or symptoms are present before proceeding with the repair procedure.

Important Warnings

Several critical warnings must be observed during this repair to prevent damage to vehicle components and ensure a successful software flash:

• Brake Booster Vacuum Pump Protection: Removal of the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump is necessary for this repair procedure. Failure to remove the 30 Amp fuse for this component may result in damage to the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump.
• Battery Voltage Stability: It is crucial to install a battery charger to maintain stable battery voltage. Ensure the battery voltage does not drop below 13.2 volts during the flash process. Conversely, do not allow the charging voltage to climb above 13.5 volts.
• Interrupted Flash Process: If the software flash process is interrupted or aborted for any reason, the flash procedure should be restarted from the beginning.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Alfa Romeo Tonale power liftgate module involves updating the PLGM with the latest software using the wiTECH diagnostic tool. The procedure includes several steps:

1. Fuse Removal: Remove the 30 Amp fuse for the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump from the Power Distribution Center (PDC) located in the engine compartment.
2. PHEV Check: Determine if the vehicle is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
3. HV Battery Contactor Management (PHEV Only): For PHEV vehicles, disable the High Voltage (HV) Battery Contactors using the wiTECH tool's 'Misc Functions' tab. Confirm the contactors are open and wait five minutes.
4. PLGM Reprogramming: Reprogram the Power Liftgate Module (PLGM) with the latest software using the wiTECH Diagnostic Application. If any issues arise during this step, a ticket should be submitted to the Helpdesk.
5. Fuse Installation: Install the 30 Amp Brake Booster Vacuum Pump fuse.
6. HV Battery Contactor Re-enable (PHEV Only): For PHEV vehicles, enable the HV Battery Contactors using wiTECH's 'Misc Functions' tab.
7. DTC Clearing: Clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have been set in any modules due to the reprogramming process. The wiTECH application will assist in clearing these codes.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this software update, technicians will require a wiTECH or equivalent scan tool. This tool is essential for diagnosis, disabling/enabling HV battery contactors (for PHEV models), and reprogramming the PLGM.

Owner Action

If your 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale is exhibiting the symptoms described, such as a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination, specific DTCs like B1004-01 or B1014-64, or the "check the electrical tailgate" warning, you should schedule an appointment with an authorized Alfa Romeo dealership. The repair involves a software update to the Power Liftgate Module (PLGM) and is reimbursable under warranty provisions. The labor time for this procedure is estimated at 0.2 hours.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11010469