2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale / Dodge Hornet AEB/FCW Shut Off

Owners of 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles may observe their Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems temporarily shutting off. This behavior is accompanied by two distinct icons appearing on the lower left and right sides of the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). This communication, identified as TSB S2308000134 Rev. B, clarifies that such occurrences are typically not indicative of a fault but rather represent the normal operational limitations of these advanced driver-assistance systems.

Important Warnings for Owners

Stellantis has issued specific guidance regarding this condition, emphasizing what owners and technicians should know:

• Do not replace parts: "Do not replace any parts or perform any calibrations for this concern." This clearly indicates that the system's temporary unavailability is not due to a defective component requiring replacement.
• Normal System Behavior: It is crucial for customers to understand that this is "normal system behavior" designed to warn the driver when the system is temporarily unable to function optimally. The document explicitly states, "These are limitations of the system and should not be considered a fault."
• Software Updates will not eliminate limitations: While software updates are available to improve system stability, they "will not eliminate the system limitations described above." This means the system may still temporarily shut off under certain conditions even after updates.
• Future cruise control updates uncertain: Engineering is investigating potential software updates for regular cruise control in rural environments, but these "may or may not be released in the future." The current limitations for cruise control in such conditions are considered normal operation.

Symptoms You Might Notice

If you own a 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale or Dodge Hornet, you might experience the following:

• The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system temporarily deactivates.
• The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system temporarily deactivates.
• Two separate warning icons illuminate on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).
• The specific message displayed may be "Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) And/Or Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Will Shut Off."

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The temporary shut-off of the Alfa Romeo Tonale AEB FCW system is primarily triggered by environmental factors that impede the Forward Facing Camera's (HALF) ability to accurately perceive its surroundings. These conditions include:

• Weather: Sun blindness, heavy rain, snow, or fog can obscure the camera's view.
• Visibility: Any environmental condition that affects the driver's clear view out of the windshield can similarly impact the camera.
• Rural Environments: In areas with limited objects or vehicles in view, such as open rural roads, the system may shut off because it lacks sufficient reference points to function correctly. This is considered expected operation.

Repair Procedure Summary

For the Alfa Romeo Tonale AEB FCW issue, the manufacturer's communication emphasizes that no parts replacement or calibration is required for the temporary shut-off condition itself. Instead, the focus is on understanding the system's inherent limitations.

However, TSB software flashes have been released for the Forward Facing Camera (HALF), Driver Assistance Module (DASM/ACC), and the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). These updates are intended to improve the overall stability and operation of these systems. While these software updates should be performed, it is important to reiterate that they will not eliminate the fundamental limitations that cause the system to temporarily shut off under specific environmental or driving conditions.

What Owners Should Do

If you observe the "Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) And/Or Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Will Shut Off" message in your 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale or Dodge Hornet, it is important to understand that this is often a normal response to environmental conditions. You should:

• Do not be alarmed: Recognize that this is typically a temporary condition and not a sign of a system malfunction or a need for immediate repair.
• Consult your dealer: Discuss TSB S2308000134 Rev. B with your dealership to ensure that all applicable software updates for your Forward Facing Camera (HALF), Driver Assistance Module (DASM/ACC), and Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) have been performed. These updates aim to improve system stability, even if they don't eliminate the temporary shut-offs.
• Understand system limitations: Be aware that these advanced safety systems have limitations and may not always be available, especially in adverse weather or certain driving environments. The Alfa Romeo Tonale AEB FCW system is designed to alert you when it cannot operate effectively.

NHTSA ID: 11006198