2023-2024 Stellantis Passive Entry / Start-Stop Button Inoperative

Owners of 2023-2024 Stellantis vehicles, including the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Dodge Hornet, and Jeep Renegade, may experience a frustrating issue where the passive entry system and start/stop button become inoperative. This problem typically arises after the replacement of an Integrated Body Control Module (iBCM) or the programming of a new key fob. When this occurs, the "Passive Entry System is inoperative" and the "Start/Stop button (Keyless Go) does not change the ignition switch status."

Stellantis STAR Online Publication S2308000160 Rev. B addresses this specific condition, providing diagnostic steps and corrective actions for service technicians. The core of the problem lies with incorrect FOBIK ID data being written to the new components, which prevents the vehicle's keyless systems from functioning correctly.

Symptoms

Vehicle owners will notice that their passive entry system no longer works, meaning they cannot unlock or lock the vehicle by simply touching the door handle. Additionally, the Start/Stop button, which controls the ignition status, will be unresponsive, failing to change the ignition state when pressed. In some cases, the vehicle may still start if the key fob is pressed against the Start/Stop button for at least 5 seconds, or for GG (Hornet) and GC (Tonale) models, if the fob is placed near Passive Entry Antenna 4 in the front center console cup holder.

Diagnosis

The diagnostic approach depends on whether the iBCM or the key fobs were replaced. The underlying cause is often transposed FOBIK ID startup data stored on the Stellantis server, which is then incorrectly written to the new iBCM or key fob during initial programming. This data is permanent and cannot be corrected using standard tools like wiTECH or CDA.

If the iBCM was Replaced

If the original iBCM is still functional and can communicate, technicians can verify if reversed FOBIK ID data was written during programming. Each FOBIK has a unique ID. The diagnosis focuses on Enabled FOBIK 1 and 2, as these are critical for the wakeup data. Technicians use wiTECH to compare the ID Numbers from the replacement iBCM with those from the original iBCM. If the ID Numbers are found to be reversed (e.g., the ID for Enabled FOBIK 1 is now assigned to Enabled FOBIK 2 and vice-versa), it confirms that the reversed data is inhibiting the Passive Entry and Keyless Go functions.

If the Key Fobs were Replaced

For key fobs, the situation is different as they are preprogrammed by the supplier and ordered using the vehicle's VIN. wiTECH is primarily used for pairing them to the vehicle, not for checking FOBIK ID data directly. Diagnosis relies on confirming several conditions:

• The new fobs were ordered using the correct VIN.
• The issue of the Alfa Romeo Tonale passive entry inoperative occurred only after the fob replacement.
• No wiTECH errors were present during the fob pairing process.
• The new fobs allow the vehicle to start, even if only via the manual override method (pressing the fob against the Start/Stop button).
• There are no other Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that would independently inhibit Passive Entry and Keyless Go operation.

Important Warnings

For vehicles requiring an iBCM replacement due to this issue, technicians are explicitly instructed: "DO NOT attempt programming until STAR confirms the data is corrected." Programming a new iBCM before the FOBIK ID data on the Stellantis server is corrected will lead to the same problem. This crucial step prevents repeated component replacements and ensures the repair is effective.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process varies based on whether the iBCM or the fobs were replaced, or both.

For iBCM Replacement

If the FOBIK IDs for Enabled FOBIK 1 and 2 were found to be reversed, corrections to the FOBIK ID data stored on the Stellantis server are necessary. The technician must open a new STAR Center Case, referencing STAR Online Publication S2308000160 Rev. B. This case must include screenshots of both the original and replacement iBCM's Fob ID data from wiTECH. The STAR Center and Electrical FTS team will review the case and make the necessary corrections to the FOBIK ID data associated with the vehicle's VIN.

Once STAR confirms the data corrections are complete, a second replacement iBCM must be ordered. Only then can normal iBCM programming proceed. The original key fobs can still be used, and the Passive Entry and Keyless Go systems will operate normally. If the Fob IDs were not reversed, this STAR Online does not apply, and further diagnostics are required.

For Key Fob Replacement

If all five diagnostic checks for fob replacement are confirmed true, a STAR Center Case must be opened, again referencing S2308000160 Rev. B. The case should acknowledge these checks and request review by the Electrical FTS team for FOBIK ID data correction. After the updates are confirmed, replacement fobs must be ordered using the VIN. The supplier will preprogram these new fobs with the corrected startup data before they arrive at the dealer. Once received, the technician can complete the normal Enable FOBIK procedure using wiTECH to pair the fobs to the iBCM. The original iBCM can still be used, and the Alfa Romeo Tonale passive entry inoperative issue will be resolved.

For Both iBCM and Fobs Replaced

If both the iBCM and fobs were replaced, the diagnostic and repair steps for each individual component scenario should be followed. New iBCMs and fobs should only be ordered after the necessary data corrections have been made on the Stellantis server, ensuring the supplier can preprogram the fobs with the correct startup data.

Owner Action

If you own a 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, Dodge Hornet, or Jeep Renegade and are experiencing an inoperative passive entry system or start/stop button after an iBCM or key fob replacement, you should contact your authorized Stellantis dealership. Inform them about the symptoms and any recent component replacements. Reference Stellantis STAR Online Publication S2308000160 Rev. B, as it provides the specific diagnostic and repair procedures for this issue. The dealership will need to follow the outlined steps, which may involve contacting the STAR Center for data corrections before proceeding with component programming.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11007959, Stellantis STAR Online Publication S2308000160 Rev. B