2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale / Dodge Hornet Radio Software Update

Owners of 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles equipped with the Uconnect 5 radio may experience a range of functional problems due to outdated radio software. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-002-25, also identified as Z08 FSAR-TSB-4704, details a Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) update designed to resolve these concerns. This update will bring the radio software from version T27.52 to U29.44 and then to U33.43.

This bulletin serves as an informational guide for dealers on the FOTA update process, which customers can perform themselves. The update addresses various symptoms related to navigation, media, and other infotainment features, ensuring optimal performance of the Uconnect 5 system in the affected vehicles.

Symptoms

Customers may notice one or more of the following issues with their Uconnect 5 radio system:

• "Unable to select the Turn by Turn Navigation."
• "Blank performance pages (Rearview Camera (RVC) functions normally)."
• "Android Auto® Voice Recognition (VR) inoperative."
• "Media Tuner delayed."
• "Charge Schedule not accepting updates via phone (RVC functions normally)."
• "Ambient light inoperative."
• "Map in Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) inoperative."
• "Media Widget blank."
• "Navigation Map black."
• "Off-Road Pages inoperative (RVC functions normally)."
• "VR inoperative."
• "Incorrect song title displayed (Carplay® only)."
• "Radio display switches from Media Page to Home Page (RVC functions normally)."
• "Ghost touch on Navigation screen (RVC functions normally)."
• "Widgets missing."
• "New User Profile does not load."
• "Returns to wrong page after View Camera Event selected by customer in the Camera View Pages (RVC functions normally)."

Cause

All the reported symptoms stem from issues within the radio software. The TSB indicates that an update to the latest software version is necessary to correct these malfunctions and restore full functionality to the Uconnect 5 system. This 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale radio software update is critical for resolving these operational glitches.

Important Information for Owners

Owners should be aware of several key points regarding this Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) update:

• The national launch for this FOTA update is expected to begin on December 08, 2024.
• Vehicles in the U.S. and Canada are receiving software updates "over-the-air" through a built-in cellular modem.
• Customers will receive a notification on their radio screen when new software is available. Figure 1 illustrates the "Software Acceptance Screen" that will appear.
• Owners have the option to update the radio immediately or schedule the update for later. However, there is no option to decline the update indefinitely; the update must be performed.
• This TSB is for informational purposes for dealers and does not contain a Labor Operation (LOP) for reimbursement, implying the update is a standard procedure.

Repair Procedure Summary

To complete the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale radio software update via FOTA, customers will follow these steps:

1. Vehicle Preparation: The vehicle must be in 'Park', and the ignition needs to be in the off position.
2. Initiate Update: When the "Software Acceptance Screen" (Fig. 1) appears, select "Update Now." Once selected, the customer can turn off the vehicle and leave. The update will proceed and complete automatically.
3. Completion: The update process may take several minutes. Upon successful completion, the radio will display a confirmation message, as shown in Figure 2, indicating that the Uconnect system has been updated with the latest software.