These instructions apply to the Alfa Romeo Tonale Mk1 (965) 2022-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale (965, 2022–Present) is Alfa’s newest compact SUV and, like the Giulia and Stelvio, it is a full keyless car with a push-button START/STOP ignition and proximity smart fob. When the fob coin cell dies, hands-free entry and remote locking stop, but the engine still starts — the immobiliser transponder inside the fob is passive and runs on no battery of its own. This guide covers the backup start, getting in with the emergency blade, and fitting a fresh cell.
Starting the Tonale With a Dead Fob
The Tonale can read the fob’s chip at close range, so present the fob to the button or backup holder:
- Get in using the emergency blade (next section) and sit in the driver’s seat with the door closed.
- Press the brake pedal fully and keep it held.
- Hold the fob flat against the START/STOP button, badge face to the button, so the chip sits right on it. (The handbook also lists a backup holder location in the console for resting the fob.)
- With the brake still pressed, push the START/STOP button. The engine starts.
If nothing happens, turn the fob over and try the other face square against the button, then press START again with the brake down.
Unlocking the Door With the Emergency Blade
A flat fob will not unlock the Tonale by proximity or by button, so use the hidden metal blade.
- Slide the release catch on the fob and pull out the emergency key blade.
- The driver’s door lock barrel sits under a small cap behind the door handle — prise the cap off with the blade tip.
- Insert the blade and turn to unlock.
- This can trigger the alarm; it cancels as soon as you start the car with the recognised fob.
- Refit the cap and slide the blade back into the fob.
Why the Engine Still Starts
The Tonale fob holds a battery-powered radio for hands-free locking and a separate battery-free transponder for the immobiliser. Holding the fob on the START button lets an antenna behind it energise the chip and read its code directly. That is why a completely dead fob still starts the engine; only the remote and proximity functions drop out until you replace the cell.
Replacing the Key Fob Battery
The Tonale fob uses a single CR2032 3V lithium coin cell.
- Slide the catch and remove the emergency blade to release the cover.
- Rotate the battery plug anticlockwise (or unclip the rear) to reach the cell.
- Lift out the old CR2032 and fit the new one with the “+” side facing up.
- Refit the plug or clip the case shut, then reinsert the blade.
- Stand by the car and press a button to confirm remote locking has returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a Tonale when the fob battery is dead? Hold the fob flat against the START/STOP button, press the brake, then push START. The car reads the chip by close-range induction.
Which battery does the Tonale fob take? A CR2032 3V lithium coin cell.
Can I start the Tonale with just the blade? No. The blade only unlocks the driver’s door; the fob must be present at the button for the immobiliser to allow starting.
Why won’t the Tonale unlock as I walk up to it? Passive entry needs a live fob battery. With a dead cell, use the emergency blade in the door lock, then replace the battery.
Will touching the fob to other keys or a phone stop it reading? Yes — keep the fob clear of other key fobs, coins and contactless cards when holding it to the button, as metal and other transponders can block the signal.
If a warning light remained on after a flat fob or weak 12V battery, you can decode exactly what the fault means on our sister site autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Alfa Romeo. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.