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) runs a Stellantis electric parking brake (EPB) with a motor-driven spindle on each rear caliper. To fit new rear pads you must wind those motors fully open first — Alfa calls it Brake Service Mode. As on the Giulia and Stelvio, the mode is built into the infotainment system, so a routine rear pad change on the Tonale does not need a dealer tester; a generic OBD EPB tool will also drive the actuators if your screen lacks the option.
Putting the Tonale into Brake Service Mode
Service mode retracts both rear EPB actuators so the pistons press back. Set the mode before stripping the caliper. Park level, chock the front wheels, and keep a charger on the 12V battery — the Tonale’s hybrid 12V system must stay above its minimum for the actuators to run.
- Sit in the car, ignition ON (engine/hybrid system not driving), transmission in P, foot brake released.
- Confirm the EPB is released and the brake warning light is out.
- On the infotainment screen open Settings → Driver Assistance / brakes and select Brake Service Mode; confirm the prompt and follow it through.
- Wait for the “parking brake retracted” message. If you do not get it, release the parking brake and repeat. The mode winds the worm-gear motors to their end stop so the rotors and pads come free.
- Remove the rear wheels and the calipers.
With the actuators open, press each rear piston straight back with a spreader. The Tonale rear piston presses in — do not rotate it.
Critical warning: never force the pistons by hand
Do not lever, clamp or hammer a rear piston back while the EPB is still clamped. The motor and worm-gear spindle sit behind the piston; forcing it against a parked actuator strips the gears or shears the spindle — a new caliper, not a repair. Always retract the EPB electronically via service mode first. Never press the EPB switch with a caliper unbolted but still plugged in, and keep the negative battery lead disconnected (or the caliper unplugged) while the caliper is off the car.
Exiting service mode and bedding in
With new pads in and wheels on, exit Brake Service Mode in the infotainment menu. Then put the car in accessory position, depress the brake and toggle the EPB switch to release and re-arm it — you should get a “parking brake retracted/released” confirmation. Cycle the EPB on and off twice stationary, then drive at low speed and brake gently 10–15 times to seat the pads, avoiding hard stops for the first 150–200 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need wiTECH for Tonale rear pads? No, not for a routine pad change — Brake Service Mode is in the infotainment menu. A tool is only needed to clear a logged fault or recover a stuck system.
I don’t get the “parking brake retracted” message — what now? Release the parking brake fully and run the routine again. A 12V battery that has sagged will also block it, so connect a charger first.
Where is the mode on the Tonale screen? Under Settings, in the Driver Assistance / brakes area. Wording shifts slightly between software versions.
Does the Tonale’s hybrid system affect the job? The EPB still runs off the 12V supply, so keep that battery charged. Work with the vehicle in service/accessory mode, not ready-to-drive.
Do the rear pistons screw in? No. Once retracted they press straight in. Do not rotate them.
If a brake or EPB warning lamp stays on after the job, read the stored fault first — you can look up Alfa Romeo EPB and ABS codes on autodtcs.com before assuming the caliper is at fault.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Alfa Romeo. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.