Dodge Hornet Electrical Bugs Explained: Solutions for Screen Glitches and Sensor Warnings
That moment you slide into your Hornet, press the start button, and nothing but a black screen stares back—it’s the kind of frustration that makes you miss the simpler days of just turning a key.
TL;DR
The Dodge Hornet has faced well-documented electrical issues since its 2023 debut, ranging from blank infotainment screens to false sensor warnings and battery drain. But most of these problems have solutions: official Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Dodge address specific issues like non-functioning dome lights and faulty radar sensors . A recall (98A) fixes loose high-voltage battery cable connections that can cause fires . Common screen glitches are often caused by something as simple as accidentally pressing the volume knob, or they’re resolved with a dealer software update . Sensor errors can be triggered by bright sun, heavy rain, or even a misaligned steering wheel, and many are fixed through software recalibration .
Key Takeaways
- Most Screen Issues Are Fixable: A blacked-out Uconnect screen is often caused by accidentally pressing the volume control knob or a software bug that requires a dealer update .
- TSBs Are Your Friend: Official Dodge Technical Service Bulletins address specific problems like non-working dome lights (TSB 08-047-24 REV. A) and malfunctioning cruise control radar (TSB 08-062-24) .
- Watch the 12V Battery: Many owners report dead batteries triggering alarm systems and preventing the car from starting, especially in cold weather .
- Recall 98A Is Critical: Loose cables on the high-voltage battery can overheat and cause a fire—Dodge will fix this for free .
- Sensor Errors Are Common: Forward collision warnings and lane assist failures can be triggered by bright sunlight, heavy rain, or a misaligned steering wheel .
The Hornet’s Electrical Reputation: What’s Really Going On?
Let’s be straight: the Dodge Hornet has had a bumpy start. Built in Italy alongside its cousin, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, it was Dodge’s first new model in years—and it showed some growing pains . Recalls for electrical issues and brake-pedal concerns dented consumer confidence, and owner forums quickly filled with complaints about warning lights, dead batteries, and black screens .
But here’s the important part: most of these issues have fixes. Dodge has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and recalls to address them. The problem isn’t that the Hornet is fundamentally broken—it’s that early production models shipped with software bugs and some assembly issues that needed to be ironed out. The bad news? You might need to visit a dealership to get them fixed. The good news? The fixes exist and they’re covered under warranty .
Screen Glitches: Why It Goes Black and How to Fix It
The Volume Knob Trick
Before you panic, try this: press down on the volume control roller on the center console. Seriously. This button toggles the screen on and off, and many owners have “fixed” their blank screen just by pressing it .
Soft Reset
If the knob trick doesn’t work, a soft reset might. There are documented procedures for resetting the Uconnect system—check your owner’s manual or ask your dealership . One owner even pointed to page 151 of the manual for reset instructions .
Dealer Software Update
If the screen stays black, it’s likely a software bug. Many owners have reported that a dealer-installed software update solved the problem . One owner was frustrated that their dealer didn’t check for the latest software before delivery, but once the update was applied, the screen worked fine .
Persistent Screen Off
Some owners have reported that the large center display defaults to “off” every time they start the car, requiring them to manually press the volume knob each time . The system doesn’t seem to have a setting to keep the screen on by default, so this might just be a quirk you’ll need to live with—or check with your dealer about a potential update.
Sensor Warnings: False Alarms and What Triggers Them
Forward Collision Warning
This is one of the most common complaints. The forward collision warning light pops on and off at random, often accompanied by a message saying the system is temporarily unavailable .
Common triggers:
- Bright sunlight: Driving directly into the morning or evening sun can temporarily blind the sensor .
- Heavy rain or snow: The sensor can get blocked or confused by bad weather .
- Dirt or debris: A dirty windshield or sensor cover can cause false alarms .
The fix: If it’s an occasional error triggered by weather or sun, it’s probably not a mechanical problem . If it happens constantly, a dealer recalibration or software update might be needed. In some cases, owners report a repair that went beyond software—like a wire rubbed through by a sharp edge causing a short to the body control module .
Lane Assist and Cruise Control Failures
Some owners have reported lane assist randomly going in and out, and cruise control shutting off shortly after being engaged . These symptoms are often tied to radar sensor issues.
The fix: TSB 08-062-24 addresses cruise control issues related to a code C1409-97 (radar sensor blind) . A dealership can apply this update to fix the problem. One owner noted that after their software updates, the issues stopped—though they also had two loose steering column bolts tightened, which might have been contributing to sensor misalignment .
“Service Electronic Throttle Control” Message
One owner reported a Hornet displaying “Service Electronic Throttle Control” along with Sport mode not working . The code P0106 (MAP sensor voltage range issue) can be caused by:
- A loose or cracked intake hose
- Faulty wiring or dirty electrical contacts
- A bad engine ground
The fix: This requires proper diagnosis at a dealership. It could be a simple ground repair or a more involved sensor replacement. Don’t ignore this warning—it affects drivability .
Battery and Power Issues: The Root of Many Problems
The 12V Battery Problem
Here’s a surprising fact: the Hornet’s advanced electronics are extremely sensitive to the health of the 12-volt auxiliary battery. When this battery gets low, all sorts of weird things happen:
- The car won’t start
- The theft alarm goes off randomly
- The car won’t charge (even on the Level 1 charger)
- The clock resets to 24-hour time
Why it happens: Cold weather is a major trigger. One owner reported that when temperatures dropped, their battery couldn’t hold a charge, and the car wouldn’t accept a charge from the Level 1 cord . The dealer replaced the battery and reflashed the system, but the issue returned after another cold snap .
The fix: TSB S1408000384 addresses the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) providing inaccurate State of Charge readings, which triggers warning lamps and charging messages . In some cases, the battery itself needs to be replaced under a recall . Dealers are aware of this issue and have a fix: replace the 12V battery and ensure the vehicle has the latest software updates.
Recall 98A: The Fire Risk
This is the serious one. NHTSA Recall 23V623000 (campaign number 98A) affects 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet PHEVs and Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEVs . The 12-volt battery positive cable and/or high-voltage connector cable may not be tightened properly. This can cause overheating of electrical connections and result in a fire while parked or driving.
What to do: If you own a 2023-2024 Hornet, contact your dealer immediately to have the cables inspected and tightened . Chrysler also issued a warning to owners to park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete.
What to Do If You’re Affected
- Check your VIN. Visit the NHTSA recall website or ask your dealer to check if your Hornet has any open recalls, especially 98A.
- Keep your battery charged. A healthy 12V battery is critical. If you live in a cold climate, consider a battery maintainer when the car is parked for extended periods .
- Ask about TSBs. If you’re experiencing specific issues, ask your service advisor if there’s a Technical Service Bulletin that applies. TSBs are not automatically applied—you may need to request them .
- Document everything. Keep a log of when issues occur and what the car was doing. This helps the dealer diagnose and fix the problem.
- Consider a buyback. If the issues are persistent and your vehicle has been in the shop repeatedly, some owners have successfully pursued lemon law claims or buybacks .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my Dodge Hornet screen keep going black?
Often, it’s as simple as accidentally pressing the volume knob on the center console, which turns the screen off . If that’s not the case, it’s likely a software bug that requires a dealer update .
What is TSB 08-047-24 REV. A for?
This Technical Service Bulletin addresses a wiring issue with the dome lamps and an update to the Body Control Module. The fix involves adding a resistor to the wiring harness .
My Hornet’s battery keeps dying. What’s wrong?
The 12V auxiliary battery is sensitive to cold weather and can fail, triggering all sorts of electronic issues . There’s a TSB for the Intelligent Battery Sensor, and dealers can replace the battery under warranty .
Why does the forward collision warning light come on randomly?
Bright sunlight, heavy rain, or snow can temporarily blind the sensor . If it happens constantly, a dealer recalibration or software update may be needed .
What is Dodge recall 98A?
It’s a recall for 2023-2024 Hornet PHEVs to inspect and tighten loose high-voltage battery cable connections that can cause fires .
My Hornet was in the shop for electrical issues, and it came back with the same problem. What now?
Some owners have experienced recurring issues, with steering and body control modules losing calibration repeatedly . In these cases, a deeper wiring issue or a component failure may be causing the problem, requiring more in-depth diagnosis .
Sources and Official Resources:
Have you experienced electrical gremlins with your Hornet? What fixed the problem for you? Share your story in the comments—it might help another owner find the right solution!
