If we took the title above it would easily fit into the question/answer format of the popular American gameshow, Jeopardy®. We’d most likely find the question under the category called FCA, which stands for Fiat® Chrysler® Automobiles. The answer would be something like this: a programming process that allows modules or electronic control units (ECUs) to communicate with the vehicle.

 

What does Proxi Alignment mean?

On many Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicles, when you replace a module like a body control module or an instrument cluster, you are required to do a procedure for the vehicle to recognise that a new module has been installed.  
FCA Group® calls this a Proxi Alignment procedure (also known as a 'Proxi Configuration').
In fact, a few years ago, I would explain that this type of procedure was an automotive repair version of an ‘introduction and a handshake’ for when a new module or component is installed. 
Imagine being in a room full of complete strangers who are completely ignoring you. Between one another, they are all acting like family - laughing, talking, and hugging one another. They seem to not even realise that you are there. Then a friend of yours arrives and introduces you around the room to everyone there. You shake each hand and get their names and they do the same. They immediately accept you into their family.  
In a nutshell, Proxi Alignment is that friend that introduces the new module to all the components and configurations that make up the family unit we call the vehicle.
All the various computer modules and components around the vehicle need to talk to each other and accept each other. Proxi Alignment tells them all to accept each other. This procedure is used when components are changed, or when communication is lost for some reason.
Common misconceptions are that it has something to do with Controller Area Network (CAN) set-up, but it does not. Nor does it have anything to do with flash ECM or reflash ECM. 
Now before you think that your search for Proxi Alignment is a misspelling if you are using Google® search engines, I want to mention that the word “proxy” is commonly misspelled using the letter “Y” instead of an “I”. Even as someone who is known to stump Microsoft® Word™ spellcheck when it has a difficult time knowing what I’m trying to spell, know that there are multiple ways to spell this term. For the purpose of this article, since FCA Group® spells it with an “I”, we’re going to keep it that way in this article. 
Another interesting note: in the United Kingdom, Proxi Alignment is one of the top 10 Googled™ phrases due to its’ popularity in that region of the world.  To be transparent, the search popularity may be due to the difficulty technicians have when working on Fiat® vehicles themselves, rather than this being an incredibly hot topic. How many times do you think Proxi Alignment Fiat® Ducato™ has been searched for?
While in the United States, Proxi Alignment may be a lesser known term, compared to the U.K.,  there are a variety of car manufacturers that require it, such as Jeep®, Alfa Romeo®, Chrysler® to name a few. We’ll dive more into this shortly, below. 

What components and vehicles should I expect will require a Proxi Alignment?
 

• BCM – Body Control Module
• IPC – Instrument Cluster Panel
•  DSM – Display Screen Module
• SDM – Sliding Door Modules (left and right)
• CTM – Convergence Telematic Computer

 

There are certainly more components that can be added to the list, above, but these ones are the core items. 

The OEMs that can require Proxi Alignment are the following:

 

• 2001 – 2023 Alpha Romeo®
• 2011 – 2023 Chrysler®
• 2006 – 2023 Citroen®
• 2012 – 2023 Dodge®
• 2004 – 2017 Ferrari®
• 1991 – 2023 Fiat®
• 2014 – 2023 Jeep®
• 2006 – 2023 Peugeot®
• 2014 – 2023 Ram®

What Proxi Alignment tool do I need?

The good news is that your up-to-date Snap-on® scan tool will do the job. Take a look at the case study below using a TRITON-D10.
 

Fiat® 500 Proxi Alignment - Case Study 

 

Make: Fiat® 500

Model: 1.4L Turbo

 

Vehicle has a new module installed. Prior to starting the vehicle, the module needs to be calibrated to the vehicle. Using the Proxi Alignment functional test, the new module is properly calibrated to the vehicle. This process will properly set up the new module for the vehicle.

 

After identifying the vehicle, we will select Proxi Alignment found under Body Controls.

Next, the screen displays an explanation for the procedure.

The current Proxi status is displayed

And just like that, handshakes all around and everyone is one big happy family.

IMPORTANT – If a Proxi Alignment is NOT completed when required, an engine light may stay on or issues with various components may occur. 
Remember, Proxi Alignment is your friend.