C1494 Power transfer unit fork position fault stored by the Jeep 4WD/AWD controller

Jeep C1494 PTU fork position

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Stellantis ties the code to a MIL and a PTU warranty extension and one owner mentions a Do Not Drive recall, but we found no source we could confirm on how long it is safe to drive.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: The 4WD or AWD light stays on, the system is inactive or you hear clunking.

Source: how we rate severity

C1494 in short

On Jeep Cherokees, C1494 means the 4WD controller sees the power transfer unit shift fork out of position. The -07 version is a mechanical failure and the -92 version is a performance fault. Stellantis has a software update for -92 and a warranty extension and recall for some 2017-2019 vehicles; have the unit checked soon.

The power transfer unit sends drive to the rear axle on Jeep Active Drive vehicles, and a motor moves a fork inside it. The 4WD controller checks the fork position and stores C1494 when it is wrong.

Stellantis bulletins 21-007-16 and 21-070-15 describe a PTU software update when C1494-92 is stored on 2014-2015 Cherokee and 200 models. Bulletin 21-027-26 covers the -07 mechanical failure on the 2017-2019 Cherokee with a warranty extension; only summaries were read.

Owners report the 4WD light coming on and off or staying on, the system going inactive in winter, and a recalibration that does not last. Dealers have also been told to replace the PTU when -07 is set after the recall routine.

Pick your make

C1494 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Mechanical failure of the PTU fork or unit (C1494-07)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Stellantis 21-027-26 names C1494-07 as a mechanical failure and extends coverage on the two-speed PTU; a dealer instruction says to replace the PTU when it is set.
    What would change this
    Rises if -07 is set after the recall routine. Falls if only the -92 version is stored.
    How to test the power transfer unit (ptu)

  2. PTU software or calibration (C1494-92)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Stellantis 21-007-16 and 21-070-15 update PTU software for the -92 fault; one owner says the recalibration did not last.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds an update applies. Falls if the fork is damaged or the light returns after a recalibration.
    How to test the power transfer unit (ptu)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read the full code, including the -07 or -92 suffix, with a dealer scan tool.

    Best left to a shopTool: dealer scan tool (wiTECH)

    Warning:Dealer-level tools are needed to read and recalibrate the unit.

Symptoms

  • 4WD or AWD service light on or flickering
  • 4WD system inactive Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Clunking sounds from the drivetrain Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Ask a Jeep dealer to check your VIN for open recalls and warranty extensions on the power transfer unit.

Parts and cost context

  • Power transfer unit (PTU):Stellantis tells dealers to replace the PTU when C1494-07 is set after the recall routine; check coverage first.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Jeep

  • 2014–2023 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    Bulletins 08-292-26, 21-007-16, 21-027-26, 21-027-26 REV. A, 21-070-15, 9100444, 9100445 name C1494 on the Jeep Cherokee. Only the bulletin summary was read.

    Where it is:Power transfer unit, between the transmission and rear driveshaft

  • 2018–2020 · Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners of 2018 to 2020 Cherokees report C1494-07 or -92 with the 4WD light, an inactive system and clunking.

  • 08-292-26Status unverified

    Unable To Clear C1494-07 And C14A9-00 After 45A Recall Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ●

    2016–2017cherokee · issued · NHTSA 11035316

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 21-027-26Status unverified

    Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and

    2017–2019cherokee · issued · NHTSA 11031327

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 21-027-26 REV. AStatus unverified

    Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and

    2017–2019cherokee · issued · NHTSA 11031328

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 9100445Status unverified

    Power Transfer Unit If considering PTU Assembly replacement related to DTCs C14A7-97 or C1494-92, please be

    2019–2023cherokee · issued · NHTSA 11011799

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 9100444Status unverified

    Power Transfer Unit If considering PTU Assembly replacement related to DTCs C14A7-97 or C1494-92, please be

    2020–2023cherokee · issued · NHTSA 11011800

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 21-070-15Status unverified

    Flash: PTU Motor Position Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the software in the Power Transfer

    2014–2015cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10160081

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 68090604AStatus unverified

    Power Transfer Unit Prior to replacing the PTU, please review the following .~ Check if the service 4WD light

    9999jeep · issued · NHTSA 10149012

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 21-007-16Status unverified

    Flash: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Motor Position Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the software in

    2015–2016cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10118804

    Names the power transfer unit fork position code C1494 (-07 or -92) and prescribes a PTU software update or replacement, depending on the bulletin. Only the NHTSA flat-file summary was read, not the bulletin itself.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for C1494 yet.

All Drivetrain, 4WD and AWD codes

Sources and review

  1. FCA 21-027-26: two-speed power transfer unit, C1494-07 (2017-2019 Cherokee) — Stellantis (FCA US) ,
  2. NHTSA complaint 2214624: 2019 Jeep Cherokee, C1494-07 and C1417-97 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  3. NHTSA complaint 2075624: 2020 Jeep Cherokee, C1494-92 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  4. NHTSA complaint 2194881: 2018 Jeep Cherokee, C1494-07 PTU fork — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  5. FCA 21-007-16: PTU motor position enhancements (Cherokee) — Stellantis (FCA US) ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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