U0404 A module received implausible data from the gear shift (shifter) module

Invalid data received from gear shift control module "A"

U0404 in short

U0404 means a module, usually the transmission computer, received data from the gear shifter module that did not make sense. Documented causes are transmission software, a dirty or failing shifter module, and power faults. It can leave the car stuck in Park or short of power, so have it checked soon.

On cars with an electronic shifter, the shifter module reads the lever position and sends it to the transmission computer over the network. U0404 means that message arrived but did not make sense, so the transmission may refuse to leave Park or limit how the car drives.

Software is a documented fix: Jeep's 2016 Grand Cherokee and Durango bulletin reprograms the transmission computer for U0404, and Jaguar says the 2014 F-Type can stick in Park when the engine starts before the shifter and transmission computer finish talking.

On older Jeep Commanders and Grand Cherokees, owners describe U0404 with lost power and all the PRND lights flashing, and dealers replaced the shifter module. Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice notes spilled drinks and debris can contaminate that module.

Most likely causes

  1. Transmission or shifter software that needs an update

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Jeep's 21-011-16 reprograms the transmission computer for U0404 on the 2016 Grand Cherokee and Durango, and Jaguar's JTB00324 describes a start-up timing issue on the 2014 F-Type.
    What would change this
    Rises if a dealer finds an update for your VIN. Falls if software is current.
    How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

  2. A dirty, corroded or failing shifter module

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Dealers replaced the shifter module for U0404 on a 2006 Commander and a 2007 Grand Cherokee, and Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice describes spilled drinks and debris in the Jeep shifter module.
    What would change this
    Rises if the gear the shifter reports on a scan tool does not match the lever. Falls if they always match.

  3. A blown fuse or power supply fault to the shifter module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A Honda dealer found a blown fuse behind U0404 and U0103 on a 2020 Ridgeline stuck in Park. This is a single case.
    What would change this
    Rises if U0103 (lost communication with the shifter) is also stored. Falls if all fuses and power feeds are good.

  4. Network wiring or connector fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Network faults are often harness problems in general, but none of the U0404 bulletins we found point to wiring.
    What would change this
    Rises if other lost-communication codes are stored. Falls if bus resistance and voltage are normal.

What to test first

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

  1. Scan all modules and note which module stored U0404 and any other codes, such as U0103, U0402 or P0700.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules

    • IfU0103 (lost communication with the shifter) is also stored

      It meansCheck power to the shifter module first.

      Go to step 2

    • IfU0404 is the main code

      It meansCheck for a software update.

      Go to step 3

  2. Check the fuses for the shifter and transmission circuits using the owner's manual fuse chart.

    Low riskTool: fuse puller, flashlight

  3. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin or software update for U0404.

    Low risk

  4. With a scan tool, compare the gear the shifter module reports with the actual lever position in each gear (vehicle parked, brake on).

    Low riskTool: scan tool with live data

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Transmission stuck in Park, unable to select a gear, or a Gearbox fault message
  • Blinking M on the shifter or cluster, or a bump on 2-1 downshifts while braking
  • Loss of power with all the PRND lights flashing Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Write down every code, especially U0103, U0402 and P0700 if present.

  2. Check the fuses for the shifter and transmission circuits, and replace a blown fuse with one of the same rating.

  3. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a transmission software update.

  4. If a drink was spilled near the shifter, tell the shop; contamination is a known cause on some Jeeps.

Parts and cost context

  • Transmission control module (TCM):U0404 is usually stored by the transmission computer, which is not usually the faulty part; the shifter module or software is checked first. Labor varies; get a quote.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Jeep

  • 2016 · Grand Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    Jeep 21-011-16: transmission software update for U0404 (also Durango). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2006–2007 · Commander

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owner complaints describe lost power with PRND lights flashing and U0404; a dealer replaced the shifter module. The 2007 Grand Cherokee has similar reports.

  • 21-011-16 REV. AStatus unverified

    TCM software, U0404

    2016grand-cherokee · issued · NHTSA 10121646

    Transmission computer update for U0404 in the TCM, 2-1 downshift bumps and a blinking M. Also covers Dodge Durango.

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

Land Rover

  • 2017–2018 · Range Rover Sport

    Supported by vehicle data

    Land Rover LTB01128: unable to select a gear or start with U0404-64 in the TCM. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • LTB01128NAS1Status unverified

    Unable to select a gear or start, Gearbox fault

    2017–2018range-rover-sport · issued · NHTSA 10130739

    Gearbox fault with U0402 and/or U0404-64; ignition off and on clears it.

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

  • U0402A module received invalid data from the transmission computer

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    Land Rover LTB01128 lists U0402 and U0404-64 together on the 2017-2018 Range Rover Sport when a gear cannot be selected.

  • U0155Lost communication with the instrument panel cluster

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    A Honda dealer found U0155 and U0404 together on a 2020 Ridgeline stuck in Park, traced to a blown fuse.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

U0404 questions

Why is my car stuck in Park with U0404?

The transmission computer does not trust the shifter's message, so it may refuse to leave Park. Bulletins point to software and start-up timing; a blown fuse or failing shifter module are other causes.

Sources and review

  1. Land Rover LTB01128NAS1: unable to select a gear or start, Gearbox fault (2017-2018 Range Rover Sport) — Jaguar Land Rover North America / NHTSA ,
  2. Jaguar JTB00324NAS1: transmission stuck in Park on start-up (2014 F-Type) — Jaguar Land Rover North America / NHTSA ,
  3. NHTSA complaint 10260649: 2006 Jeep Commander, U0404 and P0700 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. Jeep 21-011-16 REV. A: TCM software, U0404 (2016 Grand Cherokee, Durango) — FCA US / NHTSA ,
  5. NHTSA complaint 10456358: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, U0404 and U0103 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. Fix a Jeep U0404 code — Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice
  7. NHTSA complaint 11529664: 2020 Honda Ridgeline dark cluster, U0155 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  8. ASE L1 study guide: Network U-codes — Open Exam Prep
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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