U0404

  • Network & Communication
  • Generic (SAE)
SeveritySeverity level 4 of 5: Get it looked at now.

Get it looked at now

Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.

Standard definition

Invalid Data Received from Gear Shift Control Module

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

The Gear Shift Control Module is present on the data bus but the values it reports are implausible — out of range, frozen, or failing the checksum or rolling-count check. The receiving modules reject the data. Shift-by-wire gear selection may be wrong or blocked. Causes include a faulty sensor feeding the module, internal computation errors, a software or calibration mismatch after a repair, or bus interference corrupting the frames.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.
Urgency
Get it looked at now
Will it pass emissions
Not affected
Check engine light
Solid
Symptoms you may notice
  • Multiple warning lights may illuminate
  • Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
  • Specific functions inoperative depending on module
  • Diagnostic tools may show communication faults

Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.

Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1Shift module internal faultCommon
2CAN corruption causing checksum errorsCommon
3Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyOccasional

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
  • Gear Shift Module
  • CAN Bus Wiring
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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