What does it mean?
C1404 is a Chassis (ABS, traction control, steering) fault code. It indicates: Transfer Case Range Position Sensor Circuit Low .
Symptoms
- Service four wheel drive message and a warning lamp
- Position value in live data pinned at the bottom of its range regardless of the actual position
- Range shifts refused or aborted part way through
- Indicator does not match the range the vehicle is actually in
- Code sets at key on without driving
Likely causes
- Range position sensor signal circuit shorted to ground
- Chafed harness under the vehicle contacting the frame or a heat shield
- Sensor internally shorted or its wiper stuck on a low-resistance section
- Water inside the sensor or connector bridging signal to ground
- Corroded pins making unintended contact inside the connector shell
- Ground offset caused by a poor module ground so the reading looks low
- Control module input fault (least likely)
How to fix it
- Read the position sensor voltage in live data with the ignition on and compare it with the specified range
- Unplug the sensor and check whether the voltage rises to reference; if it does, the sensor is at fault
- With the sensor unplugged, measure resistance from the signal wire to ground to locate a shorted harness
- Inspect the connector and sensor body for water intrusion and corrosion
- Follow the harness under the vehicle looking for chafe points against the frame and heat shields
- Check the module ground with a voltage drop test
- Repair the harness or replace the position sensor, then verify a full range shift completes