B1404 on 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Charging System Fault Guide

What's Unique About the 2014-2014 Land Rover RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

The 2014 Range Rover Evoque is unique regarding this code because Land Rover issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging a widespread software bug. Unlike many other vehicles where a charging light points to a bad alternator or battery, on this specific model year, the root cause is very often a glitchy Gateway Module that is overly sensitive. This is why the primary and most effective fix is a software update performed by a dealer, a solution confirmed by owner experiences and official manufacturer documents. This issue was prevalent enough to be included in Service Action Q406NAS1, which instructed dealers to update affected vehicles.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Battery charge warning indicator is illuminated on the instrument cluster.
• A battery warning message is displayed.
• The warning light and message may disappear after the vehicle is turned off and on again (an ignition cycle).
• The vehicle drives normally with no loss of power or electrical function.
• The Eco Stop/Start system may not function.

Most Likely Causes

1. Outdated Gateway Module (GWM) Software 🔴 High Probability Land Rover issued multiple TSBs (including SSM71499, LTB00647NAS3, and Q406NAS1) for the 2014 model year specifically to address this software error in the battery diagnostic routines. The issue was identified on vehicles fitted with a Dual Battery Junction Box (DBJB) and an auxiliary battery.
   How to confirm: A Land Rover dealer or specialist must connect the vehicle to the Symptom Driven Diagnostics (SDD) system to check the GWM software version and determine if an update is available. The TSB specifies using SDD DVD139.04 v.187 or later.
   Typical fix: Updating the Gateway Module software by running the 'Configure existing module - GateWay module' function in the SDD system. This is a labor-only procedure that requires dealer-specific tools.
   Est. part cost: $0

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Gateway Module (GWM): If a software update does not resolve the issue or cannot be performed, the module itself may have an internal hardware fault. The '-13' suffix on the code denotes a 'Circuit Open' condition, which can point to a hardware failure. The GWM is located behind the glove box on the passenger side.
🎬 See this video to locate the Gateway Module behind the dash.
• Wiring Harness Issue: Although the TSBs point to software, an actual open or short in the wiring harness leading to the Gateway Module could theoretically produce the same code. A visual inspection of wiring is a prudent step if a software update fails. On related platforms like the Freelander 2, similar charging faults have been traced to broken LIN bus wires at the alternator plug. The B1404-13 suffix specifically means 'Circuit Open', which often points to a wiring break.
• Faulty Dual Battery Junction Box (DBJB): TSB TECLTB00716, issued for 2014-2015 Evoques, notes that a poor electrical connection at the DBJB can cause the Eco stop/start system to be inoperative and register a diagnostic trouble code. While not directly citing B1404, it addresses a related component in the same system.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the complaint: Note the illuminated battery warning light on the instrument cluster.
2. Connect a professional diagnostic scanner (preferably the Land Rover SDD system) and read codes from the Gateway Module (GWM).
3. Confirm the presence of B1404-13. Note if B1479-72 is also present.
4. Follow the procedure outlined in TSB LTB00647NAS3: First, test the health of the primary and secondary batteries using a Midtronics battery tester. Charge or replace if necessary.
5. Connect a Jaguar Land Rover-approved battery power supply to the vehicle to maintain stable voltage during programming.
6. Using the SDD system (DVD139.04 v.187 or later), begin a new session and let it read the VIN.
7. From the 'Recommendations' tab, select 'Run' to perform the 'Configure existing module - GateWay module' function.
8. Follow all on-screen prompts, then clear all DTCs.
9. Disconnect the diagnostic tool and battery supply, then perform several ignition cycles and a test drive to ensure the warning light does not return.
10. If the code returns, inspect the wiring and connectors at the Gateway Module (located behind the glove box) for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
🎬 Watch: A quick guide to locating various modules on the Evoque.
11. If the software is current and wiring is intact, the Gateway Module itself is likely faulty and requires replacement.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Gateway Control Module (OEM #EJ32-14F681-AE) — This part is only needed in the rare case that a software update does not fix the problem and the module itself is determined to be faulty. Superseded or related part numbers may include EJ32-14F681-AC, EJ32-14F681-AF, and EJ32-14F681-AG.
  Trusted brands: Land Rover (OEM)
  OEM price range: $2089
  Aftermarket price range: $65-$150 (Used)

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• B1479-72 — This code, for 'Power supply distribution box actuator stuck open', is explicitly mentioned alongside B1404-13 in Land Rover TSBs Q406NAS1 and SGI14-44 as being stored simultaneously for the same Gateway Module software issue.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Q406NAS1: Mentions B1404-13 and B1479-72 stored in the Gateway Module due to a software issue causing a charge warning indicator.
• SGI14-44: Similar to Q406NAS1, identifies B1404-13 and a charge light as a known issue on vehicles with a Dual Battery Junction Box.
• LTB00647NAS2 / LTB00647NAS3: States the cause for B1404-13 is an error in the battery diagnostic routines and provides the detailed service instruction to update the Gateway Module software using SDD.
• SSM 71499: Identifies the charge light and B1404-13 code as a 'Potential software issue' and advises updating the Gateway module.
• SB-10056435-2267: Defines B1404-13 as 'Charging system open circuit' and confirms the cause may be a Gateway Module software issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins, including Q406NAS1, SGI14-44, LTB00647NAS2, and SSM 71499, were issued for the 2014 Evoque to address this specific software-related fault that causes a false charging system warning.
• Service Action Q406NAS1 specifically targeted a VIN range of 2014 Evoques (EH856584-EH881720) for a required Gateway Module software update.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Battery Voltage (at rest) — expected: ~12.6V. Failure: A reading below 12.4V suggests a discharged or failing battery. Always perform a load test for a definitive diagnosis.
• Charging System Voltage (engine running at ~2000 RPM) — expected: 13.5V to 14.5V. Failure: Voltage below 13.2V or dropping while the engine is running indicates the battery is not being charged.
• Voltage Drop (Alternator B+ post to Battery Positive post) — expected: Less than 0.2V. Failure: A reading over 0.2V indicates high resistance in the positive charging cable or connections.
• Voltage Drop (Alternator Housing to Battery Negative post) — expected: Less than 0.2V. Failure: A reading over 0.2V indicates a bad ground connection for the alternator.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• B1404-13: The '-13' suffix specifically indicates a 'Circuit Open' condition. While the root cause is often software, this suffix points to why the system *thinks* there's an open circuit. This is a critical detail for diagnosis if the software update fails. (see via Land Rover SDD, Pathfinder, or a high-level professional scanner capable of reading manufacturer-specific DTC suffixes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Land Rover SDD: Configure existing module - GateWay module — This is the specific service function required to perform the software update that fixes the B1404-13 bug. It is found under the 'Recommendations' or 'Extras' tab after SDD reads the vehicle's DTCs.
• Land Rover SDD: Clear all DTCs — This is a mandatory step after performing the GWM software update or any related hardware replacement to force the modules to re-evaluate the system status.
• Land Rover SDD: Battery replacement / Battery Monitoring System Reset — This function must be run if either the main or auxiliary battery is replaced. It recalibrates the Battery Monitoring System (BMS) to the new battery's characteristics, ensuring correct charging strategy. Failure to do this can cause persistent charging errors.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Gateway Module (GWM) — Located on the right side of the dash, accessible by opening the glovebox and removing the liner panel.. This is the module that stores the B1404-13 code and requires the software update. Physical access is needed to check its connectors and wiring if the software fix fails.
• G1D122B — A primary engine bay ground point located on the lower left front of the engine compartment.. A poor ground connection here can cause a variety of electrical issues, including incorrect readings for the charging system that could potentially trigger faults.
• G3D134 — A key ground point located on the right side of the dash structure.. This ground is in the same vicinity as the Gateway Module and serves various components in the dash area. A loose or corroded connection could affect the GWM's operation.
• Alternator LIN Bus Wire — A single-pin connector on the alternator responsible for communication with the vehicle's computer systems.. The Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus wire sends charging information to the Gateway Module. A break or corrosion in this wire or its connector would create a 'Circuit Open' condition, directly causing a B1404-13 code that a software update would not fix.
• Jump Start Negative Terminal — A specific bolt on an engine mounting, located on the right side of the engine bay just behind the windshield washer filler cap, designated for use as a ground point.. This is a main chassis ground point. Verifying its integrity is a good diagnostic step when troubleshooting any charging or electrical system fault.

OEM Part Supersession History

• EJ32-14F681-AC → EJ32-14F681-AE, EJ32-14F681-AF, EJ32-14F681-AG — Module hardware and software revisions to address bugs and improve performance.
  Heads up: While later versions like -AG are generally backwards compatible for the 2014 model year, a used module may require programming/coding by a dealer to match the vehicle's specific configuration.
• LR065104 → LR071383 — Land Rover service part number update for the Gateway Module assembly.
  Heads up: These are the Land Rover parts catalog numbers that correspond to the engineering numbers like EJ32-14F681-AG. Always verify with a dealer using the VIN.