B1653 – Seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Short To Battery

The ODBII code B1653 indicates a short circuit in the driver seat recline backward circuit, meaning there is an unintended connection to the battery voltage, which can cause the seat recline mechanism to malfunction.

The severity of ODBII code B1653 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1652 Seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Open

• Shorted wiring or connectors in the seat recline circuit.
• Faulty seat recline motor.
• Malfunctioning seat control switch.
• Damaged or corroded electrical connections.
• Faulty body control module (BCM).

Common misdiagnosis for B1653 Seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Short To Battery

• Faulty seat recline motor
• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Malfunctioning seat position sensor
• Defective body control module (BCM)
• Short circuit in the wiring harness
• Issues with the power seat switch
• Grounding problems in the seat circuit

Common Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with an OBD-II code B1653, which indicates a “Seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Short To Battery,” you can follow these common troubleshooting steps:

• Check the Code: Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the B1653 code. Clear the code and see if it returns after a short drive.
• Inspect Wiring and Connectors:
• Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors associated with the driver seat recline mechanism. Look for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion.
• Pay special attention to the wires that lead to the recline motor and any connectors that may be loose or corroded.
• Test the Recline Motor:
• Disconnect the recline motor from the wiring harness.
• Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the motor. If the motor is shorted, it may need to be replaced.
• Check for Short Circuits:
• With the motor disconnected, use a multimeter to check for continuity between the recline motor circuit and the battery voltage. A short circuit may indicate a problem in the wiring.
• Inspect the circuit for any points where the wires may be pinched or touching metal parts of the vehicle.
• Inspect the Seat Control Switch:
• Check the seat control switch for proper operation. A malfunctioning switch can cause incorrect signals to be sent to the recline motor.
• Test the switch for continuity and proper function.
• Check the Ground Connection:
• Ensure that the ground connection for the seat recline motor is secure and free of corrosion. A poor ground can lead to erratic behavior.
• Examine the Body Control Module (BCM):
• If all other components check out, the issue may lie within the BCM. Inspect for any fault codes related to the BCM and consider reprogramming or replacing it if necessary.
• Look for Other Related Codes:
• Check for any other OBD-II codes that may provide additional context or indicate related issues.
• Consult Wiring Diagrams:
• Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for wiring diagrams to understand the circuit better and identify any other components that may be involved.
• Test Drive:
• After making repairs, clear the codes and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns. If you are not comfortable performing these steps or if the issue persists after troubleshooting, it may be best to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.