B1952 – Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery

The ODBII code B1952 indicates a malfunction in the rear seat up/down potentiometer feedback circuit, specifically that there is a short circuit to the battery, which may prevent proper operation of the seat adjustment mechanism.

The severity of ODBII code B1952 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1951 Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Open

• Shorted wiring or connectors in the potentiometer circuit.
• Faulty rear seat up/down potentiometer.
• Corroded or damaged electrical connections.
• Malfunctioning seat control module.
• Grounding issues in the circuit.

Common misdiagnosis for B1952 Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery

• Faulty seat control module
• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Malfunctioning seat motor
• Incorrectly calibrated seat position sensor
• Issues with the body control module (BCM)
• Short circuits in the wiring harness
• Faulty potentiometer itself
• Software or firmware issues in the vehicle’s control systems

Common Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with an OBD-II code B1952, which indicates a problem with the rear seat up/down potentiometer feedback circuit (specifically a short to battery), you can follow these common troubleshooting steps:

• Scan Tool Verification:
• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the B1952 code. Check for any other related codes that may provide additional context.
• Visual Inspection:
• Inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the rear seat potentiometer. Look for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
• Check the potentiometer itself for any physical damage.
• Check Power and Ground:
• Use a multimeter to verify that the potentiometer is receiving the correct voltage. Check for battery voltage at the connector.
• Ensure that the ground connection is solid and free of corrosion.
• Test the Potentiometer:
• Measure the resistance of the potentiometer at various positions (up and down). Compare the readings to the specifications in the vehicle’s service manual.
• If the potentiometer is out of spec, it may need to be replaced.
• Inspect the Circuit:
• Check the wiring harness for any shorts to battery voltage. This can be done by performing a continuity test between the potentiometer circuit and the battery.
• Look for any pinched or frayed wires that could be causing a short.
• Check for Shorts:
• Disconnect the potentiometer and check the circuit for continuity to ground and battery. If there is continuity to battery with the potentiometer disconnected, there may be a short in the wiring.
• Test the Control Module:
• If all other components check out, the issue may lie within the control module that processes the feedback from the potentiometer. Consult the service manual for testing procedures.
• Clear Codes and Test Drive:
• After performing repairs or replacements, clear the codes using the OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns.
• Consult Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs):
• Check for any TSBs related to the B1952 code for your specific vehicle make and model. There may be known issues or recalls that could provide additional guidance.
• Professional Help:
• If the issue persists after following these steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or dealership, as they may have access to specialized diagnostic tools and resources. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the B1952 code.