B1953 – Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground

The ODBII code B1953 indicates a malfunction in the rear seat up/down potentiometer feedback circuit, specifically that there is a short to ground in the circuit, which can affect the seat’s adjustment functionality.

The severity of ODBII code B1953 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1952 Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery

• Damaged wiring or connectors in the potentiometer circuit.
• Shorted potentiometer.
• Faulty seat control module.
• Corroded or loose electrical connections.
• Water intrusion or moisture in the electrical components.

Common misdiagnosis for B1953 Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground

• Faulty seat control module
• Wiring issues or shorts in the harness
• Defective seat potentiometer
• Corroded connectors
• Incorrectly calibrated seat position sensor
• Software or firmware issues in the vehicle’s control system
• Other related sensor failures
• Grounding issues in the electrical system

Common Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with an OBD-II code like B1953, which indicates a problem with the rear seat up/down potentiometer feedback circuit shorted to ground, you can follow these common troubleshooting steps:

• Scan Tool Verification: Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the code and check for any additional codes that may provide more context about the issue.
• Visual Inspection:
• Inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the rear seat potentiometer. Look for signs of damage, fraying, corrosion, or loose connections.
• Check the potentiometer itself for any physical damage.
• Check the Potentiometer:
• Test the potentiometer with a multimeter. Measure the resistance across the potentiometer terminals while moving the seat up and down. The resistance should change smoothly without any drops to zero or spikes.
• If the potentiometer is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
• Inspect the Ground Circuit:
• Check the ground connections for the potentiometer circuit. Ensure that the ground is solid and free of corrosion.
• Use a multimeter to test for continuity between the ground wire and the vehicle’s chassis.
• Check for Shorts:
• With the multimeter, check for continuity between the potentiometer signal wire and ground. If there is continuity, it indicates a short to ground.
• Inspect the wiring harness for any pinched or damaged wires that could be causing the short.
• Test the Control Module:
• If the wiring and potentiometer are in good condition, the issue may lie within the control module. Check for any software updates or known issues with the module.
• If possible, test the control module with a known good unit to see if the problem persists.
• Clear the Code: After performing repairs, clear the code using the OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns.
• Consult Service Manual: If the issue persists, refer to the vehicle’s service manual for specific diagnostic procedures related to the B1953 code and the rear seat potentiometer circuit.
• Professional Help: If you are unable to resolve the issue after these steps, consider seeking help from a professional mechanic or an automotive technician who has experience with electrical systems. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially fix the issue related to the B1953 code.