B1956 – Seat Front Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery

The ODBII code B1956 indicates a malfunction in the front seat’s up/down potentiometer feedback circuit, specifically that there is a short circuit to the battery, which can affect the seat’s adjustment functionality.

The severity of ODBII code B1956 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1955 Seat Front Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Open

• Shorted wiring or connectors
• Faulty seat potentiometer
• Damaged seat control module
• Corroded or loose electrical connections
• Grounding issues
• Faulty power supply to the seat system

Common misdiagnosis for B1956 Seat Front 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)
• Battery or charging system problems
• Software or firmware issues in the vehicle’s control systems

Common Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with an OBD-II code B1956, which indicates a problem with the seat front up/down potentiometer feedback circuit short to battery, 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 seat adjustment system. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
• Check the potentiometer itself for physical damage or wear.
• Check the Potentiometer:
• Test the potentiometer for proper operation. You can do this by measuring the resistance across the potentiometer terminals while moving the seat up and down. The resistance should change smoothly without any abrupt jumps or drops.
• If the potentiometer is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
• Inspect the Circuit:
• Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the wiring between the potentiometer and the control module. Look for any shorts to battery voltage or ground.
• Check for any damaged wires or connectors that could be causing a short circuit.
• Check for Shorts:
• With the vehicle off, use a multimeter to check for continuity between the potentiometer signal wire and the battery positive terminal. A short circuit will show continuity.
• If a short is found, trace the wiring to locate the source of the short.
• Check the Control Module:
• If the wiring and potentiometer are in good condition, the issue may lie within the seat control module. Check for any fault codes related to the module and inspect it for damage.
• If necessary, reprogram or replace the control module.
• Clear Codes and Test Drive:
• After performing repairs, clear the trouble codes 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, consult the vehicle’s service manual for specific diagnostic procedures related to the seat adjustment system and the B1956 code.
• Professional Help:
• If you are unable to resolve the issue, 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 B1956 code.