B1959 – Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Open

The ODBII code B1959 indicates a malfunction in the seat recline potentiometer feedback circuit, specifically that the circuit is open, meaning there is a break or disconnection in the electrical path that monitors the position of the seat recline mechanism.

The severity of ODBII code B1959 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1958 Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Failure

• Faulty seat recline potentiometer
• Damaged wiring or connectors in the feedback circuit
• Corroded or loose electrical connections
• Short circuit in the wiring harness
• Malfunctioning seat control module
• Software issues in the vehicle’s control system
• Physical obstruction or mechanical failure in the seat mechanism

Common misdiagnosis for B1959 Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Open

• Faulty seat recline motor
• Wiring issues or shorts in the harness
• Defective seat control module
• Incorrectly calibrated seat position sensors
• Malfunctioning body control module (BCM)
• Issues with the power supply to the seat system
• Faulty connectors or terminals
• Software glitches in the vehicle’s control systems

Common Troubleshooting Steps

When dealing with an OBD-II code B1959, which indicates a problem with the seat recline forward/backward potentiometer feedback circuit being open, you can follow these common troubleshooting steps:

• Check the Code: Confirm that the code is indeed B1959 and not a related code. Use an OBD-II scanner to verify.
• Visual Inspection:
• Inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the seat recline potentiometer. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
• Check the seat harness for any fraying or breaks.
• Test the Potentiometer:
• Use a multimeter to test the potentiometer. Measure the resistance across the potentiometer terminals while moving the seat recline mechanism. The resistance should change smoothly without any dropouts.
• If the potentiometer is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
• Check for Shorts or Opens:
• With the multimeter, check for continuity in the wiring between the potentiometer and the vehicle’s control module. Look for any open circuits or shorts to ground.
• Inspect the ground connections to ensure they are secure and free of corrosion.
• Inspect the Control Module:
• If the wiring and potentiometer are functioning correctly, the issue may lie within the control module itself. Check for any software updates or known issues with the module.
• If possible, test the control module with a scan tool to see if it is receiving the correct signals from the potentiometer.
• Clear the Code:
• After performing the checks and 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:
• Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for specific wiring diagrams and troubleshooting procedures related to the seat recline potentiometer circuit.
• Professional Help:
• If the issue persists after performing 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 resolve the issue related to the B1959 code.