B1965 – Seat Horizontal Forward/Rearward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground

The ODBII code B1965 indicates a malfunction in the seat’s horizontal adjustment system, specifically that the feedback circuit from the potentiometer, which measures the seat’s position, is shorted to ground, potentially causing incorrect seat positioning or failure to adjust.

The severity of ODBII code B1965 is moderate.

Common Causes For: B1964 Seat Horizontal Forward/Rearward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery

• Damaged wiring or connectors in the potentiometer circuit.
• Short circuit in the potentiometer wiring.
• Faulty seat position potentiometer.
• Corrosion or poor connections at the potentiometer or related connectors.
• Malfunctioning seat control module.
• Grounding issues in the circuit.

Common misdiagnosis for B1965 Seat Horizontal Forward/Rearward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground

• Faulty seat adjustment switch
• Damaged wiring or connectors
• Malfunctioning seat control module
• 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 B1965, which indicates a problem with the seat horizontal forward/rearward potentiometer feedback circuit short to ground, you can follow these common troubleshooting steps:

• Verify the Code: Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm that the B1965 code is present. Clear the code and see if it returns after a short drive cycle.
• Inspect the Wiring and Connectors:
• Check the wiring harness connected to the seat potentiometer for any visible damage, such as fraying, corrosion, or broken wires.
• Inspect the connectors for signs of corrosion, bent pins, or loose connections.
• Check the Potentiometer:
• Test the seat potentiometer itself for proper operation. You can do this by measuring the resistance across the potentiometer terminals while moving the seat forward and backward. The resistance should change smoothly without any abrupt jumps or drops.
• If the potentiometer is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
• Test for Short to Ground:
• Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the potentiometer signal wire and ground. If there is continuity, it indicates a short to ground.
• Trace the wiring back to the source to locate the point of the short.
• Inspect the Seat 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 or corrosion.
• Check for Other Related Codes:
• Look for any other related trouble codes that may provide additional context or indicate a broader issue with the seat system.
• Perform a Visual Inspection of the Seat Mechanism:
• Ensure that the seat mechanism is not obstructed or jammed, which could affect the potentiometer’s operation.
• Consult Wiring Diagrams:
• Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for wiring diagrams to understand the circuit layout and identify any other components that may be involved.
• Test the Ground Connections:
• Ensure that all ground connections related to the seat system are clean and secure. A poor ground can cause erratic behavior in the circuit.
• Recheck After Repairs:
• After addressing any issues found during the inspection, clear the codes and perform a test drive to see if the B1965 code returns. If you are unable to resolve the issue after these steps, it may be advisable to consult a professional mechanic or technician who has experience with automotive electrical systems.