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

Definition

The OBD2 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

Common causes

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 misdiagnoses

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

Troubleshooting steps

1. Scan Tool Verification
2. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the B1952 code. Check for any other related codes that may provide additional context
3. Visual Inspection
4. Inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the rear seat potentiometer. Look for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections
5. Check the potentiometer itself for any physical damage
6. Check Power and Ground
7. Use a multimeter to verify that the potentiometer is receiving the correct voltage. Check for battery voltage at the connector
8. Ensure that the ground connection is solid and free of corrosion
9. Test the Potentiometer
10. Measure the resistance of the potentiometer at various positions (up and down). Compare the readings to the specifications in the vehicle’s service manual
11. If the potentiometer is out of spec, it may need to be replaced
12. Inspect the Circuit
13. 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
14. Look for any pinched or frayed wires that could be causing a short
15. Check for Shorts
16. 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
17. Test the Control Module
18. 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
19. Clear Codes and Test Drive
20. 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
21. Consult Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)
22. 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
23. Professional Help
24. 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

Definition

Common causes

Common misdiagnoses

Troubleshooting steps

1. Scan Tool Verification

2. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the B1952 code. Check for any other related codes that may provide additional context

3. Visual Inspection

4. Inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the rear seat potentiometer. Look for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections

5. Check the potentiometer itself for any physical damage

6. Check Power and Ground

7. Use a multimeter to verify that the potentiometer is receiving the correct voltage. Check for battery voltage at the connector

8. Ensure that the ground connection is solid and free of corrosion

9. Test the Potentiometer

10. Measure the resistance of the potentiometer at various positions (up and down). Compare the readings to the specifications in the vehicle’s service manual

11. If the potentiometer is out of spec, it may need to be replaced

12. Inspect the Circuit

13. 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

14. Look for any pinched or frayed wires that could be causing a short

15. Check for Shorts

16. 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

17. Test the Control Module

18. 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

19. Clear Codes and Test Drive

20. 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

21. Consult Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

22. 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

23. Professional Help

24. 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