B1952 OBD-II Trouble Code: Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery

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Cost of diagnosing the B1952 code

B1952 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
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B1952 code definition

A B1952 trouble code indicates that a shorted circuit has been detected in relation to one of the rear seat's potentiometers.

What the B1952 code means

A seat potentiometer is typically a small black box, located underneath the seat. It reports the seat's relative position to the rest of the vehicle. In convertible vehicles, it acts as a failsafe against the seats and retractable roof intersecting. In the case of a B1952 code, the circuit running a rear seat potentiometer has been shorted out.

What causes the B1952 code?

A malfunction in the system's wiring is most often to blame for a shorted circuit. The system's charger or the potentiometer itself may be faulty. In rarer cases, the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) may be reporting the B1952 code incorrectly. If this happens to be the case, the ECU may need to be reprogrammed or even replaced. Because both of these options usually incur high expense, they should be explored only once other options have been exhausted.

What are the symptoms of the B1952 code?

Blown fuses, wiring and components usually accompany a shorted circuit. If the potentiometer system for a given seat isn't working, the seat may be frozen in place, or the convertible roof may run into the In addition, a stored B1952 trouble code and illuminated engine lamp will accompany the code. These symptoms are purely for the sake of diagnosis.

How does a mechanic diagnose the B1952 code?

The B1952 code may be first identified by reading the computer with an OBD-II trouble code. The rear seats should be looked at and tested individually to see which side is faulty. This may be done by positioning the seats in potentially problematic areas one at a time and seeing which is not triggered by a failsafe (such as the convertible roof moving towards a high seat.) Any wiring related to the rear seat potentiometer should be looked over for signs of disconnection, misalignment, improper circuit connections, wear, damage or faulty materials. The potentiometer itself should be inspected and tested for potential damage or faultiness.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the B1952 code

Body-related trouble codes tend to be specific to certain types and makes of vehicle. As a result, one numerical code can mean a number of different things depending on the vehicle in question. Before you commit to any repairs, you should make sure you are interpreting the code properly.

How serious is the B1952 code?

The seriousness of a B1952 trouble code will depend on the symptoms. If the convertible roof's contact failsafe is merely disabled, it can be worked around provided manual care is taken to ensure different parts don't conflict with each other. If the seat position is frozen however, it may cause drivability issues depending on where the seat has been locked.

What repairs can fix the B1952 code?

If the circuit charger or seat potentiometer have been identified as faulty, they'll need to be replaced. Any wiring that has been cited as faulty should be repaired, rewired or replaced as needed. After any repairs made for the B1952 code, the vehicle should be retested. A potentially recurring trouble code will allow you to determine whether or not the issue has been solved.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the B1952 code

Seat potentiometers are often referred to as "seat pots" by mechanics and vehicle enthusiasts. The seat potentiometer may be typically accessed by prying open the side of the seat. Test the seat adjustment system for both seats on the rear side if you're unsure which seat has sparked the trouble code.

Need help with a B1952 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

OBD-II
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B1952

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