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B1954 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Seat Front Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Failure". 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.
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A B1954 trouble code indicates that the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) has detected a circuit failure related to one of the front seat's seat potentiometers.
The seat potentiometer is a small black box, located underneath the seats of modern vehicles. It feeds data to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) regarding the seat's relative position in the vehicle, allowing to failsafe against potential conflicts with other car features, such as a convertible roof. If a seat potentiometer circuit has failed, it will rob the ECU of this information. This can result in the seat position freezing (if it's moved electronically) and will disable seat placement failsafes in the vehicle.
If the circuit has failed, a faulty seat potentiometer is the most common offender. Broken, disconnected and/or faulty wiring is another potential cause for this issue. The vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) may be reporting the B1952 code incorrectly in some rare circumstances. If the ECU is diagnosed as faulty, it will be due for replacing or reprogramming.
If a seat potentiometer system isn't working, there's a risk of conflict between the seat and other car features, such as a retractable roof. In some cases, the seat may even be locked in place until the code is fixed. In addition, a stored B1954 trouble code and illuminated check engine light will be present in the event of this code. These will be active for the helpful sake of accurately diagnosing the issue.
A B1954 trouble code may be first diagnosed by scanning the vehicle with an OBD-II code scanner. The seat potentiometer circuit may be accessed by prying open the seat's side panel. Check the seat potentiometer for signs of fault or damage. All wiring related to the seat potentiometer in question should be inspected thoroughly for signs of wear, damage, disconnection or faultiness.
Body-related trouble codes describe different problems depending on the specific make and model of vehicle in question. Make sure you are interpreting the trouble code correctly before moving on with any repairs.
A B1954 code should not have a significant impact on a vehicle's drivability, unless it has been cited alongside other, more problematic codes. 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.
The seat potentiometer should be replaced if tests have determined it to be faulty. Any wiring or electrical components related to the seat pot circuit that have been detected as problematic should be repaired or replaced as well. Following any repairs made to fix the B1954 code, the vehicle should be tested again. When the car is turned on, a still-broken seat potentiometer will report the code again. This will allow you to tell whether or not the issue has been properly solved.
A seat potentiometer is commonly referred to by mechanics as a "seat pot".
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