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B1962 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Seat Horizontal Forward/Rearward 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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The B1962 trouble code detects a circuit malfunction from one of the seat’s potentiometers.
The B1962 code is a generic OBD-II trouble code that notes a power seat potentiometer circuit error. The potentiometer is a part of the power seat system, is located underneath one of the front seats, and is essentially a position sensor. This device relays the seat position information (in the case of the B1962 code, the horizontal seat position) to the body control module and powertrain control module (PCM). This information is used for many purposes, but most importantly to help prevent conflicting movements, such as a convertible top being opened when the front seats are in a conflicting position. If the PCM or body control module is unable to receive an input reading from the seat potentiometer, then the B1962 trouble code may be stored.
There are two common causes of the B1962 trouble code. The first is a defective seat potentiometer. The second is damaged electrical components in the potentiometer and power seat system, such as shorted wires, open connectors, and blown fuses. It is also possible for the code to be caused by a potentiometer that needs to be reset. A malfunctioning PCM or body control module can also cause the B1962 code to be stored, but this is highly uncommon.
When the B1962 code is stored, the check engine soon warning light will likely illuminate on the vehicle’s dashboard. The potentiometer will likely not be working, which means that, if you have a convertible vehicle, the seats may not automatically move into the correct position when the top comes down. It is also possible that the seats will not move forward or backward when the power seat switch is used.
The B1962 code will be diagnosed using a standard OBD-II trouble code scanner. A trained technician will use the scanner to look at the freeze frame data and gather information about the code, while also checking for the presence of any additional trouble codes. If numerous trouble codes are detected, then the mechanic will diagnose them in the order that the scanner displays them in. The codes will then be reset and the vehicle restarted, so the mechanic can check to see if the B1962 code is still present. If not, then it was probably triggered inaccurately, or is representative of an intermittent problem.
If the code remains detected, then the mechanic will visually inspect all of the electrical components in the potentiometer. Any damaged electrical parts will require replacement. The potentiometer itself should then be inspected, and the mechanic should make sure that it is adjusted properly before condemning it.
Any time a part is replaced or repaired, the trouble codes should again be reset, the vehicle once more restarted, and the B1962 code checked for. This will allow the mechanic to know as soon as the issue is resolved.
The most frequently made error when diagnosing the B1962 code comes from a failure to adhere to the OBD-II diagnosis protocol. The protocol should be followed step by step at all times, as this helps ensure that the technician properly diagnoses and repairs the vehicle.
It is fairly common for fully functional potentiometers to be replaced because faulty electrical components were overlooked.
The B1962 code will not keep a car from being drivable, or present any drivability concerns. However, the potentiometer may not work, which means that the seats should be manually adjusted before any component that may interfere with the seat position (such as a convertible top) is used. It is also possible that the seats will not be adjustable, which may make the car impractical or even impossible to drive, depending on the seat position and the height of the driver.
Potential repairs for the B1962 trouble code are:
It is very uncommon for controller failure to cause the B1962 trouble code. All potential causes of the code should be thoroughly inspected before PCM or body control module failure is assumed.
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