Code
B116A
Generic
B — Body
Passenger Seat Module Communication Fault
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty passenger seat module (internal failure)
- Open/short in CAN or LIN network wiring to the seat module
- Poor or corroded connector/circuit grounds or power supply to the module
- Blown fuse or lost supply voltage to the seat module
- Missing/incorrect software or configuration (programming issue)
- Water intrusion or physical damage to seat harness or module
Symptoms
- Passenger seat functions (power adjustment, heating, memory) inoperative or intermittent
- Seatbelt/occupant detection or airbag system warnings (passenger side)
- Related dash warning lamp or message for passenger restraint/seat module
- Stored B116A and potentially other network communication codes
- Other modules reporting 'no response' for PSM or showing unavailable data
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame, full DTC list and module presence with a capable scan tool
- Check for related U- and B- codes on main network (CAN/LIN) indicating bus issues
- Inspect fuses and relay circuits that supply the passenger seat module
- Visually inspect seat wiring harness, connectors, and routing under the seat for damage or corrosion
- Confirm module retains correct supply voltage (battery ~11–14.5 V) and good ground (near 0 V)
- Check CAN/LIN bus voltage levels at seat module connector with scope or multimeter
Signal parameters
- Battery supply to module: ~11–14.5 V with ignition on
- Module ground: ~0 V (low resistance to chassis ground)
- CAN bus idle voltages: CANH ≈ 2.5 V, CANL ≈ 2.5 V; dominant state: CANH ≈ 3.5 V, CANL ≈ 1.5 V (typical)
- LIN bus idle: single wire ≈ battery voltage or pulled low when active depending on design
- Termination: two 120 Ω resistors in parallel = ~60 Ω across CANH and CANL
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a diagnostic scanner; read and record all DTCs, freeze frame data, and module presence. Note time of occurrence and related codes.
- Clear codes and attempt to reproduce. If code returns, proceed with physical checks.
- Verify fuses and ignition-switched power to the PSM. Check for correct voltage at the module power pin(s).
- Verify good ground(s) at the module connector and continuity to chassis ground.
- Inspect and test seat wiring harness and connector for corrosion, broken wires, pin damage, or water ingress. Pay attention to wires routed through seat rails.
- Check communication bus: measure CANH/CANL (or LIN) at the module connector with engine on/ignition on and while exercising related functions. Confirm proper idle voltages and termination resistance (~60 Ω).
- Perform wiggle test of connectors and wiring while monitoring bus and scan tool for loss of communication or intermittent codes.
- If bus is dead or noisy, isolate segments: disconnect nearby modules to find fault location, or use a scope to identify noise/transients.
- If wiring and power/ground are good and bus is healthy, check module software/version and reflash/update per manufacturer procedure. Reprogram or configure module if required.
- Replace the passenger seat module only after verifying fault persists and replacement is supported. After replacement, program/configure and confirm normal operation and no recurring codes.
- Document repair and clear codes, then road-test and re-scan to ensure the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Intermittent connector or ground at the seat module
- Damaged CAN/LIN wires routed under the seat (pinched at seat rails)
- Lost 12V supply or fused circuit to the PSM
- Corroded module connector or water-damaged module
Fault status
Status
Passenger Seat Module - Communication Fault: module not responding / invalid or missing messages on vehicle network.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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