Code
B1652
Other
B — Body
Seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Open
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or damaged wiring in the recline-backward circuit (broken conductor, chafing, pinched harness under seat)
- Corroded, loose, or disconnected connector at the seat motor, switch, or control module
- Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying the seat motor/control
- Failed recline switch on the seat (backward position contact open)
- Failed recline motor or motor internal open winding
- Faulty seat control module / body control module (driver) or poor module chassis ground
Symptoms
- Driver seat will not recline backward when commanded
- No audible motor noise or only intermittent/weak motor operation
- DTC B1652 stored in the vehicle memory; possible related seat system warning
- Seat works in other directions (forward/up/down) but not backward
- Intermittent operation that may change when seat wiring is moved
What to check
- Verify key/ignition and power mode required for seat adjustment are correct before testing
- Visual inspection of wiring and connectors under the seat for damage, corrosion, or loose terminals
- Check relevant fuses/relays for continuity and correct rating
- Scan vehicle for stored seat-related DTCs and freeze frame data
- Wiggle-test harness and connectors while operating recline backward to reproduce fault
- Measure voltage at the seat motor connector while commanding recline backward
Signal parameters
- Expected supply voltage at motor or switch: approximately battery voltage (~11–13.5 V) when commanded (varies by vehicle)
- Expected ground or return path continuity to chassis ground: near 0 Ω
- Motor winding resistance (typical): low ohms (often single- to double-digit ohms); open circuit = OL/infinite
- Control module command signal (on some systems): switched +12 V or low-side transistor drive — use DVOM or scope to observe switching
- Stall/operating current: typically several amps; expected current draw when motor is powered (use ammeter or clamp meter to compare with spec)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record related codes and freeze frame data with a diagnostic scanner. Clear codes and attempt to re-create to verify repeatability.
- Turn ignition off and perform a thorough visual inspection of the seat harness, focusing on areas that move or pass under the seat and seat track pinch points. Repair damaged insulation or terminals as needed.
- Check fuses and relays for the seat/comfort system. Replace any blown fuses with correct rating and re-test.
- With ignition on and seat command applied to recline backward, measure voltage at the motor connector harness pin(s). If no voltage present, trace back toward the switch and control module.
- If voltage is present at the harness but motor does not run, disconnect motor and measure its winding resistance. An open winding indicates a bad motor requiring replacement.
- If motor shows open winding, confirm by bench testing motor with a fused 12 V supply (observe polarity if directional) — only perform bench tests with appropriate fusing and safety precautions.
- If motor is good but no drive voltage from the module, check continuity between module output and motor connector and inspect/control module grounds. Repair any open circuits or poor grounds.
- Test the recline switch for correct operation (continuity in backward position). Replace switch if contacts do not close.
- If wiring, switch, and motor check good, consult wiring diagram and test the seat control module output with a scope or DMM per service manual; replace module if confirmed faulty.
- After repairs, clear codes, cycle power and verify full function of recline backward and that B1652 does not return.
Likely causes
- Damaged/loose connector or wiring in harness under the seat
- Failed recline motor winding or internal open circuit
- Faulty seat switch (backward contact) or poor switch contacts
- Blown fuse or interrupted power/ground feeding the recline circuit
Fault status
Status
B1652 — Seat driver recline backward circuit open. Open circuit detected in the recline-backward control; seat may not move backward. Inspect wiring, connectors, fuses, switch, motor, and module.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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