Code
B1663
Other
B — Body
Seat Driver Front Up/Down Motor Stalled
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Mechanical obstruction in seat track or linkage (foreign object, bent track, worn gear)
- Failed or worn seat motor (brushes, commutator, windings)
- Faulty seat position switch or control input
- Poor power or ground (blown fuse, corroded connector, broken wire)
- Short or open in the motor circuit or high resistance connection
- Seat control module or motor driver fault
Symptoms
- Front of driver seat will not move up or down
- Seat may try to move briefly then stop, or make grinding/straining noise
- No movement despite switch input
- Burning smell or smoke in severe overload cases
- Related DTC(s) stored and possible seat system warnings on dash
What to check
- Retrieve all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool
- Visually inspect seat track, linkage and motor for obstructions or damage
- Check fuses and seat system relays for continuity and correct value
- Inspect connector pins for corrosion, bent pins or pushed-out terminals
- Verify good ground at seat frame and chassis ground point
- Operate the seat while watching/feeling for movement and listening for motor noise
Signal parameters
- Supply voltage: ~12 V nominal at motor connector while switch is operated (vehicle off vs on depends on vehicle)
- Ground continuity: near 0 Ω from connector ground to chassis ground
- Motor winding DC resistance: typically low ohms (vehicle-specific) — expect single-digit ohms for many motors
- Normal running current: typically a few amps; stall/overcurrent condition will show substantially higher current (use clamp ammeter)
- PWM or driver voltage profile: some vehicles use switched or PWM drive — reference vehicle wiring diagram for expected waveform/frequency
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect scan tool, confirm B1663 and note any related codes and freeze-frame data. Clear codes and attempt to re-create the fault to confirm repeatability.
- Visually inspect seat tracks, adjusters and motor area; remove any debris and check for bent components or seized bearings.
- Check fuses and relays for the seat system; replace if blown or intermittently open.
- With ignition on and a helper operating the switch, probe the motor connector: verify battery voltage on the supply pin when commanded and a good ground on return. Record readings.
- If voltage is present but motor does not run, measure current to detect stall/overcurrent. Excessive current indicates motor stall or internal short.
- Disconnect motor connector and check continuity/resistance of motor windings. Compare to vehicle-specific spec if available. If winding is open or shorted, motor likely defective.
- Bench-test the motor by applying 12 V directly (use appropriate safety measures and a current-limited supply or in-line fuse) to confirm operation and note noise/vibration. Replace if it fails or draws excessive current.
- If motor tests good, inspect wiring harness and switch for opens/shorts, intermittent connections, or damaged insulation. Wiggle-test connectors while monitoring voltage/current.
- Inspect and test the seat position switch/controls and the seat control module outputs (logic/PWM) per vehicle wiring diagram. Replace faulty switch or module as indicated.
- Repair or replace failed components (clear debris, realign tracks, replace motor, repair wiring, replace module/switch). Reassemble, clear codes and perform full functional test including multiple cycles and load conditions.
- If DTC returns after repair, capture live data, compare to known-good values, and consider manufacturer-specific diagnostics or module programming.
Likely causes
- Mechanical obstruction or binding in track
- Failed/sticking motor (brush wear or internal short)
- Poor electrical connection at motor connector or ground
Fault status
Status
Stored when the driver front up/down seat motor is stalled or drawing excessive current while commanded; the seat control module has detected a motor fault or no movement.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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