Home / DTC / B1666 — Seat back recline motor stuck

B1666 — Seat back recline motor stuck

Detailed page for trouble code B1666.

34,405codes
59brands
11,914generic
22,491specific
Reset
Code

B1666

LAND ROVER B — Body

Seat back recline motor stuck

Brand: LAND ROVER
Type: B — Body
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Mechanical jam or obstruction in the seat recline mechanism (foreign object, bent track, damaged gears).
  • Failed or seized recline motor/actuator.
  • Stripped or damaged internal gears in the actuator.
  • Open/shorted wiring or poor connector/ground to the motor.
  • Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying the seat motor circuit.
  • Faulty seat switch or control module (seat control module or BCM).

Symptoms

  • Seat back will not recline or return when using the switch.
  • Noisy operation: grinding, clicking, or a single stalling noise when attempting to move.
  • Complete lack of movement from recline function while other seat functions may work.
  • Burning smell or blown fuse during attempt to operate (high current draw).
  • Diagnostic trouble code B1666 stored; possible related seat/BCM warnings.

What to check

  • Retrieve and record all stored DTCs and freeze-frame data with a scan tool; clear codes and attempt to reproduce.
  • Visual inspection of the seat area for foreign objects, damaged tracks, or visible gear damage.
  • Check relevant fuses and relays for the seat circuits.
  • Operate the recline switch while listening for motor noise or unusual sounds.
  • Inspect motor connector for corrosion, bent pins, or poor mating; wiggle test while operating.
  • Backprobe motor connector to check for supply voltage and ground when switch is operated.

Signal parameters

  • Motor supply: nominal ~12 V present at motor connector when switch is operated (may be polarity-switched).
  • Control method: direct drive or PWM switched ground/positive from seat control module; PWM frequency varies by design (typically tens to hundreds of Hz).
  • Motor stall/current: current increases significantly if motor is stalled; excessive current may blow fuse.
  • Feedback sensor: some systems provide a position sensor output (0–5 V) or resistance change corresponding to recline angle.
  • CAN messages: seat module receives commands and may report status over CAN — verify communication with scan tool.

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Use a scan tool to read and record DTCs, freeze frame and live data. Note any related codes.
  2. Recreate the fault to confirm behavior. Observe and listen while operating the recline switch.
  3. Check fuses/relays for the seat circuits; replace if blown and retest. If fuse blows again, suspect short/high current.
  4. Visually inspect seat tracks, trim, and mechanism for obstructions, broken teeth or bent components. Remove obstruction if present.
  5. With ignition on, backprobe the motor connector while someone operates the switch: verify 12 V (or switched ground), correct polarity, and any PWM signal. Record values.
  6. If voltage/commands are present but motor does not turn, disconnect motor and bench-test with a 12 V supply to confirm motor/gearbox operation. Do not bench-test if suspected short; use appropriate precautions.
  7. If motor runs on bench, inspect and repair/replace mechanical components (gears, linkages, tracks) and reassemble.
  8. If motor does not run on bench or shows excessive current draw/abnormal resistance, replace the actuator/motor assembly.
  9. If no voltage/command at connector, trace wiring back to seat control module for open/short and repair. Repair any damaged connectors or grounds.
  10. If wiring and motor are good but no control command, check seat control module power/ground and communication (CAN). Reprogram or replace module only after verifying root cause.
  11. After repairs, clear codes and operate the seat through full range of motion to confirm repair. Re-scan for stored codes and run any relearn procedures required by manufacturer.

Likely causes

  • Mechanical jam or debris in mechanism (most common).
  • Motor or gearbox internal failure (seized or stripped gears).
  • Corroded/loose connector or damaged harness at the motor.
  • Failed seat switch or intermittent module output.

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Seat back recline motor stuck — actuator not moving as commanded. DTC stored by seat/body control module indicating a motor/mechanism or circuit fault.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 2.5 hours

Similar codes

320

Browse 320 LAND ROVER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

LAND ROVER

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email