B1731

Code

Other B — Body

Seat Driver Rear Down Switch Circuit Short To Battery

Brand: Other

Type: B — Body

Views: UK: 31 EN: 40 RU: 38

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Page language: EN

Damaged or chafed wiring harness pinched in seat tracks or under trim allowing conductor contact with B+
Corroded, bent or pushed-through connector pin creating a short to battery
Internal failure of the seat rear-down switch (stuck to B+)
Water ingress or contamination in switch/connector
Aftermarket accessory or improper previous repair creating a direct B+ feed to the circuit
Faulty seat control module/BCM with internal short

Retrieve and record freeze-frame and related DTCs with a scan tool
Visually inspect seat harness, connectors and switch for damage, contamination or corrosion
Check for blown fuses related to the seat circuit
Back-probe switch connector and measure DC voltage with ignition on/off and switch operated
Disconnect the switch connector: verify whether the code clears or the circuit voltage changes
Perform wiggle test on harness while observing live data/voltage and watching for changes or intermittent faults

Normal: switch input should alternate between near 0 V (ground/pulldown) and battery (if it’s a direct B+ driven switch) or sit at module reference level (often ≈5 V) depending on vehicle design — consult wiring diagram
Fault condition: circuit reads continuous battery voltage ≈11–13 V with ignition on or off when it should not
Open/healthy wiring to module: high resistance or open-circuit when switch not actuated (>10 kΩ typical pull resistor behavior)
Short condition: near 0 Ω (direct B+) between switch circuit and battery positive when shorted

Read and record all codes, freeze frame and live data. Note if the fault is active/continuous or intermittent.
Review manufacturer wiring diagram to identify switch connectors, fuse, and seat control module pin assignments.
Visually inspect switch, connector, and harness along full seat travel path for chafing, pinched wires, cuts or water entry.
With ignition ON, back-probe the switch signal wire and measure voltage at rest and while operating the switch. Compare to expected values from wiring diagram/service manual.
With connector disconnected at the switch: if the circuit still reads B+ at the module side, suspect short upstream (toward battery) or module; if voltage goes away, suspect switch or harness between switch and disconnect point.
Use a multimeter (voltage and resistance) to locate a short to battery: isolate sections by disconnecting intermediate connectors and measuring for continuity to B+.
Perform wiggle/tactile testing while monitoring live data to find intermittent opens/shorts when seat is moved.
Repair damaged wiring or replace the switch/connector as required. If harness repair is necessary, use correct gauge wire, protect with loom/insulation and secure away from pinch points.
After repair, clear codes, cycle ignition and exercise the seat through full travel while monitoring for reappearance of the fault. Road-test as needed.
If code persists after harness and switch replacement, test/replace seat control module per manufacturer procedures.