Home / DTC / B1987 — Pedal Forward / Rearward Motor Stalled

B1987 — Pedal Forward / Rearward Motor Stalled

Detailed page for trouble code B1987.

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Code

B1987

Other B — Body

Pedal Forward / Rearward Motor Stalled

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

Causes

  • Mechanical obstruction in track or mechanism (debris, foreign object, bent track)
  • Worn or seized motor bearings or gearbox
  • Damaged motor windings or internal failure
  • High current draw due to jammed mechanism or binding linkage
  • Open, shorted or high-resistance wiring or poor connector/corrosion to motor
  • Faulty pedal/seat position switch or command input

Symptoms

  • Pedal or powered seat will not move forward or rearward when commanded
  • Motor makes grinding, clicking or no noise depending on failure
  • Slow or hesitant movement before stopping
  • DTC B1987 stored and possibly active lamp/indicator displayed
  • Burning smell or smoke in severe motor stall cases
  • Intermittent operation or position not maintained

What to check

  • Visually inspect seat/pedal track and mechanism for debris, obstructions, or physical damage
  • Check fuses and relays for the motor circuit
  • Inspect electrical connectors for corrosion, damage, or poor seating at motor and control module
  • Operate the control while watching the mechanism to attempt to reproduce fault
  • Listen for motor noise when a command is given (no noise may indicate open circuit; loud noise may indicate internal mechanical failure)
  • Scan vehicle for stored codes and live data from seat/position module and switches

Signal parameters

  • When commanded: motor supply should be near battery voltage (~12 V) with ignition on/command active
  • Motor ground continuity to chassis or module ground should be present
  • Position/feedback sensor (if fitted) provides a variable signal (voltage or resistance) that changes as the seat/pedal moves
  • Normal operation shows a brief inrush current at motor start then lower running current; a stalled motor shows sustained high current (measure with clamp meter)
  • Control module outputs (command) should show a logical on/off or PWM signal when request is made

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Confirm symptom and retrieve freeze frame and history with a scan tool; note when DTC set and any related codes
  2. Attempt to reproduce: operate pedal/seat while observing track — look for binding or physical stops; clear obstructions if found and retest
  3. Visually inspect wiring, connectors, and ground at the motor and control module; repair any damaged connectors or wires
  4. Check fuses/relays for the motor circuit; replace if faulty
  5. Measure voltage at motor connector while commanding movement. If no voltage, trace back to switch and control module; if voltage present, proceed
  6. Measure motor resistance with ignition off and compare to specification or a known-good motor; very low or open resistance indicates internal failure
  7. Measure current draw during a commanded move with a clamp meter. High sustained current suggests motor stall or mechanical jam
  8. If motor does not receive correct command signals but switches are good, test/replace the seat/pedal control module or perform module software update per manufacturer guidance
  9. If motor fails bench test (does not run or draws excessive current), replace motor/actuator assembly. After repairs, clear codes and verify proper operation and that B1987 does not return

Likely causes

  • Seat/ pedal track binding or physical obstruction
  • Failed/overheated motor (burnt windings or internal stall)
  • Damaged connector or chafed wire in motor supply/ground circuit
  • Failed switch or control input sending continuous or no command
  • Intermittent connection or poor ground causing drop in voltage and motor stall

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Forward/Rearward motor stalled — movement inhibited
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

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