B1952 OBD-II Trouble Code: Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

EXCELLENT RATING ON

Cost of diagnosing the B1952 code

B1952 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE B1952 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

B1952 code definition

A B1952 trouble code indicates that a shorted circuit has been detected in relation to one of the rear seat's potentiometers.

What the B1952 code means

A seat potentiometer is typically a small black box, located underneath the seat. It reports the seat's relative position to the rest of the vehicle. In convertible vehicles, it acts as a failsafe against the seats and retractable roof intersecting. In the case of a B1952 code, the circuit running a rear seat potentiometer has been shorted out.

What causes the B1952 code?

A malfunction in the system's wiring is most often to blame for a shorted circuit. The system's charger or the potentiometer itself may be faulty. In rarer cases, the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) may be reporting the B1952 code incorrectly. If this happens to be the case, the ECU may need to be reprogrammed or even replaced. Because both of these options usually incur high expense, they should be explored only once other options have been exhausted.

What are the symptoms of the B1952 code?

Blown fuses, wiring and components usually accompany a shorted circuit. If the potentiometer system for a given seat isn't working, the seat may be frozen in place, or the convertible roof may run into the In addition, a stored B1952 trouble code and illuminated engine lamp will accompany the code. These symptoms are purely for the sake of diagnosis.

How does a mechanic diagnose the B1952 code?

The B1952 code may be first identified by reading the computer with an OBD-II trouble code. The rear seats should be looked at and tested individually to see which side is faulty. This may be done by positioning the seats in potentially problematic areas one at a time and seeing which is not triggered by a failsafe (such as the convertible roof moving towards a high seat.) Any wiring related to the rear seat potentiometer should be looked over for signs of disconnection, misalignment, improper circuit connections, wear, damage or faulty materials. The potentiometer itself should be inspected and tested for potential damage or faultiness.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the B1952 code

Body-related trouble codes tend to be specific to certain types and makes of vehicle. As a result, one numerical code can mean a number of different things depending on the vehicle in question. Before you commit to any repairs, you should make sure you are interpreting the code properly.

How serious is the B1952 code?

The seriousness of a B1952 trouble code will depend on the symptoms. If the convertible roof's contact failsafe is merely disabled, it can be worked around provided manual care is taken to ensure different parts don't conflict with each other. If the seat position is frozen however, it may cause drivability issues depending on where the seat has been locked.

What repairs can fix the B1952 code?

If the circuit charger or seat potentiometer have been identified as faulty, they'll need to be replaced. Any wiring that has been cited as faulty should be repaired, rewired or replaced as needed. After any repairs made for the B1952 code, the vehicle should be retested. A potentially recurring trouble code will allow you to determine whether or not the issue has been solved.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the B1952 code

Seat potentiometers are often referred to as "seat pots" by mechanics and vehicle enthusiasts. The seat potentiometer may be typically accessed by prying open the side of the seat. Test the seat adjustment system for both seats on the rear side if you're unsure which seat has sparked the trouble code.

Need help with a B1952 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

OBD-II
trouble codes
B1952

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the B1952 code.

SCHEDULE B1952 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


More related articles

P2099 OBD-II Trouble Code: Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Rich Bank 2
P2099 code definition Post catalyst fuel trim system too rich bank 2 What the P2099 code means This trouble code indicates that...
P2137 OBD-II Trouble Code: A Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Low Bank 2
What What the P2137 code means? P2137 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the throttle pedal position sensors B and C voltages do not correlate to each other for return voltage to the ECM....
P0709 OBD-II Trouble Code: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0709 P0709 code definition The P0709 code is known as Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Intermittent. What the P0709 code means The meaning of P0709 varies slightly among makes and models, but in general, this code indicates that the PCM (powertrain...

Related questions

Step by step troubleshooting of DTC fault codes
Each of these codes are for different components and since you swapped the motor with a different size motor than what the car had may be a big problem. You would need to have each code diagnosed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/warning-light-is-on-inspection) separately to...
Car stalls out of nowhere
Hello - what a frustrating problem to solve! You may have provided a key clue to the solution, given that it requires another vehicle to jump start it to get it going again. This MAY mean that the increased starting...
Is there a way to check my computer to see if it's faulty or not?
Your computer is located inside the car and would need to be tested by scanning the computer to see if it is storing fault codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) for an internal problem or an indication to some engine sensors that may have...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com