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B1965 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Seat Horizontal Forward/Rearward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short to Ground". 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.
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The B1965 trouble code detects a circuit problem in the power seat potentiometer.
The B1965 code is a standard OBD-II trouble code that notes a power seat potentiometer circuit malfunction. The potentiometer, which is located underneath one of the front seats, acts as a seat position sensor for the power seat system. The potentiometer is responsible for relaying the position of the seats (in the case of the B1965 code, the horizontal position of the seats) to the powertrain control module (PCM) or body control module, which, among other things, helps the seats avoid movements that conflict with other systems. For instance, the potentiometer will relay the seat information when a convertible top is about to be lowered, so the system knows whether or not to adjust the seats before lowering the top. If the PCM or body control module is unable to receive input data from the potentiometer, then the B1965 code can be stored.
The B1965 trouble code is commonly caused by two different problems. The first common problem is damaged electrical components in the system, such as wires, fuses, and connectors. The second frequent problem is a malfunctioning power seat potentiometer. The code may also be caused be a potentiometer that is not adjusted properly, and needs to be reset. Finally, the code is sometimes triggered by a faulty PCM or body control module, though this is very uncommon.
The B1965 trouble code will likely be accompanied by an illuminated check engine soon warning light on the vehicle’s gauge cluster. In most cases, the potentiometer will not be working, which means that the seats are unlikely to automatically adjust for commands such as the convertible top being lowered, or the memory seat positions being activated. The power seat system may also be entirely inoperable, in which case the seats cannot be adjusted, even manually.
The B1965 code will be diagnosed using an OBD-II trouble code scanner. A professional mechanic will use the scanner to view the freeze frame data and analyze the B1965 code, and also to check for any other trouble codes that may be present. If numerous trouble codes are detected, they will need to be addressed in the order that they appear in. The trouble codes should then be reset, the vehicle restarted, and the B1965 code again checked for. If the code is no longer detected, then an intermittent error or an erroneous detection are the likely culprits.
If the code is still present, then a visual inspection of the electrical components will need to be performed. Any and all shorted or broken wires, open or corroded connectors, and blown fuses should be replaced. The adjustment of the power seat potentiometer should then be checked, followed by a potentiometer inspection.
After any component is repaired or replaced, the technician should pause the inspection, reset the trouble codes, restart the vehicle, and check to see if the B1965 code is still detected. This will allow the mechanic to know when the issue is fully resolved.
The most frequently made mistake when diagnosing the B1965 code comes from a failure to follow the OBD-II trouble code diagnosis protocols. Mechanics should stick to the protocol step by step at all times, to make sure that all diagnoses are thorough, efficient, and accurate.
Fully functional potentiometers are commonly condemned inaccurately, as a result of electrical damage being overlooked.
A vehicle with the B1965 code will still be drivable, and no drivability problems will occur. However, the potentiometer will likely not work, which means that the seats may need to be manually adjusted to fit the convertible top, reach the memory seat settings, and any other time when the seats would automatically move. In some cases, the seats may not be able to be adjusted at all, which may make the car very impractical, depending on the stopped position of the seat, and the height of the driver.
Repairs for the B1965 trouble code include:
It is very uncommon for the B1965 trouble code to be stored as a result of a controller failure. All possible causes of this code should be fully inspected before a defective PCM or body control module is assumed.
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