OBD Guide

B1961

Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground

B1961 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground. Common causes: wiring harness damage, seat tilt potentiometer malfunction. Estimated repair cost: $56–167.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Yes, but get it checked soon
Approx. repair cost
$56–167 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Inability to adjust seat tilt
  • Spontaneous movement of the seat back
  • The malfunction indicator on the instrument panel lights up

Causes

  • Wiring harness damage
  • Seat tilt potentiometer malfunction
  • Short circuit to ground
  • Problems in the seat control unit

How to Fix

  1. Check the integrity of the wiring harness
  2. Check potentiometer resistance
  3. Check for short circuit to ground
  4. Replace faulty potentiometer or wiring harness
  5. Check the operation of the seat control unit

Related codes

FAQ

What does the B1961 code mean?

B1961 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground

What causes a B1961 error code?

The most common causes of B1961 include: Wiring harness damage; Seat tilt potentiometer malfunction; Short circuit to ground; Problems in the seat control unit.

How do I fix a B1961 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix B1961: Check the integrity of the wiring harness. Check potentiometer resistance. Check for short circuit to ground. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with B1961?

Yes, but get it checked soon

How much does it cost to fix B1961?

The estimated repair cost for B1961 is $56–167. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

See also: Russian version · NationStat