What Does B1952 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) or Seat Control Module has detected a short to battery voltage in the feedback circuit of the rear seat up/down position potentiometer. The potentiometer provides position feedback for the power seat vertical adjustment motor, and the module detected voltage higher than the expected reference range on the signal wire. This suggests unwanted battery voltage is present on what should be a low-voltage sensor signal circuit.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing signal wire to contact battery voltage source
30%
Failed seat position potentiometer with internal short to power
15%
Corroded or damaged connector terminals allowing voltage cross-feed between circuits
10%
Failed seat control module with internal circuit fault
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of rear seat wiring harness from seat base to BCM, looking for chafed insulation, pinched wires, or damaged connectors. Pay special attention to areas where harness flexes during seat movement.
2
Step 2: Disconnect the rear seat up/down potentiometer connector. Using a digital multimeter, measure voltage on the signal wire at the harness side - it should read 0V with ignition on. If battery voltage is present, the short is in the harness between connector and module.
3
Step 3: With potentiometer disconnected, measure resistance between the potentiometer signal terminal and power supply terminal - should read high resistance (typically >10k ohms). Low resistance indicates failed potentiometer with internal short.
4
Step 4: Inspect all connectors in the circuit for corrosion, bent pins, or evidence of moisture intrusion. Clean contacts with electrical contact cleaner and verify proper terminal retention.
5
Step 5: If wiring and potentiometer test good, check for fault in seat control module by monitoring live data for seat position sensor voltage while manually moving seat. Voltage should vary smoothly between reference voltage (typically 0.5-4.5V), not jump to 12V+.
6
Step 6: After repairs, clear codes, cycle seat through full range of motion multiple times, and verify code does not return. Test all seat memory and position functions for proper operation.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) or Seat Control Module has detected a short to battery voltage in the feedback circuit of the rear seat up/down position potentiometer. The potentiometer provides position feedback for the power seat vertical adjustment motor, and the module detected...
The most common cause of B1952 (Seat Rear Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness causing signal wire to contact battery voltage source
Typical repair costs for B1952 range from $150 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to continue driving as this only affects power seat adjustment functionality. The seat will remain in its current position but may not respond to adjustment commands. Repair at convenience unless seat is stuck in an unsafe driving position.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1952 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Power Seat Control System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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