What Does B1964 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 potentiometer that monitors horizontal seat position (forward/rearward movement). The potentiometer provides position feedback to the control module, and the circuit is reading constant battery voltage instead of the variable voltage signal expected during normal operation. This prevents accurate seat position monitoring and may disable power seat functions.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged wiring harness or chafed wire in seat track area causing short to B+ wire
30%
Failed seat position potentiometer with internal short to power
15%
Corroded or damaged connector at seat motor or BCM allowing cross-circuit short
10%
Faulty seat control module or BCM with internal circuit failure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of seat track area and wiring harness for obvious damage, pinched wires, or chafing against metal seat rails. Check for liquid intrusion or corrosion at all connectors under the seat
2
Step 2: Disconnect the seat horizontal potentiometer connector and measure resistance across potentiometer terminals while manually moving seat (should show smooth variable resistance, typically 1-10k ohms). If potentiometer reads open or shorted, replace it
3
Step 3: With potentiometer disconnected, use a digital multimeter to check for battery voltage (12V+) on the signal wire at the harness connector. Signal wire should read 0V or only reference voltage (typically 5V) with ignition on
4
Step 4: Inspect wiring from potentiometer to BCM/seat module for shorts to power by checking continuity between signal wire and known B+ circuits. Pay special attention to areas where harness flexes with seat movement
5
Step 5: If no external shorts found, check for proper ground at potentiometer circuit and verify reference voltage supply from control module is within specification (typically 5V)
6
Step 6: Clear codes, reconnect all components, operate seat through full range of motion, and verify code does not return. Monitor live data for potentiometer voltage reading during seat movement (should vary smoothly between approximately 0.5-4.5V)
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 potentiometer that monitors horizontal seat position (forward/rearward movement). The potentiometer provides position feedback to the control module, and th...
The most common cause of B1964 (Seat Horizontal Forward/Rearward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Battery) is: Damaged wiring harness or chafed wire in seat track area causing short to B+ wire
Typical repair costs for B1964 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 affects comfort features only. Power seat movement may be disabled or function intermittently, but this does not affect vehicle operation or safety systems. 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 B1964 to identify the root cause.
OBDHut Mobile App
Scan codes directly from your car with the OBDHut app.
Coming Soon
Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Power Seat Control System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.
