B1657 Seat Driver Rear up Circuit Short to Battery

Introduction:

The B1657 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates a short to battery voltage in the driver's seat rear up circuit. This fault can disable the seat's rear vertical adjustment functionality, impacting driver comfort and potentially safety. Diagnosing and resolving this issue promptly is essential to restore full seat functionality and prevent potential electrical damage.

Table: B1657 Seat Driver Rear up Circuit Short to Battery

Category	Details	Possible Causes
Code Definition	B1657: Seat Driver Rear up Circuit Short to Battery. This indicates that the control module has detected an unexpected voltage level on the circuit responsible for raising the rear portion of the driver's seat. The voltage is higher than the expected range, suggesting a short to a power source.	Short to Battery: A wire in the seat's rear up circuit is making direct contact with a positive voltage source (e.g., the battery or a wire connected to the battery).
Symptoms	- Driver's seat rear up adjustment may not function. - Seat may move up to the full extent on it's own. - The seat may move erratically. - The driver's seat position memory function may be affected. - Other seat functions might be impacted due to electrical interference. - The vehicle's electrical system may exhibit unusual behavior. - The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1657 is stored in the vehicle's computer. - The seat motor may be excessively noisy or not operate at all. - Battery drain (in severe cases where the short is constant).	- Damaged Wiring Harness: Wires can become frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged due to age, wear and tear, or physical damage. - Faulty Seat Motor: An internal short within the seat motor itself can cause this issue. - Defective Seat Control Module: While less common, a malfunctioning seat control module can send incorrect signals or misinterpret data, leading to a false B1657 code. - Corroded or Loose Connectors: Corrosion or loose connections can create unintended electrical paths. - Pinched Wires: Wires pinched during seat installation or repair can short to ground. - Aftermarket Accessories: Improperly installed aftermarket accessories, such as seat heaters or massagers, can interfere with the seat's electrical system. - Rodent Damage: Rodents chewing on the wiring harness.
Diagnostic Steps	1. Scan for DTCs: Use a diagnostic scanner to confirm the presence of the B1657 code and check for any other related codes. 2. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the wiring harness, connectors, and seat motor for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Pay close attention to areas where the harness passes through the seat frame. 3. Wiring Diagram Review: Consult the vehicle's wiring diagram to understand the circuit layout and identify the specific wires involved in the rear up adjustment. 4. Voltage Testing: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at various points along the circuit. Specifically, check the voltage at the seat motor connector and the seat control module connector. Compare the readings to the expected values specified in the wiring diagram. 5. Continuity Testing: With the circuit disconnected from the power source, use a multimeter to check the continuity between the rear up circuit wire and ground. There should be no continuity. If there is, it indicates a short to ground. 6. Component Testing: If the wiring and connections appear to be in good condition, test the seat motor itself. You may need to consult the vehicle's service manual for specific testing procedures. 7. Seat Control Module Testing: If all other components test good, the seat control module may be the culprit. However, this is the least likely cause, and it is recommended to consult with a qualified technician for further diagnosis. 8. Harness Manipulation: While monitoring voltage or resistance, gently wiggle and manipulate the wiring harness to see if the fault occurs intermittently. This can help pinpoint the location of a break or short within the harness. 9. Load Testing: Use a test light to apply a load to the circuit. This can help reveal shorts that only manifest under load.	- Perform a thorough visual inspection of the wiring harness and connectors. - Use a multimeter to check for voltage and continuity in the circuit. - Test the seat motor to rule out an internal short. - Consider the possibility of a faulty seat control module, but test other components first. - Consult wiring diagrams specific to your vehicle make and model.
Repair Procedures	1. Repair or Replace Damaged Wiring: If you find damaged wiring, repair it using appropriate splicing techniques and heat-shrink tubing, or replace the entire section of wiring. 2. Clean or Replace Corroded Connectors: Clean corroded connectors with electrical contact cleaner or replace them if necessary. Ensure that the connectors are properly seated and locked. 3. Replace Faulty Seat Motor: If the seat motor is found to be faulty, replace it with a new or remanufactured unit. 4. Replace Seat Control Module (If Necessary): If the seat control module is determined to be the cause of the problem, replace it with a new or remanufactured unit. The new module may need to be programmed to the vehicle. 5. Secure Wiring Harness: Ensure that the wiring harness is properly secured to the seat frame to prevent future damage. 6. Address Root Cause: Identify and address the root cause of the problem to prevent it from recurring. For example, if a wire was pinched during seat installation, take steps to prevent it from happening again. 7. Clear DTCs: After completing the repairs, clear the B1657 DTC from the vehicle's computer. 8. Verify Repair: Test the seat's rear up adjustment to ensure that it is functioning properly. Also, rescan the vehicle for DTCs to ensure that the B1657 code does not return.	- Properly splice and insulate any damaged wiring. - Use dielectric grease on connectors to prevent corrosion. - Secure the wiring harness to prevent chafing. - Ensure the seat motor is the correct replacement for your vehicle. - If replacing the seat control module, ensure it is properly programmed.

Detailed Explanations:

Code Definition: The B1657 DTC specifically pinpoints a short to battery voltage within the driver's seat rear up circuit. This means the control module detects excessive voltage on the wire responsible for raising the rear portion of the driver's seat. This unauthorized voltage disrupts the normal operation of the circuit.

Symptoms: A non-functional rear up adjustment is the most obvious symptom. However, other issues can arise, including erratic seat movement, memory function failures, or even broader electrical problems. A persistent short can also lead to battery drain, and the seat motor might exhibit unusual noises or fail completely.

Diagnostic Steps: The diagnostic process begins with verifying the B1657 code using a scanner. A thorough visual inspection of the wiring, connectors, and motor is crucial. Consult wiring diagrams to understand the circuit's layout. Voltage and continuity tests with a multimeter will help pinpoint the short. Manipulating the harness while monitoring voltage can reveal intermittent faults. Load testing can expose shorts that only appear under load.

Repair Procedures: Repairing or replacing damaged wiring is a common solution. Corroded connectors should be cleaned or replaced. A faulty seat motor must be replaced. While less frequent, a defective seat control module may need replacement and programming. Securing the wiring harness prevents future damage. Clearing the DTCs and verifying the repair are essential final steps.

Possible Causes: A direct short to battery is the root cause. This can stem from damaged wiring, a faulty seat motor, a defective seat control module (less likely), corroded or loose connectors, or pinched wires. Aftermarket accessories or rodent damage can also contribute to shorts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does B1657 mean? It indicates a short to battery in the driver's seat rear up circuit, meaning there's an unintended connection to a power source.
Can I fix this myself? Depending on your mechanical and electrical skills, you may be able to diagnose and repair the issue. However, improper repairs can lead to further damage, so seeking professional help is recommended if you're unsure.
How much will it cost to fix? The cost varies depending on the cause of the short and the labor involved. Simple wiring repairs can be relatively inexpensive, while replacing the seat motor or control module can be more costly.
Is it safe to drive with this code? While the car is generally safe to drive, the malfunctioning seat adjustment can affect driver comfort and potentially safety. Addressing the issue promptly is recommended.
Will clearing the code fix the problem? Clearing the code will only temporarily remove the warning light. The underlying problem must be addressed to prevent the code from returning.

Conclusion:

The B1657 DTC indicates a serious electrical fault that requires careful diagnosis and repair. A systematic approach, starting with a visual inspection and followed by electrical testing, is crucial for pinpointing the source of the short. By addressing the root cause and performing proper repairs, you can restore full seat functionality and prevent future problems.