B1971 – OBD-II DTC

OBD-II DTC B1971 – Passenger Seatback Rearward Switch Circuit Short to Ground

DTC B1971 meaning

DTC B1971 refers to a diagnostic trouble code indicating a short circuit to ground in the passenger seatback rearward switch circuit. This code is part of the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, which monitors various vehicle systems for faults. The passenger seatback rearward switch is responsible for controlling the angle of the passenger seatback, allowing for adjustments to be made for comfort and safety. A short to ground in this circuit can prevent the switch from functioning properly, leading to potential issues with seat adjustments.

DTC B1971 symptoms

Common symptoms associated with DTC B1971 may include:

• Inability to adjust the passenger seatback rearward.
• Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, particularly the airbag or seatbelt warning lights.
• Intermittent or complete loss of functionality of the passenger seat adjustment controls.
• Possible related issues with other electrical components in the seating system.

DTC B1971 causes

Several factors can lead to the occurrence of DTC B1971, including:

• A damaged or frayed wiring harness in the seat adjustment circuit.
• Corrosion or poor connections at the switch or connector terminals.
• Faulty passenger seatback rearward switch.
• Issues with the vehicle’s body control module (BCM) or other related control modules.

DTC B1971 seriousness

The seriousness of DTC B1971 can vary based on the specific vehicle and its systems. However, it is generally considered a moderate issue because:

• It affects the functionality of the passenger seat, which can impact comfort and safety.
• It may be related to the airbag system, potentially affecting passenger safety in the event of a collision.
• Ignoring this code could lead to further electrical issues or damage to the seat adjustment system.

How to diagnose DTC B1971

To diagnose DTC B1971, follow these steps:

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of DTC B1971.
2. Inspect the wiring and connectors associated with the passenger seatback rearward switch for any visible damage or corrosion.
3. Test the passenger seatback rearward switch for proper operation using a multimeter.
4. Check for any additional DTCs that may provide more context to the issue.
5. Examine the body control module (BCM) for faults or issues that may affect the seat adjustment circuit.

How to fix DTC B1971 step-by-step instructions

To fix DTC B1971, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to ensure safety while working on the electrical system.
2. Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors in the passenger seatback rearward switch circuit.
3. If the switch is faulty, replace it with a new one.
4. Reconnect any connectors and ensure all connections are secure and free of corrosion.
5. Reconnect the vehicle’s battery.
6. Clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner and test the passenger seat adjustment to ensure proper functionality.

How to erase DTC B1971

To erase DTC B1971, follow these steps:

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
2. Turn on the vehicle’s ignition without starting the engine.
3. Navigate to the DTC menu on the scanner and select the option to clear or erase codes.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the scanner to complete the process.
5. Disconnect the scanner and start the vehicle to ensure the code does not reappear.

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