B1701
Low Severity (Level 1)Seat Driver Recline Forward Switch Circuit Failure
B1701 usually means seat Driver Recline Forward Switch Circuit Failure.
Can you still drive with B1701?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $100 – $800
Severity Level 1 — Low
This code indicates a minor issue that is unlikely to cause immediate driveability problems. You can typically continue driving but should have the vehicle inspected at your earliest convenience.
Common Symptoms
- Power seats not functioning as expected
- Power seat won't move in one or more directions
- Warning light or message on dashboard related to the power seat system
- Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in module memory
Possible Causes
- Failed seat motor/module — internal fault from age, heat cycling, and vibration
- Damaged wiring or corroded connector in the power seat system circuit
- Blown fuse for the power seat system circuit — check before replacing components
- Faulty control module driving the seat motor/module
- Loose or corroded ground point shared by the power seat system
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($20-134 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $134 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Replace seat motor/module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-800)
- Check and replace any blown fuses in the power seat system fuse circuit — if fuse blows again, there's still a short that needs to be found ($3-19 for fuses)
- Perform a wiggle test on the power seat system wiring harness while monitoring live data — see if the fault returns when you move the harness at different points ($0-132 diagnostic labor)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B1701 mean?
B1701 stands for "Seat Driver Recline Forward Switch Circuit Failure". B1701 usually means seat Driver Recline Forward Switch Circuit Failure.
Can you drive with B1701?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1701?
Repair costs for B1701 typically range from $100 to $800, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($20-134 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $134 diagnostic fee at shop); Replace seat motor/module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-800).
Will B1701 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
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