B1961
Low Severity (Level 1)Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground
B1961 usually means seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you still drive with B1961?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $120 – $1000
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 seat won't move in one or more directions
- Power seats not working or completely dead
- Power seats blowing fuses when activated
- Zero voltage on the power seat system circuit — short pulls signal to ground
Possible Causes
- Chafed or pinched wire in the power seat system circuit — wire insulation worn through, copper touching vehicle chassis/ground
- Failed seat motor/module with internal short to ground — most common when the component gets wet or overheats
- Corrosion in the electrical connector allowing current to leak to the connector shell/ground
- Damaged wiring harness where it passes through a body panel grommet or near a sharp metal edge
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 ($18-84 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, $95 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Repair or replace damaged section of wiring harness where short is located — solder and heat-shrink all connections, don't use crimp connectors on critical circuits ($183-450 depending on accessibility)
- If seat motor/module is internally shorted, replace with a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent aftermarket unit ($100-800)
- Clean all ground points related to the power seat system — remove bolt, sand contact surface to bare metal, apply dielectric grease, and torque to spec ($30-157 at shop)
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 B1961 mean?
B1961 stands for "Seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground". B1961 usually means seat Recline Forward/Backward Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground.
Can you drive with B1961?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1961?
Repair costs for B1961 typically range from $120 to $1000, 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 ($18-84 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, $95 diagnostic fee at shop); Repair or replace damaged section of wiring harness where short is located — solder and heat-shrink all connections, don't use crimp connectors on critical circuits ($183-450 depending on accessibility).
Will B1961 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
Related OBD-II Codes
These codes are in the same range as B1961 and often share similar causes and fixes.
Worried about repair costs?
Get transparent estimates and verify your mechanic's quote before authorizing repairs.
Related Discussions
See what other car owners are saying about this code and related repairs.
View B1961 discussions in the community