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B1674

Moderate

Seat Driver Occupied Input Circuit Short To Battery

What Does B1674 Mean?

This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a voltage level higher than expected on the driver's seat occupancy sensor circuit, suggesting the signal wire is receiving battery voltage when it should not. The seat occupancy sensor is part of the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and helps determine airbag deployment strategies and seatbelt warnings. This short-to-battery condition means the circuit is inadvertently connected to a positive voltage source, causing the BCM to register incorrect occupancy data.

Common Causes

45%

Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the driver's seat causing the signal wire to contact a power wire or connector pin

Seat wiring harness
Wire insulation
Connector terminals

30%

Faulty seat occupancy sensor/mat with internal short circuit to power

Seat occupancy sensor
Occupancy mat

15%

Corroded or damaged connector at seat base or under carpet allowing moisture intrusion and cross-circuit contact

Seat connector
BCM connector

10%

Body Control Module internal fault causing incorrect voltage detection or output

Body Control Module

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Perform a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors under the driver's seat, checking for obvious damage, chafing against seat rails, pinched wires, or signs of previous repairs. Move the seat fully forward and backward while inspecting the harness routing.

2

Step 2: Disconnect the seat occupancy sensor connector at the seat base and use a digital multimeter to measure voltage on the signal wire at the harness side (vehicle side). With ignition on, you should read 0 volts or a low reference voltage (typically 0-5V depending on manufacturer). If you read battery voltage (12V+), the short is in the harness between the connector and BCM.

3

Step 3: If no voltage is present at the disconnected harness, measure resistance between the sensor connector signal pin (sensor side) and battery positive. Reading should be infinite (open circuit). Low resistance indicates an internal sensor fault.

4

Step 4: Inspect the connector pins for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture. Check terminal fit and ensure no cross-contamination between adjacent circuits. Clean and repair connector as needed.

5

Step 5: If wiring and sensor test good, check for water intrusion in the carpet area and BCM location. Test BCM ground circuits for integrity and verify no aftermarket accessories are tapping into related circuits.

6

Step 6: Clear codes, reconnect all components, cycle the ignition, and perform a road test with seat occupied and unoccupied conditions. Verify the code does not return and the airbag warning light remains off.

Estimated Repair Cost

$150 - $650

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does B1674 mean?

This diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a voltage level higher than expected on the driver's seat occupancy sensor circuit, suggesting the signal wire is receiving battery voltage when it should not. The seat occupancy sensor is part of the supplemental...

What causes B1674?

The most common cause of B1674 (Seat Driver Occupied Input Circuit Short To Battery) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the driver's seat causing the signal wire to contact a power wire or connector pin

How much does it cost to fix B1674?

Typical repair costs for B1674 range from $150 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with B1674?

While the vehicle is drivable, the airbag system may not function correctly as it cannot properly detect driver occupancy, potentially causing improper airbag deployment force or disabling passenger airbag warnings. The airbag warning light will likely be illuminated, and this should be repaired within a few days to restore full safety system functionality.

How do I diagnose B1674?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1674 to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Body

System

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Body Control

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Manufacturer

Recommended Tools

OBD2 Scanner

A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.