What Does B1716 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground in the driver's seat front down switch circuit. The BCM monitors the power seat switch circuits and has identified that the down movement switch signal wire is grounded when it should not be, either through a damaged wire, failed switch, or connector issue. This prevents proper operation of the driver's seat front vertical adjustment function.
Common Causes
40%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the seat causing short to chassis ground
30%
Failed power seat switch assembly with internal short to ground
20%
Corroded or moisture-damaged connector at seat switch or seat motor causing ground fault
10%
Faulty Body Control Module internal circuit failure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection of the driver's seat switch assembly and all visible wiring harnesses under the seat, checking for obvious damage, pinched wires, chafing against seat tracks, or corroded connectors
2
Step 2: Disconnect the power seat switch connector and use a digital multimeter to measure resistance between the front down switch signal wire terminal (consult wiring diagram for pin identification) and chassis ground with switch in rest position; reading should be infinite ohms (open circuit)
3
Step 3: If resistance to ground is low (less than 10k ohms), disconnect the seat motor connector and retest the switch circuit to isolate whether the short is in the switch/harness between BCM and motor, or in the motor itself
4
Step 4: Inspect the wiring harness routing under the seat rails for damage; move seat through full range of motion while monitoring resistance to identify intermittent shorts caused by wire movement
5
Step 5: If wiring and connectors test normal, test the seat switch assembly by checking continuity across switch terminals while operating the front down button; replace switch if it shows continuity to ground in any position except when activated
6
Step 6: Clear codes, reconnect all components, operate seat through full range of motion to verify repair, and confirm code does not return
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $450
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to ground in the driver's seat front down switch circuit. The BCM monitors the power seat switch circuits and has identified that the down movement switch signal wire is grounded when it should not be, either through a damaged wi...
The most common cause of B1716 (Seat Driver Front Down Switch Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the seat causing short to chassis ground
Typical repair costs for B1716 range from $150 to $450, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to continue driving as this only affects power seat adjustment convenience feature. Repair at your convenience, though loss of seat adjustment may affect driver comfort and optimal driving position for some operators.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1716 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Power Seat Adjustment System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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