What Does B1957 Mean?
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) or Seat Control Module has detected an abnormal short-to-ground condition in the feedback circuit of the power seat height adjustment potentiometer. The potentiometer provides position feedback voltage to the control module, and when this signal wire is shorted to ground, the module can no longer monitor or properly control the seat's vertical position. This is a manufacturer-specific body code related to powered seat positioning systems.
Common Causes
45%
Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the seat rail causing the feedback signal wire to contact ground/chassis
30%
Failed seat height adjustment potentiometer with internal short to ground
15%
Corroded or moisture-damaged connector terminals at the seat motor or control module creating ground fault
10%
Faulty seat control module with internal circuit failure causing false short-to-ground detection
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform visual inspection under the power seat, examining the wiring harness along seat rails and mounting points for signs of chafing, pinching, or damage where wires may contact metal seat frame or chassis ground
2
Step 2: Disconnect the seat height potentiometer connector and measure resistance between the feedback signal wire terminal (at potentiometer side) and known good chassis ground using a digital multimeter - should read infinite/OL resistance if circuit is not shorted
3
Step 3: With potentiometer disconnected, check resistance between the signal pin at the control module connector (harness side) and ground - infinite resistance confirms potentiometer failure, low resistance indicates wiring harness short
4
Step 4: If wiring tests normal, connect potentiometer and backprobe the feedback signal wire with multimeter set to DC voltage while manually moving seat up/down - should see smooth voltage change (typically 0.5-4.5V range) without dropping to 0V
5
Step 5: Inspect potentiometer mounting for physical damage, water intrusion, or corrosion - remove and bench test potentiometer by measuring resistance change across terminals while rotating shaft
6
Step 6: After repairs, clear codes, cycle seat through full range of motion multiple times, and verify code does not return and seat operates smoothly through entire vertical travel range
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the Body Control Module (BCM) or Seat Control Module has detected an abnormal short-to-ground condition in the feedback circuit of the power seat height adjustment potentiometer. The potentiometer provides position feedback voltage to the control module, and when this signal wire...
The most common cause of B1957 (Seat Front Up/Down Potentiometer Feedback Circuit Short To Ground) is: Damaged or chafed wiring harness under the seat rail causing the feedback signal wire to contact ground/chassis
Typical repair costs for B1957 range from $150 to $650, 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 height adjustment convenience feature. The seat remains structurally secure and occupant restraints are not compromised, though you may lose ability to electrically adjust seat height until repaired.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to B1957 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Body
System
Power Seat Positioning System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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