What Does C1947 Mean?
The restraint control module has detected a short to ground in the seat track position switch circuit. Instead of the expected variable signal indicating seat position, the module sees a constant ground-level voltage. This prevents the system from determining seat position for airbag deployment calibration. The airbag warning light will be illuminated and airbag deployment force may default to a non-optimized level.
Common Causes
40%
Pinched or chafed wire in the under-seat harness shorting the signal wire to the seat frame (ground)
25%
Water or liquid spill damage causing a conductive path to ground in the switch or connector
20%
Seat track position switch internally shorted to ground
10%
Damaged connector pins allowing the signal wire to contact the connector shell (ground)
5%
Body harness routing error after seat removal/reinstallation — wire trapped against metal
Diagnostic Steps
1
Disconnect the seat track position switch connector under the seat. If the code changes from 'short to ground' to 'open circuit' (C1946), the short is in the switch itself or the wiring between the switch and the connector.
2
With the connector disconnected, measure the resistance from the signal wire at the body harness connector to chassis ground. It should read infinite (open). A low reading confirms the short is in the body harness side.
3
Carefully inspect the under-seat wiring harness for pinch points, especially where wires route along the seat track rails. Look for bare copper contacting the seat frame. The harness flexes during seat adjustment and commonly chafes against metal edges.
4
Check for evidence of liquid spills in the connector — corrosion, green/white deposits, or moisture. Clean and dry the connector, or replace if damaged.
5
If the body harness is clear, disconnect the switch and measure across its terminals. Check for unexpected continuity to the switch housing/ground. Replace the switch if it shows internal short.
Estimated Repair Cost
$30 - $350
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The restraint control module has detected a short to ground in the seat track position switch circuit. Instead of the expected variable signal indicating seat position, the module sees a constant ground-level voltage. This prevents the system from determining seat position for airbag deployment cali...
The most common cause of C1947 (Seat Track Position Switch Circuit Short to Ground) is: Pinched or chafed wire in the under-seat harness shorting the signal wire to the seat frame (ground)
Typical repair costs for C1947 range from $30 to $350, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Airbags may still deploy, but without accurate seat position sensing, the deployment force will not be calibrated to the occupant's position. This could result in suboptimal protection in a crash. The airbag warning light will be on. Repair soon to ensure full restraint system functionality.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1947 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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