AutoCodesGeneric – B1656

B1656 Code - Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

The Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor and the Front Seat Inner Belt Left (LH). Common causes include Faulty Front Seat Inner Belt Left (LH), Front Seat Inner Belt Left harness is open or shorted, Front Seat Inner Belt Left circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
B1656 indicates Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left Circuit Malfunction .
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Front Seat Inner Belt Left (LH), Front Seat Inner Belt Left harness is open or shorted, Front Seat Inner Belt Left circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 6,636
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Oct 11, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B1656 Description

The Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left circuit consists of the Center Airbag Sensor and the Front Seat Inner Belt Left (LH). The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1655 is recorded when a malfunction is detected in the Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left.
OBDII Code B1656 - Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left Circuit Malfunction  - AutoCodes.com
B1656 Code - Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left Circuit Malfunction

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1656?

  • Faulty Front Seat Inner Belt Left (LH)
  • Front Seat Inner Belt Left harness is open or shorted
  • Front Seat Inner Belt Left circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Center Airbag Sensor Assembly

How to Fix the DTC B1656?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1656 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B1656 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1656 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1656 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

Precautions for SRS “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER” Service

  • Never probe the electrical connectors on air bag, side air curtain modules or seat belts.
  • Never disassemble or tamper with safety belt buckle/retractor pretensioners, adaptive load limiting retractors, safety belt inflators, or probe the electrical connectors.
  • Do not use electrical test equipment to check SRS circuits unless instructed to in this Service Manual.
  • Before servicing the SRS, turn ignition switch OFF, disconnect both battery cables and wait at least 3 minutes. For approximately 3 minutes after the cables are removed, it is still possible for the air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner to deploy. Therefore, do not work on any SRS connectors or wires until at least 3 minutes have passed.

Failure to follow this instruction may result in the accidental deployment of these modules, which increases the risk of serious personal injury or death.

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B1656 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B1656 (Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left Circuit Malfunction)?

- The common symptoms include the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard and potential issues with the seat belt buckle functionality.

2. What could cause OBDII code B1656 to trigger?

- This code is typically triggered by a malfunction in the left seat belt buckle switch circuit, which may be caused by wiring issues, a faulty seat belt buckle switch, or a poor connection.

3. How can I diagnose the Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left Circuit Malfunction?

- Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, visually inspecting the wiring and connections, and testing the seat belt buckle switch for proper functionality.

4. Can I continue driving with OBDII code B1656 active?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code active, as it may affect the proper functioning of the seat belt and airbag systems in case of an accident.

5. What are the repair options for fixing OBDII code B1656?

- Repair options include repairing or replacing damaged wiring, fixing poor connections, or replacing the faulty seat belt buckle switch to resolve the circuit malfunction.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B1656?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

7. Can I reset OBDII code B1656 without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it will likely return if the underlying issue is not addressed. It's important to fix the problem to ensure proper safety systems functionality.

8. Is OBDII code B1656 a serious issue?

- Yes, this code is considered a serious issue as it relates to the proper functioning of critical safety systems like the seat belt and airbag systems in the vehicle.

9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code B1656?

- The repair time can vary depending on the extent of the issue and the repair process involved, but it may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to fix this problem.

10. Can I fix OBDII code B1656 myself, or do I need a professional mechanic?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to fix this issue themselves, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic to properly diagnose and repair the Seat Belt Buckle Switch Left Circuit Malfunction.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B1656 OBDII Code

Code B1656 comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play