AutoCodes – GMC – B172E 2017 GMC Sierra

B172E 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement

Quick Answer

The safety alert seat provides a vibration in the driver’s seat bottom cushion to alert the driver of a number of concerns. Common causes include Faulty Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor, Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor harness is open or shorted, Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor 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: B172E 2017 GMC Sierra indicates Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor, Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor harness is open or shorted, Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor 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.

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Code Popularity 278

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 21, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B172E 2017 GMC Sierra Description

The safety alert seat provides a vibration in the driver’s seat bottom cushion to alert the driver of a number of concerns. Two seat haptic movement motors are utilized to create the vibration and are located on the left and right sides of the seat cushion. Utilizing two motors allows the vibration to be localized to the left or right side of the seat, depending on the side of the vehicle generating the alert, or to vibrate both simultaneously.

The Seat Memory Control Module receives serial data messages from other modules and provides voltage to control the seat haptic movement motors. The Seat Memory Control Module will pulse the left, right, or both motors with the number of pulses requested over serial data. The Seat Memory Control Module monitors the control circuits for open, short to ground, and short to voltage conditions and will set Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) if a circuit fault is detected.

The seat haptic movement motor is DC motor located in the driver’s seat bottom cushion. Two seat haptic movement motors are used in the seat bottom cushion, positioned on the left and right side. An offset weight is attached to the motor. When activated, the spinning offset weight creates a vibration felt by the driver through the seat cushion.

Each seat haptic movement motor receives a constant chassis ground. The motor is controlled by the Seat Memory Control Module providing voltage through a dedicated control circuit. When an alert is required, the Seat Memory Control Module will apply voltage, activating the seat haptic movement motor.

OBDII Code B172E 2017 GMC Sierra - Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement - AutoCodes.com — B172E 2017 GMC Sierra Code - Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B172E 2017 GMC Sierra?

Faulty Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor
Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor harness is open or shorted
Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement Motor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Seat Memory Control Module

How to Fix the DTC B172E 2017 GMC Sierra?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Buy the Haptic Motor: https://amzn.to/3H4LF0L

User Submitted Video

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B172E 2017 GMC Sierra 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.

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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 B172E 2017 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code B172E indicate on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- The code B172E indicates a fault in the Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement system, which is part of the vehicle's seat vibration feature used for alerting the driver through tactile feedback.

2. What are common symptoms of the B172E code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms include the absence of vibration feedback in the driver's seat cushion, a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or a specific warning light on the dashboard, and possibly an error message displayed on the vehicleâ€™s infotainment system.

3. What can cause the B172E code to appear in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Potential causes include a faulty haptic motor in the driverâ€™s seat, damaged wiring or connectors related to the haptic system, or a malfunctioning control module that manages the seatâ€™s haptic functions.

4. How can I diagnose the B172E code in my 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnosis involves using a scan tool to confirm the presence of the B172E code, visually inspecting the haptic motor and related wiring for damage or disconnections, and checking the functionality of the control module with specialized diagnostic equipment.

5. What are the steps to repair the B172E code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Repair steps typically include replacing the faulty haptic motor, repairing or replacing damaged wires or connectors, and potentially reprogramming or replacing the control module if it is found to be defective.

6. Is it safe to drive with the B172E code active in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- While driving with this code active is generally safe as it does not affect the drivability of the vehicle, it means you wonâ€™t receive haptic feedback from the driverâ€™s seat cushion, which could impact awareness of certain alerts or conditions while driving.

7. How urgent is it to address the B172E code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

- Addressing the B172E code should be considered moderately urgent, especially if the vehicle uses haptic feedback as part of crucial alert systems (like lane departure warnings), which contribute to safe driving.

8. Can a failed haptic motor trigger other issues in the vehicle?

- While a failed haptic motor itself is unlikely to cause other mechanical issues, loss of haptic feedback can lead to unawareness of alerts provided for safety features, potentially increasing the risk of an accident if these alerts are not noticed.

9. What tools are needed to fix the haptic system related to the B172E code in a GMC Sierra?

- Tools needed might include a professional OBDII scanner, multimeter for electrical testing, and basic hand tools for accessing and replacing components within the seat assembly.

10. How often do haptic system issues like the B172E code occur in vehicles?

- Issues with haptic systems like the B172E code are relatively uncommon, but they can occur due to factors like regular wear and tear, vehicle age, or exposure to elements that could damage electrical components.