AutoCodes – Buick – B172E Buick

B172E Buick 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 Buick 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 251

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 Buick 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 Buick - Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement - AutoCodes.com — B172E Buick Code - Driver Seat Cushion Left Rear Haptic Movement

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B172E Buick?

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 Buick?

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 Buick 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 Buick Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B172E in a Buick related to the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement?

- The common symptoms include erratic or unexpected movement of the driver seat cushion on the left rear side.

2. What could be causing the OBDII code B172E in a Buick triggering the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement?

- Possible causes include a malfunctioning seat cushion haptic motor, wiring issues, or a control module fault.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code B172E in my Buick for the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement issue?

- Diagnose by inspecting the wiring connections, testing the haptic motor, and using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code.

4. Is it safe to drive my Buick with the OBDII code B172E related to driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement active?

- It is generally safe to drive, but the seat movement may be unpredictable, so caution is advised. It is recommended to address the issue promptly.

5. Can I repair the OBDII code B172E in my Buick related to the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement myself?

- Depending on your mechanical skills, you may be able to repair it yourself by replacing the faulty haptic motor or repairing the wiring. Professional help is recommended if unsure.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code B172E in my Buick fix the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement problem?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the seat cushion movement problem.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code B172E in a Buick for the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement issue?

- The cost can vary depending on the exact cause, but it may involve replacing the haptic motor, repairing wiring, or addressing a control module fault, so costs can range from moderate to expensive.

8. Can a faulty sensor trigger the OBDII code B172E in a Buick for the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement issue?

- While less common, a faulty sensor related to seat position or movement could potentially contribute to triggering the B172E code.

9. Is the OBDII code B172E related to driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement a common issue in Buick vehicles?

- The B172E code specifically related to driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement is less common but has been reported in some Buick models with advanced seat features.

10. What steps should I take if the OBDII code B172E keeps coming back after repair attempts for the driver seat cushion left rear haptic movement issue?

- If the code persists, double-check the repairs, ensure proper connections, consider consulting a professional for a thorough diagnosis, or inspect for any additional underlying issues.