AutoCodes – Generic – B1973

B1973 Code - Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch Circuit Short To Battery

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch. Common causes include Faulty Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch, Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch harness is open or shorted, Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch 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: B1973 indicates Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch Circuit Short To Battery.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch, Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch harness is open or shorted, Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch 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 3,939

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 31, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B1973 Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code B1973 - Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch Circuit Short To Battery - AutoCodes.com — B1973 Code - Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch Circuit Short To Battery

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1973?

Faulty Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch
Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch harness is open or shorted
Passenger Rear Seat Down Switch circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC B1973?

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 B1973 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 B1973 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1973 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1973 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

B1973 Buick — High Power Control Fault
B1973 Cadillac — High Power Control Fault
B1973 Chevrolet — High Power Control Fault
B1973 Chrysler — Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance
B1973 Dodge — Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance
B1973 GMC — High Power Control Fault
B1973 Jeep — Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance
B1973 Pontiac — High Power Control Fault
B1973 RAM — Power Liftgate Open Direction Ratchet Secondary Switch Performance
B1973 Saturn — High Power Control Fault

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 B1973 Code

1. What does OBDII code B1973 mean?

Code B1973 indicates a short-to-battery issue in the circuit for the passenger rear seat down switch, which controls the folding mechanism of the rear seat.

2. What are the symptoms of code B1973?

Common symptoms include the rear seat not folding down as expected, an illuminated warning light on the dashboard, or unresponsive seat adjustment controls.

3. What causes code B1973?

The most common causes are damaged wiring, a faulty passenger rear seat down switch, or a short circuit due to corrosion or improper electrical connections.

4. Can I still drive my car with code B1973?

Yes, you can still drive the car, but the rear seat folding function may not work, which could be inconvenient for loading cargo.

5. How do I diagnose code B1973?

Start by visually inspecting the wiring and connectors for the passenger rear seat down switch for damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check for a short-to-battery condition.

6. What repairs can fix code B1973?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring, repairing corroded connectors, or replacing the faulty passenger rear seat down switch.

7. How much does it cost to fix code B1973?

The repair cost can vary, but replacing a seat down switch typically costs between $50 and $150, while extensive wiring repairs may cost more depending on labor rates.

8. Can I fix code B1973 myself?

If you have basic electrical skills and tools, you can inspect and replace damaged wiring or the switch. However, more complex electrical issues may require professional assistance.

9. Does code B1973 affect other vehicle systems?

Generally, no. This code is specific to the passenger rear seat down switch circuit and does not typically impact other vehicle systems.

10. How can I prevent code B1973 from recurring?

Regularly inspect the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, and avoid overloading or putting excessive strain on the rear seat adjustment mechanisms.