Code Definition

B1518 — Seat Driver Occupied Switch Circuit Short To Ground

System: Body  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: Generic

About B1518

B1518 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

When B1518 is stored, the module has detected a short-circuit (voltage pulled to ground or to supply) in the monitored circuit.

Scanning & clearing: Body (B) codes are often stored in the body control module, airbag module, or climate module. A basic OBD-II tool usually will not read body codes — an enhanced or OEM-level scan tool is typically required.

B1518 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

The Body Control Module (BCM) or restraint control module monitors the driver seat occupied switch circuit voltage to confirm whether the driver seat is occupied, using the result for seat belt reminder, alarm arming logic, interior lighting timing, and on some vehicles for restraint suppression strategy. DTC B1518 sets when the module sees the seat occupied input pulled to ground when it should normally hold a higher reference or signal voltage, indicating a short to ground in the seat harness or at the switch itself. This commonly results from chafed harness insulation contacting the seat tr...

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