Code Definition

B1649 — Seat Driver Recline Forward Circuit Short To Battery

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

About B1649

B1649 is a manufacturer-specific body diagnostic trouble code recorded for Ford vehicles. It belongs to the B-prefix family of codes, which covers body, interior, airbag, or comfort-electronics faults.

When B1649 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.

B1649 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 B1649 fault code indicates that the Driver Seat Module (DSM) or Body Control Module (BCM) has detected a short to battery voltage on the driver seat recline forward control circuit. This circuit drives the electric motor that tilts the seat backrest forward when the driver operates the recline switch. The seat module monitors the output line for unexpected voltage, and when it sees battery positive on the recline forward output while the output is commanded off, or sees a higher than expected voltage during the active cycle, it sets B1649. With this code present the recline forward functio...

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