B1248 — Passenger's Seatback Autoglide Rearward Switch Circuit Short to Ground

What are the symptoms of B1248?

Drivers most often notice: warning light on the dashboard, the affected function (locks, windows, lighting, wipers) works intermittently or not at all, no impact on engine operation in most cases.

Will B1248 clear itself?

Sometimes B1248 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

What does OBD2 code B1248 mean?

OBD2 code B1248 flags a problem with the body electrical system (B1248 — passenger's seatback autoglide rearward switch circuit short to ground: causes, symptoms & fix). The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Common culprits: faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system, blown fuse or failed relay, corroded or loose connectors.

How much does it cost to fix B1248?

Repair wiring or connectors — $80–$250; BCM repair or replacement — $300–$900; Replace the switch or actuator — $120–$450. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What is the most common cause of B1248?

The most common causes are: faulty switch, motor or actuator of the affected system, blown fuse or failed relay, corroded or loose connectors.

When your scan tool pulls code B1248, it means the vehicle's body computer has detected a problem with the passenger seatback autoglide rearward switch circuit — specifically, a short to ground. The autoglide system allows the seatback to slide rearward with a simple command, often used to ease entry and exit from the rear seating area. The body control module (BCM) constantly watches the voltage in this circuit. When the circuit shows an unexpected drop to ground instead of the normal signal, the module logs B1248 and turns on the check engine or body system light. Most modern vehicles run these self-checks every drive cycle, so the code typically appears quickly once the fault exists.

The BCM stores freeze frame data alongside B1248 — a snapshot of engine speed, load, temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault occurred. That snapshot is your best clue during diagnosis, because it tells you whether the problem appeared at idle, under load, or during a specific maneuver. B1248 itself doesn't affect engine performance or transmission function. The issue lives entirely in the comfort and convenience systems, which is why the car still drives normally despite the illuminated warning lamp.

Symptoms of B1248

• Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or body system warning light is illuminated on the dashboard
• Passenger seatback will not slide rearward when the autoglide switch is pressed
• Seatback movement is intermittent — works sometimes, fails other times
• Other seat adjustment functions (fore/aft, recline, height) operate normally
• The affected circuit may show no activity at all when the switch is actuated
• In rare cases, related body functions on the same circuit act erratically

Common Causes of B1248

• Loose or corroded electrical connectors at the seat switch or BCM — the most frequently seen culprit
• Damaged wiring, especially in areas prone to flexing like door jambs or under-seat harnesses where moisture can collect
• Failed autoglide switch on the passenger seat panel — internal contacts wear out over time
• Faulty seatback motor or actuator in the autoglide mechanism
• Body control module (BCM) internal failure or software glitch
• Blown fuse or failed relay supplying the seat adjustment circuit

How to Diagnose B1248

1. Connect a quality OBD2 scanner, retrieve B1248, and record the freeze frame data. Note the engine conditions when the fault triggered — this guides your inspection toward the right area of the vehicle.
2. Check for any related diagnostic trouble codes stored in the BCM or instrument cluster. Coexisting codes often point to the root cause rather than a secondary symptom.
3. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors tied to the passenger seat autoglide circuit. Look for broken wires, melted insulation, corrosion buildup, or connectors that are pushed in partially.
4. Test the autoglide switch for continuity using a multimeter. Compare readings against manufacturer specifications — a switch that shows intermittent open or high-resistance readings is likely the problem.
5. Examine wiring at flex points such as seat tracks and door seams. Wires break here first from repeated motion, and moisture in these areas accelerates corrosion.
6. Clear B1248, operate the seat through a full drive cycle that recreates the conditions from the freeze frame data, then rescan. If the code returns, you have confirmed a hard fault rather than a one-time electrical spike.

Repair Options and Costs

Labor rates and parts pricing vary by region and shop, but here are typical ranges for the most common repair scenarios:

• Wiring repair or connector replacement — $80 to $250. Often as simple as cleaning a corroded terminal, soldering a broken wire, or replacing a damaged plug.
• Passenger autoglide switch replacement — $120 to $300 for parts, plus $60 to $150 labor if the trim panel requires removal.
• Seatback motor or actuator replacement — $200 to $450 total, depending on whether you source an OEM or aftermarket unit.
• BCM repair or replacement — $300 to $900. Replacement requires programming and sometimes relearning procedures specific to your vehicle.

Total Cost to Fix B1248

Expect to spend anywhere from $80 to $900 depending on which component is actually at fault. The vast majority of B1248 cases involve nothing more than a bad switch, loose connector, or damaged wire — all inexpensive fixes. BCM replacement is the least common scenario but sits at the top of the price range. Always verify the actual failure point with live data and voltage testing before committing to an expensive module swap.

Can You Drive with B1248?

Yes — B1248 is classified as a short severity body code, and it does not impair engine operation, braking, or steering. The vehicle remains fully drivable. The main practical concern is that the passenger seatback autoglide feature will not function, which is an inconvenience rather than a safety issue. If the failure is accompanied by broader body electrical problems — such as inoperable exterior lights or central locking — address those promptly, as they affect safety in low-visibility conditions or when the vehicle is left unsecured.

Related OBD2 Codes

• B1200: Climate Control Pushbutton Circuit Failure
• B1201: Fuel Sender Circuit Failure
• B1202: Fuel Sender Circuit Open
• B1203: Fuel Sender Circuit Short To Battery
• B1204: Fuel Sender Circuit Short To Ground
• B1205: EIC Switch-1 Assembly Circuit Failure

The B1248 OBD2 fault code relates to the Passenger's Seatback Autoglide Rearward Switch circuit. This switch controls seatback movement. When the circuit short to ground, the seat adjustment may not work.

At AIscanAuto, we help drivers quickly identify OBD2 trouble codes, understand their root causes, and find the right fix.

Symptoms

• Seatback not moving
• Switch not responding
• Intermittent operation

Common Causes

• Failed switch — worn contacts
• an electrical short to ground is pulling the signal to 0V — creates a direct path to ground, causing the circuit to read 0V
• Wiring issues — damaged seat harness
• Motor failure

Step-by-Step Diagnosis

1. Scan with OBD2 tool — Confirm B1248.
2. Test switch — Check operation.
3. Inspect wiring — Check under seat.
4. Test motor — Apply direct voltage.

Repair & Solutions

• Replace switch if faulty.
• Repair wiring.
• Replace motor if needed.

Related Codes

• B1245 — Wiper Rear Motor Run Relay Circuit Short to Battery
• B1246 — Dim Panel Potentiometer Switch Circuit Failure
• B1247 — Panel Dim Switch Circuit Open

External References

- OBD2Pros — Complete DTC Reference

About This Guide

This diagnostic article is an original guide created by AIscanAuto for educational and troubleshooting purposes. The technical information about OBD2 DTC codes is based on publicly available automotive diagnostic standards and industry best practices. External links provided in the "External References" section are for additional reading and context only — they do not imply endorsement or ownership of third-party content. All repair procedures should be performed by qualified technicians.