B2167 — Seat Horizontal Motor Memory Position Out of Range
OBD2 code B2167 flags a problem with the body electrical system (seat horizontal motor memory position out of range). The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Common culprits: blown fuse or failed relay, body control module (BCM) fault, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas.
body electrical
Is it safe to drive?
Short-term driving is OK Usually safe to drive — body codes rarely affect drivability. Exceptions: exterior lighting and wipers in bad weather, and central locking faults that can leave the car unsecured.
How to diagnose with an OBD scanner
- Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm B2167 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
- Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many B0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
- Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the body electrical system for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
- Subsystem check Operate the affected function while watching its switch and motor PIDs in live data.
- Subsystem check Inspect connectors and wiring at flex points (door jambs, tailgate hinges) — wires break there first.
- Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm B2167 does not return.
Approximate repair cost
Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for B2167 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Replace the switch or actuator: $120–$450; Repair wiring or connectors: $80–$250; BCM repair or replacement: $300–$900. Overall, fixing B2167 usually costs between $80 and $900. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.
Common questions
How much does it cost to fix B2167?
Replace the switch or actuator — $120–$450; Repair wiring or connectors — $80–$250; BCM repair or replacement — $300–$900. 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 B2167?
The most common causes are: blown fuse or failed relay, body control module (BCM) fault, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas.
What are the symptoms of B2167?
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.
Is it safe to drive with B2167?
Usually safe to drive — body codes rarely affect drivability. Exceptions: exterior lighting and wipers in bad weather, and central locking faults that can leave the car unsecured.
What does OBD2 code B2167 mean?
OBD2 code B2167 flags a problem with the body electrical system (seat horizontal motor memory position out of range). The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Common culprits: blown fuse or failed relay, body control module (BCM) fault, damaged wiring in door jambs or wet areas.
When a technician pulls code B2167 from your vehicle's scan tool, it signals that the body control module has detected an abnormal reading from the seat horizontal motor's memory positioning circuit. The module monitors the motor's ability to reach and hold its programmed seat positions, and when the actual position falls outside the factory-defined window, B2167 sets. This code lives in the body electronics family of OBD2 trouble codes, which handle comfort and convenience features rather than engine management.
To trigger B2167, the control module typically compares sensor feedback against stored parameters over multiple drive cycles before confirming a fault. When the code appears, the module saves a freeze frame snapshot capturing engine speed, load calculation, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the moment of failure. Reviewing that snapshot before diving into diagnostics helps reproduce the exact conditions under which the problem occurred, making troubleshooting faster and more accurate.
B2167 does not affect the engine's ability to run. Your vehicle remains drivable, but you may lose the convenience features tied to the seat positioning system or other body electrical components sharing the same circuit.
Common symptoms of B2167
- Check engine or body control warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster
- Seat horizontal adjustment fails to operate or moves sluggishly
- Memory seat positions do not save or recall correctly
- Related body functions such as windows, door locks, or lighting operate intermittently
- No other drivetrain symptoms are present in most cases
- The fault may be intermittent, appearing only under specific conditions like extreme temperatures or high humidity
What causes B2167?
- Body control module internal failure or software corruption
- Corroded, loose, or damaged electrical connectors in the seat or door wiring harness
- Blown fuse or failed relay supplying power to the seat motor circuit
- Broken or chafed wiring, especially at flex points where wires pass through door jambs
- Faulty seat horizontal motor or worn gear mechanism
- Malfunctioning seat position sensor or memory switch
- Water intrusion into seat wiring connectors from spilled liquids or car washes
How to diagnose B2167
- Connect an OBD2 scanner and confirm that B2167 is stored as an active or pending code. Record the freeze frame data and any related codes present — secondary codes often point to the root cause rather than the symptom code itself.
- Check manufacturer technical service bulletins using your VIN on the automaker's website or NHTSA database. Many body electrical codes in the B0xxx family have known fixes, including software updates or revised wiring harnesses.
- Perform a visual inspection of the seat wiring harness and connectors. Look for frayed insulation, bent pins, corrosion buildup, and signs of heat damage or melting near the motor.
- Monitor the seat motor's position sensor data in live mode while actuating horizontal movement. Compare actual position values against commanded values — a large discrepancy indicates motor or sensor failure.
- Test electrical connections at door hinges and seat rails where wires flex repeatedly. Wiggle the harness during live data monitoring to reveal intermittent opens or shorts.
- Clear B2167 after inspections, then complete a drive cycle that reproduces the freeze frame conditions. If the code returns, the fault is confirmed and component-level testing can begin.
Repair options and costs for B2167
Several repair paths address B2167 depending on which part has failed:
- Seat position switch or memory control module replacement: $120–$450 for parts and labor at an independent shop. Dealer pricing typically runs higher due to OEM parts costs.
- Wiring harness repair or connector replacement: $80–$250 depending on whether the issue requires splicing, terminal replacement, or full harness service. Door jamb repairs often fall on the higher end due to labor complexity.
- Body control module repair or replacement: $300–$900. Reflashing existing modules costs less than full replacement, but some failures require a new or remanufactured BCM programmed to the vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix B2167?
The total invoice for B2167 repairs typically falls between $80 and $900 before tax. The exact amount hinges on which component triggers the fault. Shops usually bill one to two hours of diagnostic labor before quoting repair prices — this upfront investment prevents misdiagnosis and ensures you replace only the failed part. Most B2167 cases stem from simple connector or wiring issues rather than expensive module replacement, so start with inexpensive inspections before authorizing major repairs.
Can you drive with B2167?
B2167 carries a short severity rating — body electrical faults rarely disable engine operation or compromise braking and steering. You can continue driving, but address the underlying issue promptly if it involves exterior lighting, windshield wipers during wet weather, or central locking. A malfunctioning lock system leaves your vehicle unsecured, and faulty wipers reduce visibility in adverse conditions.