DTC B1836: Power Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If you are troubleshooting multiple DTCs, be sure to follow the instructions in B-CAN System Diagnosis Test Mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ).

Clear the DTC with the HDS.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0) and then back to ON (II).
Operate the power seat adjustment switch in all direction for at least 6 seconds each.
Check for DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC B1836 indicated?

YES -Go to step 5.

NO -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for loose or poor connections at the power sear control unit connectors.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
Disconnect power seat control unit connector A (40P).
Disconnect the 4P connectors from the slide position sensor, the front up-down position sensor, and the rear up-down position sensor, and disconnect the 8P [14P] connector from the driver's seat subharness.
[]: With seat ventilation
Check for continuity between power seat control unit connector A (40P) terminal No. 15 and body ground.

Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between Connector (40P) Terminal 15 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Repair a short to ground in the wire.

NO -Go to step 9.
Check for continuity between body ground (motor body) and terminal No. 1 of the slide position sensor, the front up-down position sensor, and the rear up-down position sensor.

Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between Motor Body And Terminal No. 1 Of Slide Position Sensor, Front And Rear Up-Down Position Sensor
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Replace the motor/position sensor that has continuity.

NO -Go to step 10.
Check for continuity between body ground (seat frame) and terminal No. 8 [No. 12] of the driver's seat subharness 8P [14P] connector.

[]: With seat ventilation

Without seat ventilation

Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Seat Frame And Terminal No. 8 8P Connector

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

With seat ventilation

Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between Seat Frame And Terminal No. 12 14P Connector

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Check for a short to ground in the wire of the driver's seat subharness. If the harness is bad, repair it, if the harness is OK, replace the recline motor/position sensor.

NO -Replace the power seat control unit.