The DTC definition varies by model year; rely on the diagnostic tool's actual description — Atto 3
The DTC definition varies by model year; rely on the diagnostic tool's actual description.
For 2022–2024 BYD Seal, Han DM-i, Tang DM-p, and similar models, technical bulletin TSB-BYD-2023-B12-017 defines B123917 as "left seat horizontal adjustment motor position feedback circuit open/short to ground" within the Body control system.
This indicates the voltage signal from the Hall-effect position sensor (built into the driver's seat horizontal adjustment motor) to the Seat Control Unit (SCU) exceeds the calibrated upper limit (normal: 0.5–4.5V; fault condition: >4.8V or short to ground detected).
A failed sensor, a signal wire shorted to power, or a faulty SCU internal sampling circuit causes this condition.
Symptoms include seat memory function failure, abnormal automatic return, or interrupted adjustment.
However, early documentation for the 2017–2019 Qin EV300 and Qin Pro DM incorrectly labels this code as a thermal management system fault: "low-side voltage overvoltage" (abnormal A/C low-pressure sensor signal).
Distinguish between these definitions during diagnosis.
- 1A damaged internal Hall position sensor in the driver's seat horizontal adjustment motor or a misaligned magnetic ring causes an abnormally high feedback signal voltage (>4.8V) or an open circuit.
- 2Relative movement between the seat wiring harness and the seat rail causes wear, shorting the position feedback signal wire (GJ51-18#) to the +12V power supply wire.
- 3Seat Control Unit (SCU) internal signal sampling circuit fault, such as an abnormal pull-up resistor causing excessively high reference voltage.
- 4Backed out pins, oxidation, water ingress, or poor contact at harness connector (GJ51/GJ52), causing an intermittent open circuit or abnormal impedance in the signal line.
- 5Mechanical binding in the seat adjustment mechanism stalls the motor, causing an abnormal current rise that indirectly affects position feedback signal stability.
- 1Confirm DTC definition: Use the VDS2000 diagnostic tool to read the complete fault description and freeze frame data. If the display shows 'left seat horizontal adjustment motor position feedback circuit open/short to ground' (corresponding to TSB-BYD-2023-B12-017), perform the seat system inspection procedure; if the display shows an air conditioning system-related fault, switch to thermal management system troubleshooting.
- 2Visual and physical inspection: Remove the driver's seat, keeping the wiring harness connected. Inspect the wiring harness under the seat for wear, focusing on the seat tracks and slide rail retaining clips. Check for damaged insulation, backed-out pins, signs of water ingress, or a wiring harness crushed by the seat frame.
- 3Static circuit measurement: Disconnect the seat control module connector, turn the key to ON, and use a multimeter to measure the voltage to ground of the horizontal adjustment motor position feedback signal wire (GJ51 connector, pin 18). Normal voltage is 0.5-4.5V (varies with seat position). If the voltage is >4.8V or equals battery voltage, this indicates a short to power; if the voltage is 0, this indicates a possible open circuit.
- 4Sensor body test: Remove the seat horizontal adjustment motor and measure the built-in Hall sensor power supply (12V ± 0.5V), ground (<0.1Ω), and signal wire resistance. Signal wire-to-ground resistance must be 1.5-2.5 kΩ and change linearly when manually rotating the motor. If the resistance is infinite, shorted, or changes discontinuously, replace the motor assembly.
- 5Harness continuity and insulation test: Measure harness continuity between the seat control module and the motor (must be <1Ω). Measure the insulation resistance of the signal wire to the +12V power wire and to ground (must be >10MΩ). Inspect for harness fatigue points in the seat rail fore-and-aft sliding area (travel approximately 200mm). Reinforce protection using corrugated conduit.
- 6Module cross-check: If the wiring harness and sensor are normal, swap the driver and front passenger seat control modules. Observe whether the fault code transfers with the module to confirm an SCU internal ADC sampling circuit fault.
- 7Repair and Verification: Repair or replace the damaged wiring harness/sensor. Re-secure the wiring harness to prevent interference with moving parts. Apply conductive grease and waterproof sealant to the connector pins. Clear the fault code. Adjust the seat forward and backward at least 10 times. Confirm the fault code does not return and the memory function operates normally.
BYD Han EV seat memory module communication fault (Reference case: B123D14)
BYD Tang DM passenger seat control failure (Reference case: B124117)
BYD Song Pro seat position sensor signal fault (Reference case: B123A17)