DTC B1836: Power Seat Position Sensor Circuit Short

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Acura MDX, 2008 Acura MDX, and 2007 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 ON (II).
Operate the power seat adjustment switch in all direction for more than 1 second 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 connector from the recline motor/lumbar support motor subharness.
Check for continuity between power seat control unit connector A (40P) No. 15 terminal and body ground.

Fig 1: Identifying Continuity Between Power Seat Control Unit Connector A (40P) No. 15 Terminal And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Repair short to ground in the wire.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Continuity Between Body Ground (Motor Body) And No. 1 Terminal
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 the No. 8 terminal of the recline motor/ lumbar support motor subharness 8P connector.

Fig 3: Identifying Continuity Between Body Ground (Seat Frame) And No. 8 Terminal
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES - Check for a short to ground in the wire of the recline motor/lumbar support motor 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.