B0312 code meaning
Driver Seat Forward/Back Switch Circuit
What B0312 means
B0312 is undocumented in public: no accessible code list includes it and no automaker defines it. The title means the switch that moves the driver seat fore and aft. GM's 2011 Saab 9-5 tracks it as B1755 (forward) and B1760 (rearward): a switch line shorted to ground, or one direction active while the opposite is pressed, disables that motor both ways and blocks memory recall. Saab's 9-3 seat module reports B1755 01/B1760 01 when a switch line is shorted to battery voltage; the seat then only moves away from the faulty direction. In US4467252A a bank of reversible manual switches, one per adjustment direction, drives the seat motor alongside the memory logic. Motor and wiring faults on the same axis are B0560.
B0312 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.4 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0312
- Driver seat moves only forward or only backward
- Seat fore-aft movement dead while other axes work
- Memory recall ignored
Common causes of B0312
- Most likelySeat switch contacts worn or the knob stuck in one direction
- PossibleDrink spilled into the side-mounted switch
- PossibleSwitch wiring chafed under the seat cover
- Less likelySeat module misreading the switch inputs
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Seat adjust switchSeat control module
What each part of B0312 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 12 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0312 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0312
What does B0312 mean?
B0312 means "Driver Seat Forward/Back Switch Circuit". B0312 is undocumented in public: no accessible code list includes it and no automaker defines it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0312?
B0312 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0312 fail an emissions test?
B0312 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0312 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.4 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will B0312 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.