B167011

DTC B167011 indicates a short to ground in the Right Side Impact Sensor (RSIS) signal circuit — Atto 3

Safety System

DTC B167011 indicates a short to ground in the Right Side Impact Sensor (RSIS) signal circuit.

This sensor typically mounts on the right B-pillar, right front door, or right front side member to monitor acceleration changes during a side impact.

The SRS control module logs this fault when it detects the sensor signal wire resistance to ground falls below the threshold (typically 0-5Ω).

An insulation failure in the sensor circuit causes this fault.

The control module receives a continuous 0V signal (ground potential), preventing it from correctly determining impact severity.

This fault triggers fail-safe mode, disabling the right side airbag and side curtain airbag, and illuminates the instrument panel airbag warning light.

It severely compromises occupant protection during a side impact and constitutes a high-risk safety fault.

4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Harness mechanical damage: Long-term bending, wear, or accident crushing damages the harness insulation at the right B-pillar or door hinge, causing the wire to directly contact the vehicle body metal and create a short to ground.
  • 2Sensor connector fault: aged connector seal, internal water ingress after driving through water causing pin corrosion and short circuit, connector not fully seated during repair, or bent pin contacting the connector housing (ground terminal).
  • 3Internal short circuit in the sensor body: A damaged piezoelectric element or processing circuit inside the crash sensor causes the power or signal terminal to short to ground. Measured resistance typically approaches 0Ω (normal: 1.9-2.3kΩ).
  • 4Improper external modification or repair: Incorrectly reinstalling the wiring harness after removing the B-pillar trim panel during interior modifications (such as installing flooring or window tint), or improperly securing the wiring harness after accident repairs, causing metal edges to cut the harness.
  • 5Internal SRS control module fault (rare): The control module's internal signal processing circuit shorts to ground, causing a false sensor fault detection.
  • 1
    Safe power-down: Turn off the ignition, disconnect the negative battery terminal, and wait at least 3 minutes to fully discharge the SRS system capacitor and prevent accidental airbag deployment during repair.
  • 2
    Fault confirmation: Use VDS or a Launch diagnostic tool to read fault codes. Confirm B167011 is a current fault (Present). Record freeze frame data and check for accompanying related fault codes (such as U0151 communication fault).
  • 3
    Visual and connection check: Remove the right B-pillar trim panel and the right front door sill trim panel. Visually inspect the right crash sensor connector for looseness, water ingress, corrosion, or foreign matter. Inspect the wiring harness protective sleeve at the door hinge for damage.
  • 4
    Circuit parameter measurement: Disconnect the sensor connector. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the wiring harness side signal terminal and ground (expected: infinite/OL; a reading below 5Ω indicates a wiring harness short circuit). Measure the resistance between the sensor body terminals (normal: 1.9-2.3kΩ; a reading near 0Ω indicates a faulty sensor).
  • 5
    Wiring harness repair: If the wiring harness is damaged, strip the insulation, solder the broken strands, wrap with insulating tape, and install corrugated conduit. If the connector is corroded, clean it with electrical contact cleaner and apply conductive paste. Replace the connector if necessary.
  • 6
    Component replacement: If testing confirms a short circuit in the sensor itself, replace it with a genuine right crash sensor. Observe the installation torque (usually 8-10 N·m). Point the sensor arrow toward the front of the vehicle (or install according to the marked direction).
  • 7
    System reset and matching: Reconnect the battery and clear the fault code. On some models, perform the 'Crash Sensor ID Matching' or 'SRS System Configuration' procedure using a diagnostic tool.
  • 8
    Function check: Start the vehicle and confirm the SRS warning lamp turns off. Use the diagnostic tool to read the data stream and verify the right crash sensor acceleration value is normal (it should read close to 0g when stationary; lightly tapping the sensor should produce a corresponding voltage change).
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Door hinge wiring harness wear on Song Pro DM

Vehicle: 2021 BYD Song Pro DM with 42,000 km. Symptoms: SRS warning light illuminated intermittently; scan tool retrieved DTC B167011. Investigation found damage to the protective sleeve of the sensor wiring harness inside the right B-pillar at the door hinge, with wire insulation chafed through and contacting the body. Rectification: Repaired the damaged wires, added protective corrugated tubing, adjusted the harness routing to avoid contact with metal edges. Cleared DTCs; fault eliminated.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Yuan Plus connector corroded due to water ingress after wading

Model: 2022 BYD Yuan Plus. Issue: Started the vehicle the next morning after driving through deep water; instrument cluster displayed 'Check Airbag System'. Retrieved DTCs B167011 and U0151. Removed the right B-pillar trim and found visible water and green copper corrosion in the impact sensor connector, causing a short to ground on the pins. Repair: Thoroughly cleaned the connector with electronic cleaner, blow-dried it, and applied conductive anti-corrosion paste. Checked door seal integrity. One-week follow-up: no recurrence.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Qin Plus EV: Sensor internally damaged after accident

Vehicle: 2020 BYD Qin Plus EV. Previous right front collision. Symptoms: After a repair shop replaced the right front fender, the SRS warning light stayed on. Stored fault code B167011. Diagnosis: The sensor showed no external damage, but its resistance measured only 0.2Ω (normal: 2kΩ). The impact damaged the internal circuit board, creating a short to ground. Repair: Replaced the right side impact sensor with an OEM part. Performed sensor ID matching and cleared the fault code. System returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Han EV: Connector loose after modification

Vehicle: 2023 BYD Han EV. Symptom: SRS warning light on after interior modification (vinyl flooring installation). DTC B167011 stored. Upon inquiry, the right front seat and B-pillar trim had been removed during the work. Inspection found the right-side crash sensor connector not fully seated, with displaced pins contacting the housing and creating a false short-to-ground. Repair: Re-seated the connector and ensured the locking tab engaged, secured the wiring harness with cable ties, cleared the DTC, and the warning light went out.
Original source ↗
Data confidence: Official This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself. Sources: [1]