B167600

This DTC indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects a communication loss or open circuit between the Left Rear Side Impact Sensor (typically installed on the left rear quarter panel or C-pillar area) and the main control unit — Atto 3

Safety System

This DTC indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects a communication loss or open circuit between the Left Rear Side Impact Sensor (typically installed on the left rear quarter panel or C-pillar area) and the main control unit.

Specifically, during the ignition ON self-check or continuous monitoring while driving, the ECU detects the sensor circuit resistance exceeds the normal range (exhibiting high resistance or an open circuit) and fails to receive a valid acceleration signal.

This fault causes the SRS system to disable deployment of the left side airbag and side curtain airbag.

In a left-side collision, these airbags may fail to deploy, severely compromising passive safety performance.

The vehicle drive system remains unaffected.

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Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Loose sensor wiring harness connector or poor contact (common after vehicle wading, severe vibration, or incomplete connector seating during repairs)
  • 2Internal open circuit in the left rear side impact sensor (component aging, internal circuit board fracture, or water ingress corrosion)
  • 3Wiring harness open circuit or damaged insulation (long-term friction against the left rear door frame seal, or a detached wiring harness retaining clip causing tension and breakage)
  • 4Deformed sensor mounting bracket or poor ground circuit (affecting the signal reference voltage circuit)
  • 5SRS ECU internal detection circuit fault (very rare; rule out by substitution)
  • 1
    Use a BYD VDS2000 or Launch X431 diagnostic tool to read complete DTCs and freeze frame data, confirm B167600 is the current fault code, and record the vehicle status at the time of the fault.
  • 2
    Switch off the ignition, disconnect the negative battery terminal, and wait at least 3 minutes to fully discharge the SRS capacitor and prevent accidental airbag deployment.
  • 3
    Remove the left rear C-pillar trim panel and rear seat side trim panel. Locate the left rear side impact sensor (usually marked 'LR SIS', located above the left rear sill beam or lower C-pillar).
  • 4
    Visually inspect the sensor wiring harness connector (usually a 2-pin or 3-pin black plug) for looseness, a broken retaining clip, backed-out terminals, or corrosion. Reconnect the connector and confirm it locks securely into place.
  • 5
    Disconnect the sensor connector and use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the sensor body terminals (normal value is usually 2-3 kΩ; refer to the vehicle repair manual for exact specifications). If the reading is infinite, the sensor has an internal open circuit. Replace the sensor.
  • 6
    Keep the sensor disconnected. Measure continuity between the harness-side connector and the SRS ECU (wire color is usually yellow/black or yellow/white). Check insulation to ground and repair any open or short circuits.
  • 7
    Inspect the wiring harness corrugated conduit for damage. Focus on contact points between the wiring harness and the body sheet metal. Repair any worn areas and re-secure the harness with cable ties. Maintain a safe clearance from metal edges.
  • 8
    Reconnect all components and the battery. Use the diagnostic tool to clear the fault code and perform an SRS system self-check (the steering wheel must be centered and the vehicle level).
  • 9
    Perform a road test or use the diagnostic tool to run the 'Crash Sensor Active Test' (if supported). Confirm the fault code does not recur and the instrument cluster airbag warning lamp turns off normally.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Left rear sensor connector loose on BYD E2 ride-hailing vehicle.

A 2019 BYD E2 ride‑hailing car with 80,000 km had the airbag warning light on steady. The technician pulled DTC B167600. Inspection found the C‑pillar trim had been removed earlier for left rear door respraying, and the left rear side impact sensor’s 2‑pin connector was not fully seated, with the lock tab not engaged. Road vibration caused an intermittent open circuit. The technician reseated the connector, locked the tab, cleared the code, and the warning light went out.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Qin Pro DM: Sensor internal corrosion after wading

2020 BYD Qin Pro DM. After driving through floodwater in heavy rain, the dashboard displayed 'Airbag System Fault'. The diagnostic tool read DTC B167600. Inspection revealed the left rear side impact sensor is located inside the left rear wheel arch, mounted low. Water ingress corroded the sensor's internal circuit board, causing an open circuit. The sensor resistance was infinite. Replaced the sensor, adjusted the mounting position (added a waterproof bracket), and cleaned and dried the wiring harness connector. Fault fully resolved.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Wiring harness chafing against door seal caused intermittent open circuit

2019 BYD Qin EV had an intermittent airbag warning light and sporadic code B167600. Inspection found the left rear side impact sensor harness interfering with the door seal below the B-pillar. Repeated door opening and closing wore through the insulation, partially fractured the copper wires, and caused an intermittent poor connection. Repaired the harness by cutting out the damaged section, soldering, and insulating with heat-shrink tubing. Re-routed the wiring away from the seal area and wrapped it with felt tape for protection. The fault has not returned.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Sensor not reconnected after accident repair caused function failure

2018 Qin Pro petrol. After a left rear collision, a non-authorised workshop repaired the vehicle. After the repair, the airbag warning light stayed on constantly. Retrieved DTC B167600. Inspection found the left rear side impact sensor bracket had deformed during the accident. The repair technician had removed the sensor but failed to reconnect its plug, simply taping it loosely in place. Replaced the sensor bracket and fitted a new sensor. Connected and secured the wiring harness properly. Used a diagnostic tool for system configuration matching and cleared the fault.
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]