AU
B168000

DTC B168000 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detected a communication interruption or physical disconnection between the Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) switch and the main control unit — Atto 3

Safety System

DTC B168000 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detected a communication interruption or physical disconnection between the Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) switch and the main control unit.

The PAD switch typically mounts in the center console or near the glovebox to manually disable the front passenger airbag (e.g., when installing a child safety seat).

The SRS module triggers this fault code if it fails to receive the switch resistance signal (typically a specific resistance range, such as 2kΩ-5kΩ indicating different states) within a predetermined time, or if it detects an open circuit (infinite resistance).

This fault forces the front passenger airbag system into fail-safe mode and continuously illuminates the instrument cluster airbag warning lamp.

During a collision, the front passenger airbag may fail to deploy or exhibit unpredictable behavior, severely compromising passive safety.

The B168000 fault code on the Atto 3 indicates a communication break between the Passenger Airbag Disable (PAD) switch and the SRS control module. This medium severity issue typically stems from loose wiring connectors or damaged harnesses near the center console or seat rails. The fault disables the front passenger airbag and triggers the warning light. Visit an authorised dealer for diagnosis and repair. Typical repair cost data is available based on 4 recorded cases.
4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
Likely Causes — Atto 3
  • 1Loose, disconnected, or poor contact at the front passenger airbag deactivation switch wiring harness connector, especially from failing to reconnect it correctly after glovebox or center console removal and repair.
  • 2Long-term friction against moving parts, such as the front passenger seat slide rails or hinges, causes an open circuit in the floor or instrument panel wiring harness, or the copper wire inside the harness breaks while the insulation remains intact (hidden open circuit).
  • 3Internal contact oxidation, spring failure, or mechanical binding in the airbag deactivation switch causes resistance to fall outside the standard range (normally 2.5kΩ-4.8kΩ, depending on switch position).
  • 4Communication line between the SRS control module and the switch shorted to ground or power, causing abnormal signal voltage (normal signal voltage is a 0-5V pulse or specific analog voltage range).
  • 5A loose front passenger airbag module connector (located inside the dashboard) triggers an associated communication fault when sharing a ground or signal line with the switch circuit.
What To Do
  • 1
    Connect the BYD VDS2000 or Launch X-431 diagnostic tool. Access the SRS system to read DTC B168000 and freeze frame data. Verify the vehicle status (voltage, temperature, mileage) at the time of the fault, and attempt to clear the fault code to determine if the fault is intermittent.
  • 2
    Visually inspect the front passenger airbag deactivation switch near the centre console or glovebox. Confirm the switch body has no physical damage. Verify the wiring harness connector is fully seated and the locking mechanism engages securely. If necessary, disconnect the connector and inspect the terminals for back-out, oxidation, or deformation.
  • 3
    Use a multimeter to measure the switch body resistance: in the 'ON' (airbag enabled) position, the resistance should be approximately 2.0-2.5 kΩ; in the 'OFF' (airbag disabled) position, it should be approximately 4.0-4.8 kΩ (refer to the vehicle repair manual for exact standard values). If the resistance is infinite or zero, replace the switch body.
  • 4
    Disconnect the SRS control module connector and the switch connector. Measure the wiring harness continuity between them. Inspect the floor wiring harness for wear at the front passenger seat slide rail and the dashboard frame wire pinch points. Verify harness resistance is less than 1Ω and insulation resistance to ground is greater than 10MΩ.
  • 5
    Check the SRS control module power supply (constant power +B) and ground (GND) connections for security. Inspect the module connector pins for green copper corrosion. Clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary.
  • 6
    After repairing or replacing the faulty wiring harness or switch, reconnect all connectors. Clear the fault codes, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, and verify the instrument cluster airbag warning lamp turns off after 6 seconds. Perform a system self-check: Toggle the front passenger airbag deactivation switch 3 consecutive times. Confirm the SRS module correctly recognizes the status change and no fault codes reappear.
  • 7
    Perform final verification: Use the diagnostic tool to read the SRS system data stream, verify the 'Passenger Airbag Status' matches the actual switch position, and perform a simulated crash test (diagnostic tool function only; does not trigger the actual airbag) to confirm normal system response.
Real-World Cases
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket centre console modification loosened the switch connector

✓
A 2019 BYD E2 owner reported that the airbag warning light on the instrument cluster had suddenly illuminated. Technicians used a VDS scan tool to retrieve DTC B168000. When asked, the owner said a large centre touchscreen had been installed at a modification shop the previous day. Disassembly and inspection found that during centre console removal, the installers had pulled the 2-pin connector for the passenger airbag disable switch (located to the right of the glovebox) loose, breaking the locking tab. Technicians reconnected the connector and used cable ties to secure the wiring harness routing. The fault was resolved after clearing the DTC. Mark all airbag-related wiring harnesses during future modifications to prevent rough disassembly and installation.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin EV wiring harness open circuit caused by seat rail wear

✓
2019 Qin EV, 30,000 km. DTC B168000 occurring intermittently, with increased frequency on rough roads. Initial inspection found no connector faults. Removed the passenger seat and found that the floor harness had chafed through its insulation at the seat rail mounting point from long-term friction. Of the 3 internal wires, 2 had completely broken (copper strands broken but the insulation intact, causing an intermittent open circuit). Stripped back the harness, re-soldered the broken wires, insulated with double-layer heat-shrink tubing, rerouted the harness to clear the seat rail travel path, and added corrugated tubing for protection. Fault completely eliminated.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

E3 airbag disable switch failed due to internal oxidation

✓
2020 BYD E3, 2 years old, operated in a southern coastal city. DTC B168000 persisted and would not clear. Power supply at the switch harness connector measured 12 V (normal), but the signal line showed no change. Removed the switch assembly (right side of centre console, keyhole or button type) and disassembled it. Internal contacts were severely oxidised from humidity; resistance measured in the megaohm range (normal: kiloohm range). Fitted a new passenger airbag deactivation switch (part number may be K85-XXXXXX, verify against specific vehicle configuration). Performed recalibration and the fault cleared. Advised the owner to avoid placing liquids in the cup holder to prevent fluid ingress into the switch.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin EV poor grounding after accident repair

✓
2019 Qin EV. Following front collision repairs, the SRS system stored DTC B168000 and multiple communication faults. Technicians found that the repair shop had not properly tightened the SRS control module ground wire (typically located on the left side of the dashboard frame) during the accident repair. This caused unstable power supply to the module and triggered a false warning for passenger airbag switch disconnection. They reconditioned the ground wire contact surface by grinding away paint and oxidation, then used a torque wrench to tighten the ground bolt to the specified torque (usually 8–10 N·m). After clearing all fault codes, B168000 did not reappear. This case is a reminder that accident repairs must strictly follow circuit diagrams to restore all ground points.
Other Atto 3 Fault Codes
P0AA6Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation FaultB1108For the BYD Song MAX (2017–2019), DTC B1108 indicates a short circuit in the PM2.5 air quality detection module (dust sensor) or its wiring harness. The sensor uses laser scattering to detect in-cabin and outside PM2.5 concentrations and transmits data to the HVAC ECU via the LIN bus or an analog signal. Short circuit conditions include: 1) Sensor power supply wire (+5V/+12V) shorted to ground 2) Signal wire shorted to power or ground 3) Short circuit in the sensor's internal photoelectric detection circuit This fault prevents the automatic climate control from switching between fresh air and recirculation based on air quality. The system enters fail-safe mode (typically forced recirculation). Severe short-circuit current can destroy the HVAC ECU sampling circuit. The system classifies this as a Level 3 severe fault and restricts vehicle operation to prevent electrical fires or controller damage. For other BYD models (such as the Qin EV, E5, and Song DM), B1108 indicates a driver-side sunload sensor fault, reflecting differences in DTC definitions across models.B1109DTC B1109 indicates an open circuit in the communication line between the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (dust concentration sensor) and the air conditioning control unit (AC ECU), or an open circuit within the sensor internal circuitry. Typically located in the air conditioning intake duct, this sensor monitors real-time PM2.5 particle concentration inside and outside the vehicle. It provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent switching between fresh air and recirculation modes and for controlling the air purification device. During an open circuit fault, the AC ECU cannot receive the air quality signal, triggering the system fail-safe mode. Symptoms typically include failure of the automatic recirculation function, abnormal air purification indicator light operation, or abnormal air quality data displayed on the air conditioning panel. Severe cases may compromise the cabin environment control strategy, but do not directly affect vehicle driving safety.B110AThis DTC indicates interrupted CAN bus communication or abnormal data between the air conditioning control unit (ACU) and the PM2.5 air quality sensor. The PM2.5 sensor monitors particulate concentration inside and outside the vehicle and provides the basis for purification control in the automatic air conditioning system. The ACU triggers this fault if it fails to receive a valid CAN message from the sensor within the specified period (usually 100-500 ms), if message verification fails, or if the signal frame times out. Although this fault does not affect vehicle driving safety, it disables the automatic air purification function. The air conditioning system cannot automatically switch between recirculation and fresh air modes or activate the air purification mode based on air quality. A persistent fault may restrict the thermal management strategy.B173A1ADTC B173A1A indicates the right middle-row side airbag (typically located on the side of the right second-row seat or inside the C-pillar trim panel) igniter circuit resistance measures 0 Ω. In the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), normal airbag igniter resistance ranges between 2.0 and 5.0 Ω. A resistance of 0 Ω indicates a short to ground or a short between circuit wires, preventing the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) from establishing a normal monitoring circuit. This safety-critical fault prevents the airbag from deploying during a collision, continuously illuminates the instrument panel SRS warning lamp, and may force the entire airbag system into fail-safe mode.
Common problems reported for Atto 3 →Atto 3 overview →
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.