B1670

DTC B1670 indicates an abnormally low-resistance connection (short to ground) between the right Side Impact Sensor (SIS) signal circuit and body ground (GND) — Atto 8

Safety System

DTC B1670 indicates an abnormally low-resistance connection (short to ground) between the right Side Impact Sensor (SIS) signal circuit and body ground (GND).

Electrically, this typically indicates damaged signal wire insulation contacting body metal, an internal connector short, or a sensor internal integrated circuit fault shorting the signal output terminal to the housing.

This fault causes the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) to continuously receive a false 'crash trigger' signal (voltage near 0V) or completely lose sensor communication.

Consequently, the ACU enters fail-safe mode, disabling the right airbag and side curtain airbag to prevent accidental deployment.

Additionally, if the system identifies the short circuit as a continuous crash signal on certain models, it may trigger unintended airbag deployment.

This fault constitutes a severe safety hazard and requires immediate repair.

3
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Right side impact sensor wiring harness wear: During long-term vehicle use, the sensor wiring harness inside the right B-pillar or sill trim rubs against body metal edges or retaining clips, damaging the insulation and shorting the copper core to body ground.
  • 2Connector water ingress or corrosion: Vehicle wading, a blocked sunroof drain, or improper car washing introduces moisture into the right crash sensor connector (usually located below the B-pillar or under the seat), causing a short circuit between pins or to ground.
  • 3Internal sensor body fault: Damage to the crash sensor piezoelectric element or signal processing circuit causes the signal output terminal to short to the sensor housing (ground).
  • 4Improper accident repair: After a right-side collision, improper routing or inadequate securing of the wiring harness during repair, or installing non-genuine parts that cause an electrical connector mismatch, triggers a short circuit.
  • 5SRS control unit (ACU) interface fault: In rare cases, damaged components in the ACU internal right-side sensor signal receiving circuit cause a false short-to-ground detection.
  • 1
    Safety preparation: Disconnect the battery negative terminal and wait at least 3 minutes to discharge the airbag system energy storage capacitor and prevent accidental airbag deployment during repair.
  • 2
    Fault confirmation and freeze frame recording: Use the BYD VDS diagnostic tool to read the DTC B1670 status (current/history), record the freeze frame data (vehicle speed, timestamp, and sensor voltage values at the time of the fault), and confirm the specific right-side sensor location (front/center/rear).
  • 3
    Visual inspection: Remove the right B-pillar trim, sill trim, or seat (depending on vehicle configuration). Inspect the crash sensor for physical damage, the wiring harness for obvious crushing, cuts, or abrasion, and the connector for water ingress, oxidation, or deformed pins.
  • 4
    Electrical measurement verification: Disconnect the right side impact sensor connector and use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the signal wire (usually the positive wire) and body ground. The normal value is >1 MΩ (open circuit). A reading of 0-5 Ω confirms a short to ground. Simultaneously measure the resistance between the sensor output terminal and the housing to check for an internal short circuit.
  • 5
    Section-by-section wiring harness inspection: If the sensor is normal, strip the wiring harness sheath in sections from the sensor toward the ACU. Inspect body pass-throughs (firewall and B-pillar), harness clip locations, and bends to locate the damage.
  • 6
    Repair or replace: If the wiring harness is damaged, rewrap it with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape and reroute the harness to prevent further chafing. If the sensor has an internal short circuit, replace it with an OEM right side impact sensor (some models require sensor calibration or coding).
  • 7
    System verification: Restore all connections and reconnect the battery. Use VDS to clear the fault code. Perform the SRS system self-diagnosis procedure and confirm B1670 does not return. Finally, perform a road test or simulated vibration test to verify the fault is completely eliminated.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

BYD Song MAX B1670 – Right B-pillar wiring harness chafed, shorting to ground (Reference: similar SRS harness fault B2290)

Symptom: The airbag warning light on the dash suddenly illuminated while driving a 2019 Song MAX. The VDS scan tool retrieved fault code B1670 (right side impact sensor short to earth). Diagnosis: Removed the right B-pillar trim and found the side impact sensor wiring loom had chafed against the retaining clip over time. The insulation had worn through, causing the copper wire to contact the bodywork. Measured signal wire resistance to earth at only 0.8Ω. Repair: Cut out the damaged loom section, resoldered the connections and applied double-layer heat-shrink tubing for insulation. Rerouted the loom to avoid contact with sharp edges. Cleared the fault codes and the SRS system passed its self-check. This case follows the same diagnostic approach as B2290 occupant classification system wiring faults.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

BYD Qin Pro B1670 side impact sensor connector water ingress and corrosion (reference case: similar connector fault B2692)

Symptoms: A 2020 Qin Pro displayed an airbag warning light on the dashboard after driving through flood water, with DTC B1670 logged. Diagnosis: Inspected the side impact sensor located inside the right front door sill trim panel. The connector showed obvious water ingress and green copper corrosion, causing a short between the signal and earth pins. Root cause: the sunroof drain hose had perished and was leaking. Solution: Thoroughly cleaned the connector pins using electrical contact cleaner and fine sandpaper, sprayed conductive protectant, replaced the waterproof seal, and repaired the drain hose routing. Fault resolved. This case follows a similar troubleshooting procedure to B2692 seat belt buckle switch connector faults.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

BYD Tang DM B1670 Side Impact Sensor Internal Circuit Fault (Reference case: similar sensor body fault B00C8)

Symptoms: A 2021 Tang DM airbag warning light came on intermittently during normal driving, especially over bumpy roads. VDS retrieved intermittent DTC B1670. Diagnosis: Initial inspection of the wiring harness and connectors found no issues. Measuring sensor harness resistance to earth showed an open circuit, within specification. After removing the sensor and testing the unit, intermittent continuity appeared between the internal signal terminal and the sensor housing (resistance fluctuated when shaking the sensor). This indicates a loose piezoelectric element or circuit board solder joint causing a short to the housing. Solution: Replaced the OEM right side impact sensor (part number matched to VIN). After installation, performed the SRS system configuration procedure. The fault did not reappear. This repair follows the same replacement procedure as B00C8 seat sensor internal faults.
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]