DTC B1791-00 indicates the driver-side Stage 2 Seatbelt Pretensioner resistance measures 0 ohms — Atto 8
DTC B1791-00 indicates the driver-side Stage 2 Seatbelt Pretensioner resistance measures 0 ohms.
Normal pretensioner igniter resistance is 2.0-4.0 ohms.
A 0-ohm reading indicates a circuit Short to Ground or an internal short in the pretensioner squib.
This fault prevents the SRS control unit from triggering the Stage 2 Seatbelt Pretensioner during a collision (typically used for secondary tightening in severe impacts), compromising occupant restraint system effectiveness.
Additionally, the SRS warning lamp remains illuminated, the system enters fail-safe mode, and the airbags may fail to deploy.
- 1Pretensioner internal squib short circuit: Moisture, aging, or manufacturing defects cause an internal short circuit in the pretensioner ignition device, dropping resistance to 0 ohms.
- 2Wiring harness worn and shorted to ground: Long-term friction and compression from seat movement damage the yellow SRS wiring harness under the driver’s seat, causing the wire to short to the vehicle body metal.
- 3Connector water ingress and corrosion: Poor sealing of the seat pretensioner connector (usually located at the B-pillar or under the seat) allows water to enter after car washing or wading, causing a short circuit between pins.
- 4ECU internal sampling circuit fault: A faulty internal A/D converter or sampling resistor in the SRS control unit incorrectly reads the pretensioner resistance as 0.
- 5Improper repair operation: Failing to disconnect the battery when previously replacing the seat belt assembly caused a tool to short-circuit the pretensioner connector.
- 1Safety preparation: Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait at least 90 seconds (allowing the SRS capacitor to fully discharge) to prevent accidental airbag deployment.
- 2Fault confirmation: Use a dedicated diagnostic tool (such as BYD ED400 or Launch X431) to read the fault code and confirm B1791-00 is a current fault (Active), not a history fault.
- 3Visual inspection: Inspect the yellow SRS wiring harness sleeve under the driver's seat for damage. Check the connector (usually marked D21 or D22) for looseness, water ingress, or green copper corrosion.
- 4Resistance measurement: Disconnect the SRS ECU connector (located under the center console or behind the center armrest) and the pretensioner connector. Measure the resistance on the pretensioner side using a multimeter. Normal resistance is 2-4 Ω. A reading of 0 Ω indicates an internal short circuit in the pretensioner.
- 5Harness continuity check: Measure the resistance between the pretensioner connector harness side and body ground. The resistance should be infinite. A reading of 0 Ω indicates a short to ground. Strip the harness to locate the damaged point.
- 6Insulation repair: If the wiring harness is damaged, wrap it with high-temperature insulating tape (≥125°C) or replace the SRS wiring harness assembly. If the connector has water ingress, clean it with electrical contact cleaner, blow dry, and apply conductive grease.
- 7Component replacement: If the pretensioner resistance is 0 Ω, replace the driver seat belt assembly (including the pretensioner). Verify the new part resistance is within the standard range.
- 8System verification: Reconnect all connectors and the battery, clear the fault code using the diagnostic tool, perform the SRS system self-check (ignition switch ON; the indicator should turn off), and test seat movement to verify it does not pinch the wiring harness.
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