B165E11

DTC B165E11 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control unit detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <1Ω) between the right front impact sensor signal or power circuit and body ground, constituting a short to ground — Qin Plus

Safety System

DTC B165E11 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control unit detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <1Ω) between the right front impact sensor signal or power circuit and body ground, constituting a short to ground.

In BYD E2/E3/Qin EV architectures, this sensor utilizes a bipolar MEMS accelerometer and communicates with the SRS ECU via a hardwire or LIN bus connection.

A short to ground causes the ECU to continuously receive a 0V reference signal, preventing it from distinguishing between "no collision" and "circuit fault" states.

Per ISO 26262 functional safety requirements, the system enters Fail-Safe mode: it immediately illuminates the airbag fault warning lamp and disables right front airbag and side curtain airbag deployment to prevent unintended triggering or failure to deploy.

This represents a severe ASIL-D fault.

4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Internal short circuit in the sensor body: Overvoltage, static electricity, or aging causes a breakdown between the power supply pin and ground in the right front crash sensor integrated circuit (ASIC). Commonly occurs after driving through water or a battery system insulation fault.
  • 2Wiring harness mechanical damage: Front bumper removal and installation, accident repairs, or overly tight fender liner retaining clips abrade the sensor wiring harness insulation (usually located on the outer side of the right front longitudinal beam), causing the copper core to directly contact the metal body frame.
  • 3Connector water ingress and corrosion: A degraded seal on the wiring harness connector inside the right front bumper (usually located behind the headlamp or on the right side of the radiator support) allows water to accumulate inside after washing the vehicle or driving through water, causing an electrolytic short to ground between the pins.
  • 4SRS ECU internal monitoring circuit fault: Abnormal ground reference point in the control unit A/D sampling circuit causes the ECU to misidentify a normal sensor as short-circuited (rule out using the cross-check method).
  • 5Interference from modified or external equipment: Accidentally damaging the SRS wiring harness when tapping power for unauthorized front radars, dash cams, or similar devices, or introducing a ground loop by using unshielded wiring.
  • 1
    Safe power-down and discharge: Turn off the ignition switch, disconnect the low-voltage battery negative terminal, and wait at least 90 seconds (to completely discharge the SRS energy storage capacitor). Wear an anti-static wrist strap.
  • 2
    Initial visual inspection: Remove the right front bumper cover. Inspect the right front crash sensor (located at the front of the right front longitudinal beam or below the headlamp bracket) for physical damage or cracks. Inspect the wiring harness corrugated conduit for wear or crush marks. Inspect the connector for looseness or signs of water ingress (white powder or verdigris).
  • 3
    Static measurement verification: Disconnect the sensor connector and use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the harness-side signal pin (usually the yellow/green wire) and body ground. Normal resistance is >10MΩ (open circuit); a reading <5Ω confirms a short to ground. Simultaneously measure the voltage between the power pin (usually the orange wire) and ground to verify no abnormal voltage exists.
  • 4
    Sensor body test: Measure resistance between the terminals of the removed crash sensor. Normal resistance is 2.0-4.0kΩ (refer to workshop manual standard values). If resistance is <100Ω or any terminal has continuity with the sensor housing, replace the sensor.
  • 5
    Wiring harness sectional inspection: If the sensor is normal, peel back the wiring harness sheath in sections from the sensor toward the SRS ECU (usually located under the center console or behind the armrest). Inspect the harness closely at the fender liner bend and near the front longitudinal beam weld points. Locate any damaged insulation and repair using heat-shrink tubing or tape.
  • 6
    ECU cross-check: Swap the left and right front crash sensors. If the fault code moves with the sensor to the left side (changes to B165D11), the sensor is faulty. If the fault code remains on the right side, check the wiring harness or ECU.
  • 7
    Repair and Replacement: Replace the faulty sensor (part number must match the vehicle model, e.g., E2-53420XXX). Alternatively, repair the wiring harness, wrap it with waterproof tape, and verify the connector sealing ring is intact.
  • 8
    System reset and verification: Reconnect the power supply. Use the VDS2000 or a dedicated BYD diagnostic tool to clear the fault code. Execute the 'SRS system self-check' (approximately 30 seconds). Verify B165E11 does not return. Read the right front crash sensor data stream, lightly tap the longitudinal beam near the sensor, and observe the acceleration value changes (must fluctuate within the 0-50mV range). Verify the system operates normally.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

E2 SRS light on after water ingress: right front impact sensor connector shorted due to water entry

2019 BYD E2. The owner reported the airbag warning light stayed on after driving in heavy rain. Retrieved DTC B165E11. Inspection found visible water droplets inside the right front bumper sensor connector; the pins were green with oxidation. Cause: the connector seal ring had aged, letting water in when wading and shorting the power pin to ground. Repair: cleaned the connector pins, applied electronic contact cleaner, and replaced the waterproof seal ring. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Intermittent B165E11 on Qin EV after accident repair: bumper clip pinched wiring harness

2020 BYD Qin EV. After right-front collision repair, the SRS warning light illuminated intermittently while driving. The scan tool showed stored fault code B165E11. Inspection found that fender liner clips re-secured during the repair pressed directly on the wiring harness. When driving over bumps, the harness insulation chafed through, allowing copper wires to contact the body. Repair: Rerouted the harness, secured it with dedicated clips, and repaired the damaged insulation with double-layer heat shrink tubing. Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

E3 radar modification caused SRS system false alarm: wire splicing caused short circuit

2020 E3. Owner had front parking sensors fitted at a non-authorised workshop; the next day, the airbag warning light came on immediately at startup with fault code B165E11. Inspection found the installer had cut into the SRS wiring harness (yellow corrugated tubing) at the right front side member to tap power, damaging the signal wire insulation and creating a short to earth. Repair: removed the illegal wiring taps, repaired the SRS harness (required replacing the complete section to ensure impedance matching), and returned the vehicle to factory condition. Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Sensor-internal ASIC breakdown: hard short caused by aging

2019 Qin EV, 80,000 km, no accident or water immersion history. DTC B165E11 appeared suddenly. Measured resistance between sensor power pin and ground: only 0.3 Ω. This confirmed the internal voltage regulator had shorted. Cause: long-term operation in the engine bay’s high temperatures aged the internal capacitor, causing a power-to-ground short. Fix: replaced the right front impact sensor (part number SC-3636100), performed sensor calibration, and the system returned to normal.
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]