AU
B16AE00

Internal fault in the SRS_ECU (airbag control unit) or systemic power supply/communication fault — Qin Plus

Safety System

Internal fault in the SRS_ECU (airbag control unit) or systemic power supply/communication fault.

This DTC indicates the airbag control module detects a functional fault in its processor, memory, power management circuit, or internal communication bus, preventing the system from guaranteeing accurate crash detection and reliable airbag deployment.

Upon triggering, the SRS system enters fail-safe mode, disables all airbag and seat belt pretensioner functions, and continuously illuminates the instrument panel airbag warning light.

The system may fail to provide occupant protection during a collision, and other safety systems may experience limited functionality.

5
Cases Logged
5
Causes
Likely Causes — Qin Plus
  • 1SRS ECU internal circuit board fault (damaged main control chip, memory, or power management IC, usually due to voltage fluctuations or component aging)
  • 2Abnormal ECU supply voltage (battery voltage below 9V or above 16V, dedicated fuse blown, ground terminals G301/G302 loose, oxidized or corroded)
  • 3CAN bus communication fault (HS-CAN line short circuit, open circuit, abnormal terminating resistance, or electromagnetic interference interrupts communication between the ECU and the vehicle network)
  • 4Collision sensor circuit impedance abnormal (short circuit, open circuit, or water ingress in the front/side impact sensor wiring harness causes the ECU to falsely detect an internal hardware fault)
  • 5Software fault or calibration data corruption (interrupted flashing or electromagnetic interference causing Flash data checksum failure or loss of calibration parameters)
What To Do
  • 1
    Use the VDS2000/VDS3000 diagnostic tool to read all DTCs. Confirm B16AE00 is a current fault, not a history fault. Record freeze frame data (including vehicle speed, voltage, etc., at the time of the fault). Clear the DTC and perform a road test to verify if the fault returns.
  • 2
    Check the SRS ECU power supply system: measure the voltage at the ECU connector B+ terminal (standard: 12V ± 0.5V), check the dedicated SRS fuse in the instrument panel fuse box (usually F1/15 10A or F2/10 15A), and check ground terminals G301/G302 for correct tightening torque (standard: 9-11 N·m) and oxidation.
  • 3
    Check the CAN communication circuit: Measure the voltage to ground at diagnostic connector terminals 6# (CAN-H) and 14# (CAN-L) (CAN-H: 2.5-3.5V, CAN-L: 1.5-2.5V). Disconnect power and measure the terminal resistance between the two lines (60Ω±5Ω). Check for a short to ground or a short to power.
  • 4
    Check the wiring harness connector: Disconnect the battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes. Unplug the SRS ECU connector (usually located under the center console or floor). Check the terminals for backed-out pins, corrosion, or signs of water ingress. Measure the insulation resistance of the crash sensor circuit to ground/power supply (should be greater than 10MΩ).
  • 5
    Software processing and calibration: Attempt ECU online programming or upgrade the software to the latest version, and refresh the calibration data. Some models require executing the 'SRS system initialization' or 'VCU and SRS matching' procedure.
  • 6
    Component Replacement and Verification: If the above checks are normal and the software update fails, replace the SRS ECU (verify the part number by vehicle model; e.g., E2 uses EC-3636010). After replacement, perform immobilizer matching, sensor calibration, and a system self-check. Verify the warning light turns off and no fault codes are present.
Real-World Cases
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Poor ground connection caused an intermittent fault in the Qin Pro DM.

✓
While driving, the airbag warning light illuminated intermittently. The scan tool showed B16AE00 as an intermittent fault. Inspection found the SRS ECU ground wire G302 at the dashboard crossmember had insufficient mounting bolt torque (only 3 N·m), causing excessive contact resistance (measured 2.8 Ω, standard <0.5 Ω). Retightened the bolt to the standard torque of 10 N·m, applied conductive paste, cleared the fault code, and monitored the vehicle for two weeks without recurrence.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

E2: Abnormal sensor impedance after accident repair

✓
After front-end collision repairs, the airbag warning light stayed on. Reading codes retrieved current fault B16AE00. Inspection found the workshop had fitted an aftermarket front impact sensor; its internal resistance (2.1kΩ) fell outside the OEM specification (1.8-2.0kΩ), triggering the ECU’s diagnostic alarm. Replaced the sensor with a genuine unit (PN BYD-3636010) and performed the ‘Impact Sensor Calibration’ routine using VDS, which cleared the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

E3 ECU internal corrosion after wading through water

✓
After the vehicle drove through water, the airbag warning light illuminated. Diagnosis retrieved DTC B16AE00 which could not be cleared. Disassembly and inspection revealed the SRS ECU mounted beneath the floor; the housing seal had deteriorated, allowing water ingress, and the internal PCB had green corrosion. Replaced the SRS ECU with a new unit, waterproofed the wiring harness connector (replaced the waterproof plug and applied silicone grease), and raised the ECU mounting position to prevent further water ingress. Fault completely resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin EV software bug caused communication timeout

✓
No accident history. The airbag warning light illuminated suddenly during normal driving, accompanied by DTCs B16AE00 and U0151 (loss of communication with SRS). Inspected the power supply, CAN bus and earth circuits – all readings normal. Diagnosed as a bug in the early software version. Performed an online upgrade using VDS3000, updating the SRS software from V1.02 to V2.15. Refreshed the calibration data and cleared the faults. No recurrence after one month of monitoring.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Assembly defect in new E2 caused connector pin to back out.

✓
Found the airbag warning light permanently illuminated during new vehicle PDI. Retrieved current fault code B16AE00. Inspection revealed the SRS ECU wiring harness connector (32-pin) was not fully locked, with pin 15 (IGN power) backed out, causing loss of power to the ECU. Reseated the connector and confirmed the locking tab was fully engaged. Measured normal continuity across all terminals. Cleared the fault codes and the system returned to normal.
Other Qin Plus Fault Codes
B1108For 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.B110811This DTC indicates a short circuit in the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (rapid detector). Specifically, abnormal continuity exists between the sensor power supply circuit or signal output circuit and body ground or battery positive. This causes the control module (ACU/air conditioning controller) to detect abnormal current or a voltage signal outside the valid range (typically 0V or supply voltage). The PM2.5 sensor monitors internal and external particulate concentrations, providing the data the automatic air conditioning system uses to switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. A short circuit disables the air quality monitoring function. This fault may force the air conditioning system into recirculation protection mode and trigger related thermal management system faults, as the air conditioning system acts as a key actuator in vehicle thermal management. In severe cases, the short circuit current can damage the internal sampling circuit of the air conditioning controller or overheat the wiring harness.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.B110913DTC B110913 indicates an open signal circuit for the PM2.5 rapid detector (in-cabin air quality sensor). This sensor typically mounts inside the air conditioning system intake duct. It monitors in-cabin PM2.5 concentration in real time and provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent control of the air purification function. The BYD diagnostic protocol uses sub-code '13' to specifically indicate an open signal circuit. Although this fault theoretically affects a comfort feature, BYD Qin series vehicles classify it as a Level 3 (severe) fault. This classification occurs because the air conditioning system interacts with the battery thermal management system (e.g., monitoring battery cooling intake air quality). The fault can disable the automatic air conditioning mode and prevent the air purification function from operating. In extreme cases, it affects the battery compartment intake air quality assessment, triggering the 'repair immediately' strategy.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.
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.