B17801B

DTC B17801B indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control unit detects an open circuit in the right middle-row seat belt pretensioner circuit (resistance exceeds the normal range, typically >10Ω or infinite) — Qin Plus

Safety System

DTC B17801B indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control unit detects an open circuit in the right middle-row seat belt pretensioner circuit (resistance exceeds the normal range, typically >10Ω or infinite).

This fault essentially constitutes a 'passenger restraint system communication loss'.

During a collision, the pretensioner for this seat cannot receive the ignition signal and fails to retract the seat belt at the moment of impact to eliminate slack between the occupant and the belt.

This fault triggers the SRS downgrade protection strategy, potentially altering the airbag deployment logic for this seat and surrounding areas (such as delayed deployment or non-deployment), severely compromising passive safety performance.

For BYD E2/E3/Qin EV models, the right middle row typically refers to the second-row right seat.

The pretensioner integrates into the seat belt retractor and communicates with the SRS ECU via a dedicated yellow connector under the seat.

5
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Loose pretensioner wiring harness connector or oxidized contacts: Vehicle vibration, water ingress, or previous repair work loosens the yellow plug under the seat (usually marked 'SRS' or 'AIRBAG'), or terminal oxidation causes excessive resistance.
  • 2Wiring harness fatigue fracture at the seat slide rail: If the right middle-row seat features a sliding design, adjusting the seat forward and backward repeatedly bends the pretensioner wiring harness. This breaks the internal copper strands while leaving the outer insulation intact (hidden open circuit).
  • 3Pretensioner internal igniter open circuit: Open circuit in the pretensioner pyrotechnic igniter or motor-driven pretensioner coil. Measured resistance is infinite. Common causes include pretensioner aging, moisture ingress, or failure to replace the unit after deployment.
  • 4Improper repair after a vehicle accident: The pretensioner deployed and tightened during a collision, but the technician replaced only the seat belt assembly and not the pretensioner, or failed to clear the fault code after replacement.
  • 5Seat modification or replacement with non-standard parts: Failing to reconnect the pretensioner after removing it to install a non-OEM seat or leather upholstery, or installing an aftermarket seat without a pretensioner.
  • 1
    Safety Preparation: Turn off the ignition, disconnect the low-voltage battery (12V) negative terminal, and wait at least 90 seconds to fully discharge the SRS capacitor. For new energy vehicles, first disconnect the high-voltage service disconnect and verify high-voltage system shutdown.
  • 2
    Locate the component: Find the right second-row seat belt pretensioner, typically at the outer base of the seat or below the B-pillar (varies slightly by model). Identify the dedicated yellow connector (with shorting bar protection).
  • 3
    Visual inspection: Verify the connector is fully seated and the shorting bar is not binding. Inspect the wiring harness at the seat slide rail for wear or pinch marks. Check for foreign objects under the seat obstructing the wiring harness.
  • 4
    Resistance measurement: Measure resistance between the pretensioner connector terminals using a digital multimeter (must have a low-current test function, <10mA). The normal value is 2.0-3.0Ω (refer to the specific vehicle repair manual). Infinite resistance or a value >10Ω indicates an open circuit in the pretensioner body or wiring.
  • 5
    Harness continuity test: Disconnect the SRS ECU connector (disconnect the battery first). Measure harness continuity between the pretensioner connector and the SRS ECU. Check for an open circuit or short to ground.
  • 6
    Repair action: If the connector is loose, reconnect and secure it; if the wiring harness is broken, repair or replace the harness (use high-temperature shielded wire); if the pretensioner itself is faulty, replace the seat belt assembly (the pretensioner is usually not available separately).
  • 7
    System reset: Reconnect all connectors and the battery negative terminal. Use VDS2000 or the BYD dedicated diagnostic tool to clear the fault code. Perform the 'SRS system self-check' or 'configuration check'. Confirm B17801B does not return and the SRS warning light turns off.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Wear on the right second-row seat rail severed the pretensioner wiring harness on the E3 ride-hailing vehicle.

A BYD E3 rideshare vehicle with 120,000 km came in with the SRS warning light constantly illuminated. Scanned and retrieved DTC B17801B. Inspection revealed frequent seat sliding adjustments during commercial operation had chafed the wiring harness sheath at the right middle seat runner. Two internal conductors had completely fractured, though externally only minor scratches were visible. Repair: Cut out the damaged section, resoldered using 0.5 mm² high-temperature-resistant wire, insulated with double-layer heat-shrink tubing, and adjusted the harness routing to increase slack and prevent future chafing. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin EV pretensioner connector not plugged in after accident repair

2019 BYD Qin EV. After a right rear collision, a non-authorised garage replaced the right rear door and seat. The owner noticed the SRS warning light on. Diagnosis revealed the right rear seat pre-tensioner connector was completely unplugged (technician likely forgot to reconnect it). Reconnected the yellow connector, confirmed the locking tab engaged, cleared the fault codes, and the system returned to normal. After accident repairs, check all SRS component connections.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

E2: Aftermarket seat replacement resulted in missing pretensioners

The BYD E2 owner replaced the right-hand second-row seat assembly with an aftermarket unit after the original seat was damaged. After the replacement, the instrument cluster displayed an SRS warning. Inspection revealed the aftermarket seat lacked a seatbelt pretensioner and the connector hung loose. Solution: Installed an OEM seat assembly with the pretensioner, reconnected the wiring and configured the seat presence sensor parameters. DTC B17801B cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Pretensioner internal igniter open circuit due to aging

An E3 parked for several days threw a B17801B immediately after startup. Connectors checked good and harness continuity was normal, but the pretensioner body measured infinite resistance. Disassembly found oxidized, fractured igniter terminals inside (likely from long-term humidity). Replaced the seatbelt pretensioner assembly (requires replacing the retractor as well). Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

SRS control unit software false positive (intermittent fault)

Qin EV owner reported the SRS warning light comes on intermittently. Historical DTC B17801B present; current status shows historical fault. Checked wiring and resistance—normal. Suspected outdated SRS ECU software causing overly sensitive resistance threshold detection. Solution: Upgraded SRS control unit software to V2.1 or higher and cleared adaptive learning values. No recurrence after one month of monitoring.
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.