B178D-00

DTC B178D-00 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects an open circuit or disconnection in the front passenger-side dual-stage frontal airbag second-stage inflator circuit — Qin Plus

Safety System

DTC B178D-00 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects an open circuit or disconnection in the front passenger-side dual-stage frontal airbag second-stage inflator circuit.

The dual-stage airbag system contains two independent inflator trigger circuits (stage 1 and stage 2) that deploy in stages based on collision severity.

This fault code specifically indicates the second-stage inflator circuit resistance falls outside the normal range (typically > 3Ω or < 1Ω), causing the system to register a 'not connected' state.

This fault may prevent the front passenger airbag second-stage inflator from deploying correctly during a collision, reducing protection effectiveness, and illuminates the airbag warning light continuously.

The B178D-00 fault code on the Qin Plus indicates a medium-severity fault in the front passenger dual-stage airbag second-stage inflator circuit, where the SRS module detects an open circuit or abnormal resistance. Common causes include a loose, corroded, or poorly seated airbag connector, or an internal fault in the airbag inflator module. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorised dealer. Typical repair cost data is available from recorded cases.
5
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Front passenger airbag module connector loose, terminals backed out, or corroded. Located behind the dashboard, this often results from improper dashboard reassembly during previous repairs.
  • 2Open circuit or abnormal resistance in the airbag module internal second-stage inflator squib. Common causes include airbag aging, moisture ingress, or failure to replace the module after a previous collision.
  • 3Poor contact at the intermediate connector between the floor wiring harness and the instrument panel airbag wiring harness, especially pin oxidation after water wading.
  • 4Internal fault in the SRS control module driver circuit prevents correct identification of the Stage 2 inflator load.
  • 5Physical damage to the wiring harness, such as accidentally cutting or pinching the airbag harness when retrofitting a dash cam, audio system, or A/C system.
  • 1
    Use the VDS2000/BYD dedicated diagnostic tool to read fault codes, confirm B178D-00 is a current code, record freeze frame data, and check for accompanying communication fault codes.
  • 2
    Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait at least 90 seconds. Remove the front passenger lower dashboard trim panel. Verify the white 2-pin airbag module connector (usually marked PAB Stage 2) is fully locked. Inspect the terminals for oxidation, backing out, or enlarged sockets.
  • 3
    Use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the airbag connector terminals. The normal value is 2.0-3.0Ω (refer to the specific model workshop manual). If the resistance is infinite, the fault is inside the airbag module. If the resistance is normal, the fault is in the wiring harness or ECU.
  • 4
    Disconnect the SRS ECU connector. Measure harness continuity between the ECU and the airbag connector (< 1Ω) and insulation to ground and power supply (> 10MΩ). Check the floor harness intermediate connector (usually under the carpet beneath the center console).
  • 5
    If the wiring harness has an open circuit, repair or replace the harness. If the airbag module is faulty, replace the front passenger airbag assembly (Note: Install a brand-new part; never use dismantled parts). During installation, listen for a 'click' to confirm the connector locks.
  • 6
    Reconnect the battery and clear the fault code. Use the diagnostic tool to perform 'Airbag System Self-Diagnosis' or 'Configuration Verification'. Confirm B178D-00 becomes a history code and clears successfully. Verify the airbag warning light turns off.
  • 7
    Perform a simulated crash test (use the diagnostic tool actuator test function, or lightly tap the vehicle to trigger the vibration sensor without causing an actual collision) and confirm no fault codes reappear in the system.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin EV450 dashboard connector unsecured after removal and refitting

A 2018 Qin EV450 developed a constant airbag warning light after the AC evaporator was replaced. Retrieved DTC B178D-00. Found that the technician had disconnected the passenger airbag connector during the earlier dashboard removal to gain access. When reinstalling the dashboard, the connector seated without the lock clicking; road vibrations eventually shook it loose. Reconnected the connector and confirmed the lock engaged, cleared the fault codes, and restored normal operation.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin 100 wiring harness corrosion after water wading

2017 BYD Qin 100. DTC B178D-00 set after driving through standing water in the rain. Removed the mating connector between the floor harness and instrument panel harness (located under the passenger floor carpet) and found water inside. The second stage inflator circuit pin (typically yellow) showed severe oxidation with green copper corrosion; contact resistance exceeded 5Ω, triggering an open-circuit fault. Cleaned the pins with precision electrical contact cleaner, applied conductive protective compound, and replaced connector terminals as needed. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Front passenger airbag module internal fault

A Qin EV300 still reported DTC B178D-00 after replacing the front passenger airbag assembly following a minor front collision. The replacement unit measured infinite resistance—internal second-stage squib open circuit, confirming a defective part. Installed another new genuine module: resistance measured 2.3Ω and the fault cleared. Use only BYD genuine parts; aftermarket airbags can cause compatibility issues.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket stereo installation damaged wiring harness

While self-installing an aftermarket centre touchscreen navigation system in their 2017 Qin 80, the owner routed wiring inside the dashboard using a metal fish tape. The tape snagged and tore the insulation of the front passenger airbag second-stage harness, partially severing the copper conductors and creating an intermittent open circuit. Fault codes appeared intermittently. Stripping back the wiring with harness repair tools revealed the yellow airbag wire cut 3/4 through, with only a few copper strands still connected. The damaged section was replaced, soldered, and double-insulated with heat-shrink tubing. The fault cleared completely.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

SRS ECU internal driver chip failure

A Qin EV450 with 80,000 km repeatedly logged DTC B178D-00. Replaced the airbag and wiring harness; fault remained. Resistance at the airbag side and harness continuity measured normal. With the airbag disconnected, the ECU output terminals showed no load voltage (detection voltage should normally be present). This indicated an internal secondary drive circuit failure in the SRS control module. Replaced the SRS ECU and recoded it using BYD dedicated equipment to write the vehicle VIN and configuration codes. Fault resolved.
Common problems reported for Qin PlusQin Plus overview →
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.