DTC B1631-00 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detected a short to ground in the front passenger (right front) seat side airbag inflator circuit — Seal 6 EV
DTC B1631-00 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detected a short to ground in the front passenger (right front) seat side airbag inflator circuit.
The SRS ECU verifies circuit integrity by monitoring the airbag inflator circuit resistance.
Normally, this circuit exhibits high resistance (open circuit or a specific resistance range, typically >1MΩ insulation to ground).
If the ECU detects an abnormal resistance drop between the inflator circuit and body ground (below the threshold, typically <1Ω), it registers a short to ground.
This fault triggers the safety protection mechanism.
The ECU disables the airbag to prevent accidental deployment, illuminates the instrument cluster SRS warning light, stores the DTC, and may sound a warning buzzer.
Because the side airbag is critical for side impact protection, this fault disables front passenger side impact protection and constitutes a severe safety fault.
- 1Frequent seat movement and friction damage the insulation on the SRS wiring harness under or beside the front passenger seat, causing the harness to contact metal body parts and short to ground.
- 2Bent or backed-out pins in airbag connector (KJ10), or water ingress or oxidation inside the connector causing a short circuit between terminals or to ground.
- 3Aging, moisture ingress, or impact causes an internal short circuit in the right front seat side airbag module igniter, resulting in an abnormal drop in resistance.
- 4Vehicle wading or improper interior cleaning causes water ingress in the wiring harness connector under the seat, resulting in insulation failure between pins or to ground.
- 5SRS control unit internal monitoring circuit fault or software error resulting in a false short to ground detection.
- 1Safety preparation: Turn the power switch to OFF, disconnect the negative battery cable, and wait at least 90 seconds to fully discharge the SRS capacitor and prevent accidental airbag deployment.
- 2Visual inspection: Remove the front passenger seat (if necessary). Carefully inspect the SRS wiring harness under the seat frame, around the seat tracks, and below the B-pillar for wear, crushing, cuts, or water stains. Focus on the condition of connector KJ10.
- 3Disconnect the airbag module: Locate the right front seat side airbag wiring harness connector (KJ10) and carefully disconnect it (do not touch the terminals directly with metal tools). Use a thin plastic strip to pry open the short-circuit protection tab.
- 4Circuit insulation test: Set a multimeter to the resistance setting. Measure the resistance between harness-side KJ10-1 (Y/L wire) and body ground, and between KJ10-2 (B/Y wire) and body ground. The resistance must be greater than 1 MΩ. If the resistance is too low, the harness is shorted to ground. Repair or replace the harness.
- 5Circuit continuity test: Measure the resistance between harness connector KJ10 and the corresponding SRS ECU pins (K71-18 and K71-17). Resistance must be less than 1 Ω. High resistance indicates an open circuit or high resistance. Check the intermediate connectors.
- 6Airbag module test: Measure the resistance between the two terminals on the airbag module body. The normal value is approximately 2.0-3.0Ω (refer to specific vehicle standards). A reading close to 0Ω or <1Ω indicates an internal short circuit. Replace the airbag module.
- 7Repair and replacement: Based on test results, repair damaged wiring harnesses (re-wrap and adjust routing), clean or replace connectors, or replace the airbag module or SRS ECU. Never simply clear the fault code without repairing.
- 8System verification: Restore all connections, securely lock the connectors, and connect the battery. Set the power mode to ON and wait 20 seconds. Confirm the SRS warning lamp turns off after the self-check. Use the diagnostic tool to clear the fault code. Perform a road test or simulation test to confirm fault resolution.
Seat movement on the Qin EV300 loosened the connector, triggering code B1631-00.
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Water ingress into the SRS connector after wading caused a false B1631-00.