B167A-00

DTC B167A-00 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU/ACU) detects an open circuit, abnormal resistance, or complete loss of communication in the Right Rear Side Impact Sensor (RR-SIS) circuit — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

DTC B167A-00 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU/ACU) detects an open circuit, abnormal resistance, or complete loss of communication in the Right Rear Side Impact Sensor (RR-SIS) circuit.

This sensor typically mounts in the right rear C-pillar, D-pillar, or inside the right rear quarter panel to monitor collision acceleration signals from the right rear of the vehicle.

The ACU sets this DTC if it fails to receive a valid signal from the sensor within a predetermined time, or if it detects circuit resistance exceeding the threshold (typically >10kΩ or an open circuit).

This fault forces the right side airbag system (side airbag/side curtain airbag) into fail-safe mode.

The system may fail to deploy correctly during a side impact, severely compromising occupant protection.

The front airbag system typically remains operational.

4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Sensor plug loose or disconnected: The right rear side impact sensor is located behind the C-pillar or D-pillar trim panel. An incorrect sensor plug connection after accident repairs, interior trim removal and installation, or rear quarter panel sheet metal repairs, or a broken plug retaining clip causes a poor connection.
  • 2Wiring harness open circuit or wear: The wiring harness from the ACU to the right rear sensor routes through the right B-pillar, C-pillar sill, or under the rear seat. Crushing by the seat adjustment mechanism, water ingress corrosion, rodent damage, or accident deformation can break the internal copper wires.
  • 3Internal sensor fault: A damaged internal piezoelectric accelerometer element or open internal circuit prevents the sensor from generating a valid crash signal or interrupts communication.
  • 4Poor ground connection or abnormal power supply: Poor contact in the sensor power supply circuit (usually 5V reference voltage) or ground circuit prevents the ACU from recognizing the sensor.
  • 5ACU interface fault: Damage to the internal interface circuit of the airbag control unit for the right rear side impact sensor (e.g., burnt sampling resistor or A/D converter fault), although this condition is relatively rare.
  • 1
    Safety preparation: Set the vehicle to OFF, disconnect the low-voltage battery negative terminal, and wait at least 90 seconds (120 seconds for some models) to fully discharge the SRS capacitor and prevent accidental airbag deployment.
  • 2
    Location and removal: Refer to the vehicle repair manual (E1/Qin series). Remove the right rear C-pillar trim panel or right rear fender liner and locate the right rear side impact sensor (usually a black or yellow 2-pin or 3-pin connector).
  • 3
    Visual inspection: Verify the sensor connector is fully inserted and the locking tab is in place. Inspect the terminals for push-out, oxidation, water ingress corrosion (white or green oxide), or bent pins.
  • 4
    Circuit continuity check: Disconnect the ACU connector (observe anti-static precautions) and the sensor connector. Use a multimeter to measure the continuity resistance between the ACU end and the sensor end of the sensor harness. Standard value: <1Ω. Measure the harness insulation resistance to ground and to power. Standard value: >10MΩ (to rule out a short circuit).
  • 5
    Sensor resistance check: Remove the sensor and measure its internal resistance (reference value is typically 2.0-3.0 kΩ; refer to the repair manual for specific values). Infinite resistance indicates an internal open circuit; 0 Ω or very low resistance indicates an internal short circuit.
  • 6
    Swap verification (key step): Swap the right rear side impact sensor with the left rear side impact sensor. Power on the vehicle and read the fault codes. If the fault code changes to B1679-00 (left rear sensor fault), the original sensor is faulty. If the fault code remains B167A-00, the fault is in the wiring harness or the ACU.
  • 7
    Repair and Replacement: Repair damaged wiring harnesses using solder and heat-shrink tubing (do not simply wrap wires). Replace damaged sensors and match part numbers exactly (some models require distinguishing between domestic and imported supplier parts). Apply conductive grease to connectors to prevent oxidation.
  • 8
    System reset and verification: Restore all connections and turn the ignition ON. Use the BYD dedicated diagnostic tool (VDS2000/3000) to perform 'SRS System Self-Check' or 'Crash Sensor Configuration'. Clear the fault code. Verify B167A-00 does not return and the airbag warning light turns off.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin EV450 sensor connector not fully seated after accident repair

A 2018 Qin EV450 suffered scrape damage to the right rear quarter panel and was repaired with panel beating and respraying at a non-authorised shop. After the repair, the airbag warning light on the instrument panel stayed on. Technicians used a VDS2000 scan tool to retrieve DTC B167A-00 (Right Rear Side Collision Sensor Not Connected). They removed the right rear C-pillar interior trim and found that the right rear side collision sensor (located at the base of the C-pillar) had been removed during the accident repair. When reinstalling the sensor, the repairer did not hear the locking click, so the connector was not fully seated and caused a loose connection. The technicians reseated the plug, confirmed the locking tab was fully engaged, cleared the fault codes, and ran an SRS self-test. The system passed and the fault was resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Water ingress caused sensor corrosion and open circuit on an E1 electric vehicle.

A 2019 BYD E1 waded through water approximately 40 cm deep; afterwards, the airbag warning light came on. The technician retrieved DTC B167A-00. Inspection of the right rear side impact sensor (near the right rear fender liner) found water marks and green copper corrosion inside the connector; the connector seal had deteriorated and failed. The sensor body resistance was 2.4 kΩ (normal), but resistance across the connector terminals read infinite (open circuit). The technician cleaned the terminals, applied electronic contact cleaner, replaced the waterproof seal, and rewrapped the connection with waterproof tape, clearing the fault. The technician also recommended checking the waterproofing of other SRS components on the same side.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin 100 rear seat wiring harness crushed by seat rail, causing open circuit

2017 BYD Qin 100. The customer reported the airbag warning light occasionally flashed on bumpy roads, then stayed on constantly. Retrieved intermittent DTC B167A-00. Inspected the right rear side impact sensor connector – connection normal. Measured sensor resistance – normal. Removed the rear seat and found the wiring harness pinched at the right rear seat slide rail mounting bracket, with damaged insulation and partially broken copper wires causing an intermittent open circuit. Repaired the damaged wiring: cut out the damaged section, re-soldered the wires, and insulated with double-layer heat-shrink tubing. Rerouted the wiring to clear the seat movement path. Fault completely resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Piezoelectric element inside sensor failed.

A 2017 Qin EV300 with no accident history suddenly showed an airbag warning light. Read DTC B167A-00; could not clear it. Checked wiring continuity — normal. Connectors had no oxidation. Swapped left and right rear side impact sensors, and the DTC moved to the left side (B1679-00), confirming an internal fault in the original right sensor. Replaced the right rear side impact sensor (part number: ...matched to vehicle model). Performed the 'replace impact sensor' configuration procedure with a diagnostic scanner (some models require sensor ID writing or calibration). Fault resolved.
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.