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
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.
- 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.
- 1Safety 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.
- 2Location 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).
- 3Visual 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.
- 4Circuit 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).
- 5Sensor 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.
- 6Swap 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.
- 7Repair 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.
- 8System 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.
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