AU
B16E011

This DTC indicates an abnormally low-resistance connection (short circuit) between the signal circuit of the left rear side impact sensor (SIS) in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and the vehicle body ground (GND) — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

This DTC indicates an abnormally low-resistance connection (short circuit) between the signal circuit of the left rear side impact sensor (SIS) in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and the vehicle body ground (GND).

Under normal operating conditions, the impact sensor sends a specific voltage signal (typically a PWM or resistor divider signal) to the SRS control unit (ACU) to indicate its status.

When a short to ground occurs, the ACU detects the circuit voltage remaining at or near 0V and a resistance well below the standard range (typically <1Ω), identifying a short-to-ground fault.

This fault causes the SRS to enter fail-safe mode.

The system illuminates the airbag fault warning lamp and disables the left rear side airbag and curtain airbag deployment functions to prevent accidental deployment caused by the short circuit.

In a severe side-impact collision, the affected airbags may fail to deploy normally, posing a major safety hazard.

The B16E011 fault code on the Seal 6 EV indicates a short circuit to ground in the left rear side impact sensor signal circuit. This is a high-severity SRS fault that can disable the left rear side and curtain airbags, reducing protection in a side collision. Common causes include damaged sensor wiring insulation or moisture inside the crash sensor. Visit an authorised dealer for diagnosis and repair. Typical repair cost data is available from 3 recorded cases.
3
Cases Logged
5
Causes
Likely Causes — Seal 6 EV
  • 1Worn or damaged insulation on the left rear crash sensor wiring harness causes the wire to short to the vehicle body metal (this commonly occurs where the harness passes sharp edges or retaining clips inside the sill trim panel).
  • 2Crash sensor internal electronic component seal failure allows moisture intrusion, causing a short to ground on the printed circuit board (PCB).
  • 3Water ingress, corrosion, or bent pins at the sensor connector (usually located near the C-pillar or rear seat) causing a short circuit between the signal terminal and the ground terminal.
  • 4A rear-end collision damaged but did not completely sever the wiring harness. Improper insulation during repair caused a hidden short to ground.
  • 5SRS control unit (ACU) internal signal processing circuit fault causing incorrect sensor signal interpretation (less common; rule out wiring harness issues before confirming)
What To Do
  • 1
    Safety preparation: Disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and wait at least 90 seconds to fully discharge the SRS system capacitors and prevent accidental airbag deployment.
  • 2
    Visual inspection: Remove the left rear sill trim panel and lower C-pillar trim panel. Inspect the crash sensor (usually located behind the C-pillar trim panel or near the left rear longitudinal beam) and wiring harness for obvious damage, crushing, or signs of water ingress.
  • 3
    Connector inspection: Disconnect the left rear crash sensor connector and check the terminals for corrosion, deformation, or water ingress. Measure the resistance to ground at the harness-side signal pin. The resistance must be greater than 10kΩ (infinite). If the resistance is too low, the harness is shorted to ground.
  • 4
    Wiring harness circuit check: Use a multimeter to measure wiring harness continuity and insulation to ground between the sensor and the ACU. Inspect the insulation integrity, especially where the wiring harness passes through body sheet metal holes and retaining clips.
  • 5
    Sensor check: Measure the resistance between the collision sensor body signal terminal and the ground terminal (refer to the workshop manual for the standard value; normal resistance falls within a specified range, while a short circuit reads close to 0 Ω). If the reading is abnormal, replace the sensor.
  • 6
    Repair or replace: Repair the damaged wiring harness (use heat shrink tubing or replace the harness section), or replace the left rear crash sensor assembly. Ensure the installation torque meets the standard (typically 8-10 N·m).
  • 7
    System reset: Reconnect the battery, use the VDS2000/3000 diagnostic tool to clear the fault code, and perform the SRS system self-check. Confirm DTC B16E011 does not return and the instrument cluster airbag warning light turns off.
Real-World Cases
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Water ingress into the left rear impact sensor connector caused a short to ground on the BYD Qin EV.

✓
After wading, the airbag warning light came on the instrument cluster. Retrieved DTC B16E011. Found the left rear impact sensor connector seal below the C-pillar had deteriorated, allowing water ingress that shorted the signal terminal to ground. Drained the connector, applied conductive anti-corrosion compound, and replaced the seal. Fault cleared.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Damaged wiring harness insulation after accident repair caused an intermittent short circuit in a BYD E2.

✓
The left rear of the vehicle previously sustained minor collision damage. After repairs at an independent workshop, DTC B16E011 appeared intermittently. Inspection found the wiring harness at the left rear chassis rail poorly secured and chafing against a metal bracket, wearing through the insulation and causing intermittent short-to-earth faults on bumpy roads. Rewrapping the harness and adjusting its mounting position permanently resolved the fault.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD E3 left rear collision sensor internal PCB short circuit fault

✓
No accident history. After driving in rain, the airbag warning light illuminated constantly with DTC B16E011. Inspected wiring harness — no damage. Measured resistance from sensor connector harness side to ground — normal. Determined internal electronic component seal failure in the sensor caused a short circuit. Replaced left rear impact sensor and performed system calibration. Fault cleared.
Original source ↗
Other Seal 6 EV Fault Codes
B1108For the BYD Song MAX (2017–2019), DTC B1108 indicates a short circuit in the PM2.5 air quality detection module (dust sensor) or its wiring harness. The sensor uses laser scattering to detect in-cabin and outside PM2.5 concentrations and transmits data to the HVAC ECU via the LIN bus or an analog signal. Short circuit conditions include: 1) Sensor power supply wire (+5V/+12V) shorted to ground 2) Signal wire shorted to power or ground 3) Short circuit in the sensor's internal photoelectric detection circuit This fault prevents the automatic climate control from switching between fresh air and recirculation based on air quality. The system enters fail-safe mode (typically forced recirculation). Severe short-circuit current can destroy the HVAC ECU sampling circuit. The system classifies this as a Level 3 severe fault and restricts vehicle operation to prevent electrical fires or controller damage. For other BYD models (such as the Qin EV, E5, and Song DM), B1108 indicates a driver-side sunload sensor fault, reflecting differences in DTC definitions across models.B110811This DTC indicates a short circuit in the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (rapid detector). Specifically, abnormal continuity exists between the sensor power supply circuit or signal output circuit and body ground or battery positive. This causes the control module (ACU/air conditioning controller) to detect abnormal current or a voltage signal outside the valid range (typically 0V or supply voltage). The PM2.5 sensor monitors internal and external particulate concentrations, providing the data the automatic air conditioning system uses to switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. A short circuit disables the air quality monitoring function. This fault may force the air conditioning system into recirculation protection mode and trigger related thermal management system faults, as the air conditioning system acts as a key actuator in vehicle thermal management. In severe cases, the short circuit current can damage the internal sampling circuit of the air conditioning controller or overheat the wiring harness.B1109DTC B1109 indicates an open circuit in the communication line between the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (dust concentration sensor) and the air conditioning control unit (AC ECU), or an open circuit within the sensor internal circuitry. Typically located in the air conditioning intake duct, this sensor monitors real-time PM2.5 particle concentration inside and outside the vehicle. It provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent switching between fresh air and recirculation modes and for controlling the air purification device. During an open circuit fault, the AC ECU cannot receive the air quality signal, triggering the system fail-safe mode. Symptoms typically include failure of the automatic recirculation function, abnormal air purification indicator light operation, or abnormal air quality data displayed on the air conditioning panel. Severe cases may compromise the cabin environment control strategy, but do not directly affect vehicle driving safety.B1737DTC B1737 indicates the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) detected abnormal continuity between the right middle-row side airbag squib circuit (typically the second-row right seat side airbag or right curtain airbag) and the vehicle power supply (B+, battery positive). The SRS ECU monitors the airbag inflator resistance via an internal current source (normal resistance: 2.0–3.0 Ω). If the ECU detects the voltage across the inflator circuit remaining close to battery voltage (>5 V and approaching 12 V) instead of the expected low potential or floating state, it identifies a short to power. This fault prevents the airbag from deploying normally during a collision because the short circuit bypasses the firing current. In extreme cases, abnormal current can cause unintended deployment, posing a severe safety hazard.B173BDTC B173B indicates an abnormal electric A/C compressor speed feedback signal or a communication fault between the compressor controller and the motor. In BYD new energy models (e.g., Tang, Song, Qin, and Yuan series), this DTC belongs to the HVAC subsystem within the Body Control system and specifically involves the electric compressor closed-loop control circuit. The ECU sets this DTC when the compressor controller (IPM) fails to receive a valid pulse signal from the Hall speed sensor for more than 3 continuous seconds, or when the deviation between the detected actual speed and the target commanded speed exceeds the calibrated threshold (typically >500 rpm). This fault forces the A/C system into fail-safe mode and stops compressor operation. Symptoms include a complete lack of cooling, intermittent cooling, or a sharp decrease in cooling performance. The instrument cluster A/C warning lamp may also illuminate. Prolonged operation with this fault can degrade high-voltage system insulation or cause controller overcurrent damage.
Common problems reported for Seal 6 EV →Seal 6 EV 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.