B17731B

This DTC indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects a missing signal or communication interruption from the right rear seat belt pretensioner during self-check or real-time monitoring — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

This DTC indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects a missing signal or communication interruption from the right rear seat belt pretensioner during self-check or real-time monitoring.

Specifically, the control module cannot identify the pretensioner’s electronic identification (resistance signature code or LIN/CAN node ID) or detects an open circuit, short to ground, or short to power.

This prevents the seat belt at this position from tightening automatically during a frontal collision, increasing passenger forward displacement and significantly reducing restraint system effectiveness.

The SRS system also illuminates the airbag fault warning lamp and may disable the related collision trigger logic.

This is a critical fault affecting passive safety.

The B17731B fault code on the Seal 6 EV indicates a missing signal or communication fault from the right rear seat belt pretensioner. Severity is medium, as this may prevent the belt from tightening in a crash and can trigger the airbag warning light. Common causes include a loose or corroded pretensioner connector, damaged wiring, or an internal pretensioner fault. Visit an authorised dealer for diagnosis and repair. Typical repair cost data is available.
5
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Right rear seat belt pretensioner connector (located at the lower B-pillar or under the seat) is loose, has backed-out terminals, or is oxidized or corroded, causing excessive contact resistance or signal interruption.
  • 2Pretensioner internal squib open circuit or resistance drift beyond the calibrated range (normal: 2.0-5.0Ω), failing the SRS module safety check.
  • 3Long-term wear or pinching at the sill trim panel bend breaks the floor or B-pillar wiring harness, causing an open circuit between the pretensioner and the SRS module.
  • 4Incorrect vehicle software configuration parameters, such as flashing high-spec SRS module software to a low-spec vehicle lacking this pretensioner, or a hardware configuration mismatch after installing a used part.
  • 5Water ingress or liquid spills in the rear seat area cause internal short circuits and corrosion in the pretensioner connector, or poor sealing below the B-pillar causes water ingress at the wiring harness connector.
  • 1
    Safety preparation: Turn off the ignition, disconnect the low-voltage battery negative terminal, and wait at least 90 seconds to allow the SRS capacitor to discharge fully. Wear an anti-static wrist strap. Never use a standard multimeter resistance setting to directly measure a pretensioner connected to a control module.
  • 2
    Visual inspection: Remove the right rear door sill trim panel and lower B-pillar trim panel. Inspect the pretensioner connector for looseness, water ingress, or deformed pins. Disconnect the connector, apply conductive grease, and reconnect it to ensure good contact.
  • 3
    Circuit continuity test: Disconnect the SRS control module and pretensioner connectors. Use a multimeter to measure wiring harness continuity between them. Inspect the harness insulation for damage at the sill bend. Repair any open or short circuits.
  • 4
    Resistance measurement: Use a dedicated SRS resistance meter (or a multimeter on the low-resistance range) to measure the pretensioner unit resistance directly. Standard value: 2.0-5.0 Ω. Infinity indicates an open circuit; replace the pretensioner. 0 Ω indicates a short circuit; check the wiring harness.
  • 5
    Configuration verification: Connect the VDS2000 or Launch X431 diagnostic tool and enter the SRS system to read the vehicle configuration code (VCU configuration or SRS configuration). Compare the code with the actual hardware installed. Rewrite the configuration parameters or update the SRS software if necessary.
  • 6
    Component replacement: If confirming a faulty pretensioner, replace the pretensioner assembly with the same model (record the old part resistance value for reference). Perform configuration calibration after replacement.
  • 7
    System reset and verification: After repair, connect the battery, clear the fault codes, and perform the SRS system self-test cycle (Ignition ON-OFF three times). Confirm the fault code does not return and the airbag warning light turns off. Use a diagnostic tool to read the live data stream and confirm the channel resistance value is within the normal range.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn right rear door sill wiring harness causing intermittent fault codes

A 2019 BYD Qin EV developed an intermittent airbag warning light. Scanning revealed DTC B17731B. Inspection found the right rear door frame seal had deteriorated and the sill trim panel clips were loose, allowing the wiring harness to chafe through at the sill bend. The copper conductors had partially fractured, causing intermittent contact. Re-wrapped the wiring harness, secured the routing to avoid interference with the trim panel, and replaced the sill clips. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Loose connector caused signal interruption

2020 E3. Rear passengers reported a seat belt malfunction. Scan tool showed B17731B. Disassembly found the right rear seat belt pretensioner connector wasn't fully locked—the terminal had backed out approximately 2mm, likely from a previous carpet repair that didn't fully seat it. Reinserted the connector, confirmed the locking tab engaged, cleared the fault code, and ran multiple bump tests with no recurrence.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Software configuration error triggered false alarms

A 2019 E2 persistently stored DTC B17731B after collision repairs. Inspection revealed this base model lacked a right rear seatbelt pretensioner from the factory, but the shop had replaced the SRS control module with a high-spec unit. The module set a fault during self-check when it could not detect the hardware. We used VDS2000 to access the SRS system and changed the vehicle configuration to "no right rear pretensioner". The fault code cleared and the system returned to normal.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal open circuit in pretensioner

A 2019 Qin EV. Airbag warning light stayed on after the vehicle waded through water. Inspection found the right rear carpet wet; the pre-tensioner connector contained water and green copper corrosion. Cleaning the connector didn't clear the fault. Resistance measured infinite (open circuit), indicating the internal igniter had corroded open. Replaced the right rear seatbelt assembly (including pre-tensioner) and dried/treated the wiring harness for corrosion. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket seat covers pinched the connector.

A 2020 E3 triggered DTC B17731B after the owner fitted full-surround seat covers. Inspection found the seat cover retaining clips were excessively thick and crushed the right rear seat pretensioner harness connector during installation, fracturing the connector housing and bending the pins, creating a short. Straightened the pins, replaced the connector housing, and repositioned the seat covers to avoid the wiring harness. Fault cleared.
Common problems reported for Seal 6 EVSeal 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.