B1798

This fault code indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ECU detected the front passenger side second stage seat belt pretensioner circuit resistance fell below the system-calibrated threshold (typically below 1 — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

This fault code indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ECU detected the front passenger side second stage seat belt pretensioner circuit resistance fell below the system-calibrated threshold (typically below 1.0Ω; normal range is 1.5–3.0Ω).

During a severe collision (high-speed or high-intensity impact), the second stage pretensioner provides a stronger restraining force than the first stage.

It typically integrates into the seat belt retractor or seat anchorage point.

Low resistance indicates a circuit short.

Possible causes include an internal inter-turn short in the pretensioner igniter, a wiring harness short to ground, or abnormal connector continuity.

This fault triggers the SRS airbag warning lamp and may disable the front passenger side airbag and pretensioner functions.

This severely degrades collision safety performance and requires immediate repair.

4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Seat belt pretensioner internal squib short circuit: Damaged internal coil insulation causes an inter-turn short circuit, resulting in an abnormal drop in resistance.
  • 2Wiring harness under the seat or inside the B-pillar chafed or worn: Frequent adjustment of the front passenger seat causes the wiring harness to rub against the seat frame or body metal edges, damaging the insulation and causing a short to ground.
  • 3Connector water ingress or corrosion: Vehicle wading, improper interior cleaning, or poor sealing causes the pretensioner connector pins (usually located under the seat or inside the B-pillar trim) to oxidize or short-circuit.
  • 4Wiring harness crushed or deformed: The seat slide rail adjustment mechanism pinches the harness, or seat modifications or carpet installations crush the harness, causing internal wires to contact and short circuit.
  • 5SRS ECU internal detection circuit fault: Abnormal control unit sampling resistor or A/D conversion circuit causes a false low resistance reading (less common; confirm after ruling out wiring harness and components).
  • 1
    Safety preparation: Disconnect the battery negative terminal and wait at least 90 seconds to fully discharge the SRS capacitor and prevent accidental airbag deployment during repair.
  • 2
    Fault confirmation: Use VDS2000 or a dedicated BYD diagnostic tool to read the fault code, confirm B1798 is a current fault (Active) rather than a history fault (History), and record the freeze frame data.
  • 3
    Visual inspection: Check the pretensioner connectors under the front passenger seat and at the B-pillar seat belt anchorage for looseness, water ingress, corrosion, or bent pins. Check the wiring harness for obvious damage.
  • 4
    Resistance measurement: Disconnect the SRS ECU connector. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the front passenger second-stage pretensioner circuit pins (refer to the repair manual for pin definitions). Also measure the resistance to ground to check for a short circuit.
  • 5
    Harness isolation test: Disconnect the pretensioner connector. Measure resistance on the harness side and component side separately to determine whether the short circuit is inside the pretensioner or the harness.
  • 6
    Targeted repair: For a shorted wiring harness, repair the damaged wire and rewrap the insulation. Focus on the moving section near the seat slide rail. For a faulty pretensioner, replace the front passenger seat belt assembly (pretensioners are usually not sold separately).
  • 7
    System reset: Connect the battery. Clear the fault code using the diagnostic tool. Perform the SRS system self-check (Sensor Check). Verify B1798 does not return and the airbag warning light turns off.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Yuan EV: Frequent seat adjustment chafed wiring harness, causing short circuit

A 2019 BYD Yuan EV with 32,000 km on the clock displayed an airbag warning light on the instrument cluster. Scanning revealed DTC B1798 (front passenger second-stage pretensioner resistance low). Inspection found the wiring harness beneath the front passenger seat had chafed through at the slide rail, with damaged insulation causing a short to ground. On this model, frequent seat adjustment and retaining clips that work loose allow prolonged friction, leading to this failure. Repaired the damaged wiring, rerouted the harness, added corrugated tubing for protection, and repositioned the retaining clips. Cleared the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Tang DM pretensioner connector corroded after water fording

2021 BYD Tang DM. Owner reported the airbag warning light stayed on after driving through water. Scan tool showed DTC B1798. Inspection found water and green corrosion inside the pretensioner connector beneath the front passenger seat, with abnormally low resistance between pins due to electrolyte conduction. Water entered through the sill trim while fording; the connector seal had aged and failed. Repair: Thoroughly cleaned the connector pins with electronic cleaner to remove oxidation, blown dry, applied conductive protective agent, and replaced the waterproof seal. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Song MAX seat modification caused wiring harness pinch

2019 BYD Song MAX. The owner modified the front passenger seat to power adjustment, and the airbag warning light illuminated. DTC B1798 stored. Inspection revealed the seat frame pinched the pretensioner harness during the modification, causing internal conductors to short. The Song MAX has a short pretensioner harness; the installer did not leave sufficient slack. Repair: Repaired the damaged harness section, replaced the damaged pretensioner (the short may have caused internal damage), and rerouted the wiring to prevent strain throughout the seat's full range of movement.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin Pro pretensioner internal squib fault

2020 BYD Qin petrol, no accident history. SRS warning light suddenly came on. DTC B1798 intermittent; symptoms changed when wiggling the wiring harness. Initially suspected poor contact, but harness and connectors checked normal. Measured pretensioner resistance: intermittent 0.8Ω (low). Root cause: partial short in the pretensioner's internal igniter coil (component defect). Replaced front passenger seatbelt assembly (includes second-stage pretensioner). Fault eliminated.
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.