AU
B167011

DTC B167011 indicates a short to ground in the Right Side Impact Sensor (RSIS) signal circuit — Seal U

Safety System

DTC B167011 indicates a short to ground in the Right Side Impact Sensor (RSIS) signal circuit.

This sensor typically mounts on the right B-pillar, right front door, or right front side member to monitor acceleration changes during a side impact.

The SRS control module logs this fault when it detects the sensor signal wire resistance to ground falls below the threshold (typically 0-5Ω).

An insulation failure in the sensor circuit causes this fault.

The control module receives a continuous 0V signal (ground potential), preventing it from correctly determining impact severity.

This fault triggers fail-safe mode, disabling the right side airbag and side curtain airbag, and illuminates the instrument panel airbag warning light.

It severely compromises occupant protection during a side impact and constitutes a high-risk safety fault.

4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
Likely Causes — Seal U
  • 1Wiring harness mechanical damage: Prolonged bending, wear, or accident crushing damages the wiring harness insulation at the right B-pillar or door hinge, causing the wire to directly contact the vehicle body metal and create a short to ground.
  • 2Sensor connector fault: Aged connector sealing ring or water ingress after driving through water causing pin corrosion and short circuit; connector not fully seated during repair; or bent pin contacting the connector housing (ground terminal).
  • 3Internal short circuit in the sensor body: Damage to the piezoelectric element or processing circuit inside the crash sensor causes the power supply terminal or signal terminal to short to ground. Measured resistance is usually close to 0Ω (normal: 1.9-2.3kΩ).
  • 4Improper aftermarket modification or repair: Incorrectly reinstalling the wiring harness after removing the B-pillar trim panel during interior modifications (such as installing floor coverings or window tint), or metal edges cutting an improperly secured wiring harness after accident repairs.
  • 5Internal fault in the SRS control module (rare): A short to ground in the module's internal signal processing circuit causes a false sensor fault detection.
What To Do
  • 1
    Safe power-down: Turn off the ignition switch, disconnect the negative battery terminal, and wait at least 3 minutes to fully discharge the SRS system capacitor and prevent accidental airbag deployment during repair.
  • 2
    Fault confirmation: Use VDS or a Launch diagnostic tool to read fault codes, confirm B167011 is a current fault (Present), record freeze frame data, and check for accompanying related fault codes (such as U0151 communication fault).
  • 3
    Visual and connection inspection: Remove the right B-pillar trim panel and the right front door sill trim panel. Visually inspect the right crash sensor connector for looseness, water ingress, corrosion, or foreign objects. Inspect the wiring harness protective sleeve at the door hinge for damage.
  • 4
    Circuit parameter measurement: Disconnect the sensor connector. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the harness-side signal pin and ground (expected: infinite/OL; a reading below 5Ω indicates a short circuit in the wiring harness). Measure the resistance between the sensor pins (normal: 1.9-2.3kΩ; a reading near 0Ω indicates a faulty sensor).
  • 5
    Wiring harness repair: If the wiring harness is damaged, strip the insulation, solder the broken strands, wrap with insulating tape, and install corrugated conduit. If the connector is corroded, clean it with electronic contact cleaner and apply conductive paste. Replace the connector if necessary.
  • 6
    Component replacement: If testing confirms a short circuit in the sensor body, install a genuine right side impact sensor. Observe the installation torque (usually 8-10 N·m). Point the sensor arrow toward the front of the vehicle (or install according to the marked direction).
  • 7
    System reset and matching: Reconnect the battery and clear the fault code. On some models, use a diagnostic tool to perform the 'Crash Sensor ID Matching' or 'SRS System Configuration' procedure.
  • 8
    Function verification: Start the vehicle and confirm the SRS warning light turns off. Use the diagnostic tool to read the data stream and verify the right crash sensor acceleration value is normal (reads close to 0g when stationary; lightly tapping the sensor produces a corresponding voltage change).
Real-World Cases
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Door hinge wiring harness wear on Song Pro DM

✓
Vehicle: 2021 BYD Song Pro DM with 42,000 km. Symptoms: SRS warning light illuminated intermittently; scan tool retrieved DTC B167011. Investigation found damage to the protective sleeve of the sensor wiring harness inside the right B-pillar at the door hinge, with wire insulation chafed through and contacting the body. Rectification: Repaired the damaged wires, added protective corrugated tubing, adjusted the harness routing to avoid contact with metal edges. Cleared DTCs; fault eliminated.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Yuan Plus connector corroded due to water ingress after wading

✓
Model: 2022 BYD Yuan Plus. Issue: Started the vehicle the next morning after driving through deep water; instrument cluster displayed 'Check Airbag System'. Retrieved DTCs B167011 and U0151. Removed the right B-pillar trim and found visible water and green copper corrosion in the impact sensor connector, causing a short to ground on the pins. Repair: Thoroughly cleaned the connector with electronic cleaner, blow-dried it, and applied conductive anti-corrosion paste. Checked door seal integrity. One-week follow-up: no recurrence.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Qin Plus EV: Sensor internally damaged after accident

✓
Vehicle: 2020 BYD Qin Plus EV. Previous right front collision. Symptoms: After a repair shop replaced the right front fender, the SRS warning light stayed on. Stored fault code B167011. Diagnosis: The sensor showed no external damage, but its resistance measured only 0.2Ω (normal: 2kΩ). The impact damaged the internal circuit board, creating a short to ground. Repair: Replaced the right side impact sensor with an OEM part. Performed sensor ID matching and cleared the fault code. System returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Han EV: Connector loose after modification

✓
Vehicle: 2023 BYD Han EV. Symptom: SRS warning light on after interior modification (vinyl flooring installation). DTC B167011 stored. Upon inquiry, the right front seat and B-pillar trim had been removed during the work. Inspection found the right-side crash sensor connector not fully seated, with displaced pins contacting the housing and creating a false short-to-ground. Repair: Re-seated the connector and ensured the locking tab engaged, secured the wiring harness with cable ties, cleared the DTC, and the warning light went out.
Original source ↗
Other Seal U 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.B110913DTC B110913 indicates an open signal circuit for the PM2.5 rapid detector (in-cabin air quality sensor). This sensor typically mounts inside the air conditioning system intake duct. It monitors in-cabin PM2.5 concentration in real time and provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent control of the air purification function. The BYD diagnostic protocol uses sub-code '13' to specifically indicate an open signal circuit. Although this fault theoretically affects a comfort feature, BYD Qin series vehicles classify it as a Level 3 (severe) fault. This classification occurs because the air conditioning system interacts with the battery thermal management system (e.g., monitoring battery cooling intake air quality). The fault can disable the automatic air conditioning mode and prevent the air purification function from operating. In extreme cases, it affects the battery compartment intake air quality assessment, triggering the 'repair immediately' strategy.B110AThis DTC indicates interrupted CAN bus communication or abnormal data between the air conditioning control unit (ACU) and the PM2.5 air quality sensor. The PM2.5 sensor monitors particulate concentration inside and outside the vehicle and provides the basis for purification control in the automatic air conditioning system. The ACU triggers this fault if it fails to receive a valid CAN message from the sensor within the specified period (usually 100-500 ms), if message verification fails, or if the signal frame times out. Although this fault does not affect vehicle driving safety, it disables the automatic air purification function. The air conditioning system cannot automatically switch between recirculation and fresh air modes or activate the air purification mode based on air quality. A persistent fault may restrict the thermal management strategy.
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. Sources: [1]