B160A

DTC B160A indicates the driver front airbag (DAB) ignition circuit resistance is 0 ohms, representing a short circuit — Atto 3

Safety System

DTC B160A indicates the driver front airbag (DAB) ignition circuit resistance is 0 ohms, representing a short circuit.

Normally, the airbag squib has a standard resistance of 2-5 ohms.

When the SRS ECU detects circuit resistance near 0 Ω, it identifies a short to ground, short to power, or internal short in the airbag module.

This safety-critical fault prevents normal airbag deployment during a collision or causes accidental deployment.

A 0-ohm resistance typically indicates an internal ribbon cable short in the clock spring (spiral cable), damaged harness insulation shorting to ground, or an internal igniter short within the airbag module.

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Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal short circuit in BYD S6 clock spring caused DTC B160A

A 2015 BYD S6 had the airbag warning light on. The diagnostic tool read code B160A-00 (driver front airbag resistance 0). The vehicle had no accident history, but the steering wheel had recently been removed and modified. After disconnecting the battery, the technician unplugged the driver airbag connector and measured nearly 0Ω between the harness terminals, confirming a short. Inspection found the clock spring's internal ribbon cable worn from long-term rotation, causing a short at certain steering angles. The technician fitted a genuine replacement clock spring (aligning the marks during installation), cleared the fault codes, and the system returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song DM clock spring terminals oxidised, horn inoperative

The airbag warning light on a BYD Song DM illuminated suddenly while driving, and the horn became intermittent. Diagnostics showed DTC B160A-00. Since the horn and airbag share the clock spring, this pointed to an internal clock spring fault. Inspection revealed oxidation on the G10 connector terminals; the internal flat cable showed unstable resistance when rotated, indicating an intermittent short circuit. Cleaning the terminals and replacing the clock spring assembly resolved the fault. Repair tip: Make sure the new clock spring is centered and locked before installation, then release the lock after installation.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Pro clock spring damaged after accident repair

A BYD Qin Pro came in with the airbag warning light on after front-end collision repairs. Retrieved DTC B160A-00. Previous repairs had involved steering wheel removal and multifunction button replacement. Found the driver airbag connector not fully seated; the locking tab was not completely engaged. Reseated the connector, but the fault persisted. Further testing found an internal short in the clock spring—resistance measured 0 ohms. Upon inquiry, learned that the steering wheel had been turned improperly during the collision repairs, overwinding the clock spring's internal coil and causing it to fail. Replaced the clock spring. Using a diagnostic tool, configured and coded the SRS, then performed sensor calibration. Fault cleared.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD S7 clock spring worn after long-term use

A BYD S7 used for 5 years and driven 80,000 km had its airbag warning light change from intermittent flashing to constantly on, storing DTC B160A-00. The driver-side airbag harness from the G10 connector to the clock spring was normal, and the airbag module pins showed no faults. A close look at the clock spring found that long-term use had worn and fractured the internal flat cable at the steering limit positions, causing a short circuit (0 ohms) at certain angles. Replaced the clock spring with an OEM unit. During the repair, centred the steering wheel and made alignment marks. After reconnecting the battery, ran a system self-test and the warning light went out.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Water ingress into the BYD Tang DM connector caused a short circuit.

A BYD Tang DM's airbag warning light came on after driving through water. The diagnostic scanner reported DTC B160A-00. Inspection found water inside the driver-side airbag connector G10. Water traces between the terminals caused a short circuit; resistance measured close to 0Ω. Dried the connector with compressed air, cleaned terminal oxides, and applied special conductive grease. Also checked the clock spring sealing condition and confirmed no internal water ingress. Reconnected the connector, cleared the fault code, and resolved the fault. Recommend checking the vehicle's water sealing after wading and replacing waterproof seal rings if necessary.
Data confidence: Community This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself.