B164B

DTC B164B indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <1 — Atto 8

Safety System

DTC B164B indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <1.5Ω) between the front passenger seat belt pretensioner ignition circuit and body ground (GND).

As a pyrotechnic safety device, the pretensioner igniter has a normal resistance of approximately 2.0-3.0Ω.

A short to ground causes the SRS system to detect a front passenger pretensioner circuit fault, illuminate the 'Airbag Fault Warning Light' continuously, and enter fail-safe mode.

During a collision, the system may fail to deploy the front passenger pretensioner and may subsequently disable the front passenger airbag.

This fault is a hard short to ground.

Repair immediately to ensure passive safety system integrity.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn seat rails caused the wiring harness to short to ground.

Vehicle: BYD Song MAX 2019. Symptoms: Dashboard airbag light stays on, DTC B164B set. Diagnosis: Removed the front passenger seat. The sharp edge of the seat rail had cut the yellow SRS harness sleeve underneath. The exposed wires contacted the metal rail directly, shorting to ground. Regular full loading and frequent passenger seat adjustments caused the harness to repeatedly bend and chafe at that spot. Solution: Repaired the damaged wire (replaced the entire harness section). Repositioned the harness mounting bracket. Ensured the harness clears all metal through the full seat travel. Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Connector shorted due to water ingress after wading

Model: BYD Yuan EV 2019. Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated after driving in heavy rain; scan tool displayed DTC B164B. Diagnosis: Inspected the pretensioner connector beneath the passenger-side B-pillar and found the seal had deteriorated and was missing. Water stains and verdigris inside the connector caused the terminals to short to ground. Solution: Thoroughly cleaned the connector terminals, replaced the waterproof seal, used electronic cleaner to dry, applied dielectric grease, cleared the fault codes and restored normal operation.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Improper wiring harness routing after accident repairs

Vehicle: BYD Tang 2021. Symptom: After front collision repairs, the instrument cluster displayed an airbag fault; DTC B164B was stored. Diagnosis: Inspection found that after replacing the front passenger seatbelt assembly, the technician had not secured the pretensioner harness with the factory clips. The harness was pinched between the seat bracket and floor pan, crushing the insulation and causing a short to ground. Solution: Rerouted the harness into the factory wiring channel, repaired the damaged insulation, added abrasion-resistant corrugated tubing, and ensured the harness had adequate free length to accommodate seat fore-aft adjustment.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal short circuit in pretensioner

Vehicle: BYD Qin Petrol 2020. Symptoms: No collision history. Intermittent airbag warning light; DTC B164B intermittent. Diagnosis: Disconnected the pretensioner connector, measured the harness side – no short to ground. Measured resistance between the pretensioner terminals and housing, finding 0.8Ω low resistance (normal: open circuit). Determined the pretensioner internal igniter coil insulation had failed, causing a short to the housing. Solution: Replaced the front passenger seatbelt assembly (includes pretensioner). As the pretensioner is non-serviceable, replaced the entire assembly and performed recoding and matching.
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.