B164C

DTC B164C indicates an unintended electrical connection between the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner control circuit and the vehicle power supply (B+) — Atto 8

Safety System

DTC B164C indicates an unintended electrical connection between the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner control circuit and the vehicle power supply (B+).

The seat belt pretensioner is a key actuator in the SRS system and contains a pyrotechnic device.

Under normal conditions, the airbag ECU triggers the pretensioner only during a collision via a low-level signal.

A short to power continuously exposes the pretensioner supply or control circuit to 12V.

This fails the system self-check, illuminates the SRS warning lamp, and creates a severe safety risk: the short-circuit current may accidentally trigger the pretensioner (instantly and permanently locking the seat belt), or circuit protection mechanisms may prevent proper pretensioner deployment during a collision.

Repair this hard short-circuit fault immediately to ensure full passive safety system functionality.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Pro DM - Seat rail crushed wiring harness causing short to power

The SRS warning light stayed on constantly when the vehicle arrived. The scan tool read DTC B164C-00 (current). Inspection found the wiring harness retaining clip under the front passenger seat had detached, allowing the harness to drop into the seat slide rail. Seat movement caused the rail edge to chafe through the insulation of the brown power wire (B/Y), which shorted to the pretensioner signal wire (Y/L). Removed the seat, repaired the harness with double-layer heat shrink tubing, rerouted the wiring, and installed a protective bracket. Cleared the fault code and the system returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Tang EV - Connector corroded and short-circuited after water ingress

One week after the water ingress repair, the SRS warning light came on. Diagnosis showed DTC B164C. Inspecting the pretensioner connector KJ10 under the passenger seat found obvious water stains and green copper corrosion inside the connector. Electrolyte residue between the terminals created a conductive path, shorting to power. Cleaned the connector terminals with electronic cleaner and anti-rust spray, blew out the moisture, applied conductive grease, and reconnected. Advised the owner to check the floor seals to prevent further water ingress.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song MAX - Pretensioner Internal Short Circuit Replacement Case

After a front-end collision repair (bumper and radiator support replaced), the SRS warning light stayed on. Diagnosis identified a faulty front impact sensor and DTC B164C. The voltage at the passenger pretensioner harness was normal (0V), but the pretensioner itself measured only 0.8Ω (spec: 2–3Ω). Determined that the pretensioner had been damaged in the collision: the impact damaged the internal igniter insulation, creating an internal short to power. Replacing the passenger seatbelt assembly (including pretensioner) resolved the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Yuan EV – Retrofitting heated seats causes circuit interference

The owner installed aftermarket seat heating pads, cutting into the pretensioner power circuit to source power. This caused 12V constant power interference on the pretensioner control line, triggering DTC B164C. Inspection revealed non-factory wiring beneath the front passenger seat; the heating pad power cable had poorly wrapped insulation tape and was contacting the pretensioner signal wire. Removed the modified wiring and restored the original harness insulation. Advised the owner that SRS circuits must never be modified. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Petrol - SRS ECU Internal Driver Circuit Fault

After multiple repairs, the B164C fault kept returning. The wiring harness and pretensioner were both normal. In-depth inspection revealed burn marks on the pretensioner drive circuit board inside the airbag ECU (beneath the centre console). A MOSFET breakdown caused continuous high-level output. Replaced the airbag control module (required simultaneous VIN writing and configuration code matching), completed online programming, and permanently resolved the fault.
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.