B16C1

DTC B16C1 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detected an internal system fault or an external power supply or communication abnormality — Atto 8

Safety System

DTC B16C1 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detected an internal system fault or an external power supply or communication abnormality.

Specifically, this code points to a functional failure in the ECU power management module, internal memory (EEPROM/Flash) self-check, watchdog timer, or main processor.

The SRS ECU triggers this fault code and illuminates the airbag warning lamp if it detects an operating voltage outside the 9-16V range, an internal data verification failure, or a loss of communication with the vehicle CAN network during the ignition cycle self-check.

This fault forces the airbag system into a degraded mode.

During a collision, the system may fail to deploy the airbags or actuate the seatbelt pretensioners, posing a severe safety hazard.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2019 BYD Song MAX: Flat battery caused intermittent B16C1 fault

After sitting for 5 days, the vehicle displayed 'Check SRS System' on startup. Retrieved DTC B16C1. Battery voltage measured only 10.8V – discharged from sitting. Charged the battery to 12.6V, cleared the code, and the fault temporarily disappeared. Returned a week later. Measured static current draw at 180mA (should be under 50mA). Traced to parasitic drain from an aftermarket dashcam wired to constant power. Replaced the battery and fixed the drain; fault permanently resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2021 Tang: Poor SRS ECU grounding caused false system warnings

The airbag warning light illuminated intermittently when driving on rough roads. Scanned the system and retrieved current DTC B16C1. Found the SRS ECU ground bolt (M6) loose at the dashboard crossmember. Improper cleaning left paint residue on the ground point, resulting in a measured resistance of 4.2Ω. Sanded the ground point to bare metal, applied conductive paste, and tightened the bolt to the specified torque (8-10 N·m). Ground resistance dropped to 0.3Ω. Road tested for 20 km with no fault recurrence. Returned vehicle to customer; no further issues after three months of use.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2019 Yuan EV: B16C1 and U0151 present after accident repair

After front collision repairs, the airbag warning light stayed on. DTCs read: B16C1 (SRS ECU fault) and U0151 (lost communication with airbag control unit). Inspection found the replacement bulkhead harness fitted during the collision repairs had terminals inside the new SRS ECU plug (39-pin) that weren't fully seated, causing poor contact on the CAN-H line (orange/black). Reseated the terminals, applied waterproof sealant, then performed 'Airbag System Configuration' and 'Collision Output Reset' using VDS. The DTCs cleared and the airbag light went out.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Pro Petrol: SRS ECU Internal Failure Replacement Case

While driving normally, an alarm went off and the airbag warning light stayed on. Could not clear DTC B16C1. Checked power, ground, and CAN lines — all normal. Measured ECU connector voltage: 12.4V; ground resistance: 0.5Ω; CAN waveform normal. Diagnosed an internal hardware fault in the SRS ECU. Replaced the ECU with a new unit (part no. BYD-3638100-XS2). Using the dedicated diagnostic tool, performed 'online configuration' (entered vehicle VIN to auto-download configuration data) and 'sensor calibration'. Then ran a simulated crash test (using a 2Ω resistor in place of the airbag). System worked normally, fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Yuan Pro 2021 — Outdated software version causes false alarm

500 km after delivery, the SRS warning light came on, storing DTC B16C1. Checked wiring, no abnormalities found; voltage normal. Replacing the SRS ECU had no effect. Looked up BYD TSB-2021-SRS-03 and found that SRS ECU software version V1.02 in this production batch contains a bug—falsely reports internal faults under specific voltage fluctuations. Upgraded ECU software to V1.05 using VDS, with a backup battery connected to keep vehicle power stable. Cleared fault codes after the upgrade. Followed up for one month, no recurrence.
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.