B1718

B1718 is a BYD-specific SRS (Supplemental Restraint System / airbag system) fault code indicating an unintended low-resistance path (short to ground) between the driver-side knee airbag (Left Knee Airbag) ignition circuit and vehicle ground (GND) — Atto 8

Safety System

B1718 is a BYD-specific SRS (Supplemental Restraint System / airbag system) fault code indicating an unintended low-resistance path (short to ground) between the driver-side knee airbag (Left Knee Airbag) ignition circuit and vehicle ground (GND).

The knee airbag contains an igniter (squib).

Under normal conditions, both igniter terminals must show an open circuit (infinite resistance) to ground.

A short to ground indicates current may bypass the igniter and flow directly to ground, causing the airbag control unit (ACU) to register a fault in that airbag circuit.

This fault poses a severe safety risk.

The short circuit can prevent the airbag from deploying during a collision or, in extreme cases, trigger unintended deployment.

The system classifies this fault as severity level 3, illuminates the SRS warning lamp continuously, and may force the entire airbag system into fail-safe mode (disabling all airbags).

3
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Corroded knee airbag connector on water-damaged vehicle caused B1718

After driving through heavy floodwater, a 2020 BYD Qin petrol's SRS warning light stayed on. Scanning revealed DTC B1718 (left knee airbag short to ground). The technician removed the driver's knee panel and found significant water staining and copper oxide corrosion inside the knee airbag connector under the left side of the steering column. The connector seal had deteriorated, allowing water to enter the terminal cavity during the flood and causing the terminals to short against the grounded connector housing. The technician cleaned the connector thoroughly with electronic contact cleaner, dried it, polished the terminals with fine sandpaper, applied conductive grease, and fitted a new waterproof seal. Reinstallation cleared the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket metal pedal interference caused wiring harness wear

After the owner of a 2021 BYD Tang DM installed aftermarket metal pedals, the airbag warning light occasionally illuminated while driving, and the diagnostic tool displayed DTC B1718. Inspection revealed the mounting screws for the modified pedals were too long and had pierced the knee airbag wiring harness (yellow harness) beneath the dashboard, causing the copper wires to intermittently short to chassis ground. Solution: Removed the non-compliant pedals. Repaired the damaged harness—cut out the damaged section, soldered the wires, and insulated with double-layer heat-shrink tubing. Re-routed the wiring along the standard path and secured it with OEM clips, ensuring adequate clearance from the pedal mechanism.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Wiring harness incorrectly secured after accident repair caused short circuit

A 2019 BYD Yuan EV returned one week after delivery following a front collision repair (dashboard replaced), with the airbag warning light on and DTC B1718 stored. Workshop inspection found that during reassembly, the technician had incorrectly trapped the knee airbag wiring harness under the dashboard metal bracket. The bracket’s sharp edge cut through the harness, exposing the internal wires and causing a short to ground. Replaced the damaged knee airbag harness assembly (too damaged to repair). Re-routed the wiring strictly according to the workshop manual wiring diagram, using all OEM retaining clips to prevent the harness from contacting any metal edges during vehicle vibration.
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.