B161B-00

DTC B161B-00 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects the front passenger airbag (PAB) igniter circuit resistance is below the calibrated threshold (typically below 1 — Qin Plus

Safety System

DTC B161B-00 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects the front passenger airbag (PAB) igniter circuit resistance is below the calibrated threshold (typically below 1.5-2.0Ω, depending on the vehicle software version).

The standard SRS airbag igniter resistance is generally 2.0±0.5Ω.

Low resistance typically indicates a short circuit.

Potential causes include an internal short in the airbag igniter, a wiring harness short to ground, a short between connector terminals, or an internal short in the clock spring.

This fault forces the SRS system into a degraded mode.

The system may disable the front passenger airbag (preventing deployment) or, in extreme cases, risk unintended deployment.

When this DTC triggers, the instrument panel airbag warning light remains illuminated and the system halts collision detection for the front passenger airbag.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

BYD Qin EV300: Internal short circuit in passenger airbag module causing B161B-00

A 2017 Qin EV300 with 80,000 km had the airbag warning light on steady. Scan tool pulled B161B-00 (front passenger airbag resistance too low) – current code. I disconnected the battery negative, waited 90 seconds, and removed the front passenger airbag module. Measured resistance at the module connector: only 0.8 Ω (normal is around 2.0 Ω) – clearly low. The harness side measured 2.1 Ω, within spec, so the fault was an internal igniter short in the module. Replaced the module with a genuine OEM unit, cleared the code, and ran a system self-check. Everything returned to normal, fault gone.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Qin 100: Clock spring short caused intermittent B161B-00

2017 Qin 100. The customer reported the airbag warning light illuminating intermittently, especially after turning the steering wheel. The diagnostic tool retrieved current fault code B161B-00. Checked passenger airbag module resistance: normal. Measured clock spring output resistance and found fluctuating values—sometimes reading 0.3Ω (too low), sometimes normal. Disassembled the steering wheel for inspection and found the clock spring's internal flat cable worn from long-term rotation, causing a local short circuit. Replaced the clock spring assembly. After replacement, repeatedly turned the steering wheel to test; the fault did not reappear. Cleared B161B-00 and it has not returned.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Qin EV450 dashboard wiring harness chafed, short to ground

2018 BYD Qin EV450. The SRS warning light came on after flood damage repairs. Retrieved DTC B161B-00. Checked below the passenger side dashboard and found the wiring harness retaining clip had detached. The harness had chafed against the metal dashboard bracket, damaging the insulation and causing the wire to short directly to ground. Measured airbag circuit resistance to ground at only 0.5 Ω. Repaired the damaged wiring by rewrapping with insulating tape and fitting corrugated tubing. Rerouted the harness and re-secured the clip. Cleared the fault code; system returned to normal.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Water ingress corroded the Qin 80 SRS connector, causing low resistance.

2017 BYD Qin 80. Water accumulated below the front passenger-side A-pillar due to a windshield leak. The SRS warning light came on. Retrieved DTC B161B-00. Found obvious water stains and green copper corrosion inside the yellow SRS wiring harness connector below the A-pillar, with a micro short circuit between terminals. Measured resistance at 1.2Ω (below threshold). Cleaned the connector terminals with electronic contact cleaner, dried them with compressed air, applied conductive anti-corrosion compound, reconnected the connector, and sealed it against water ingress. Cleared the DTC and resolved the fault. Also repaired the windshield seal to prevent further water entry.
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.