B1640

DTC B1640 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ECU detects an open circuit or out-of-range resistance in the driver-side seat belt pretensioner circuit (normal resistance is typically 2 — Qin Plus

Safety System

DTC B1640 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ECU detects an open circuit or out-of-range resistance in the driver-side seat belt pretensioner circuit (normal resistance is typically 2.0–3.0 Ω).

The pretensioner is a key component of the passive safety system.

During a collision, it ignites a pyrotechnic charge to generate gas, pulling the seat belt retractor and instantly tightening the seat belt to secure the occupant.

This fault indicates the driver-side pretensioner may fail to deploy during a collision, increasing occupant forward displacement and injury risk.

The SRS ECU also illuminates the instrument cluster airbag warning light.

The system may enter a fail-safe mode, restricting certain airbag functions.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Frequent seat adjustment loosened the pretensioner connector.

A 2020 BYD Qin Pro EV driven 32,000 km had an illuminated airbag warning light. Scanned for DTCs and retrieved B1640 (current fault). Inspection found the yellow connector under the driver's seat inserted but the locking tab not fully engaged. The connector had gradually come loose because the owner frequently moves the seat forward and backward. Reseated the connector firmly and secured the harness routing. Cleared the DTC; fault resolved. Recommend securing the pretensioner harness to the seat frame with cable ties to prevent interference with the seat rails.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Water ingress corroded the pretensioner connector, causing high resistance.

A 2019 BYD Yuan EV had water ingress from a blocked sunroof drain tube, soaking the floor wiring harness. DTC B1640 appeared intermittently. The pretensioner body measured 2.3 Ω (normal), but a 0.8 V voltage drop across the under-seat connector pins indicated high contact resistance. Disassembly revealed the internal pins had oxidised and turned black. Cleaning the pins, applying conductive grease, and replacing the waterproof seal resolved the fault. Also recommended checking the SRS ECU for moisture ingress.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Pretensioner circuit not reconnected after seat modification

The airbag warning light illuminated on a 2021 BYD Tang DM after the owner swapped in racing seats. Diagnosis revealed DTC B1640, and live data showed the pretensioner circuit was open. Inspection found the aftermarket seats lacked pretensioners, and the original pretensioner wiring harness was wrapped in insulating tape and left dangling, disconnected. Solution: Reinstall the factory seat assembly, or install aftermarket seats with pretensioners and properly connect the circuit. A dedicated 2.7 Ω resistor can temporarily simulate the load and clear the fault code, but this is not recommended for long-term use.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Pretensioner internal resistance wire open circuit

A 2019 Song MAX set DTC B1640 after a front collision repair. The collision deployed the front airbag but did not trigger the driver’s pretensioner. However, inspection revealed the pretensioner’s internal resistance wire had fractured (infinite resistance). A current surge during the accident or static damage from an earlier repair likely caused the failure. We replaced the driver seat belt assembly (including pretensioner) and performed ‘component replacement coding’ and ‘system calibration’ with a scan tool. The fault cleared. After replacement, verify the new assembly’s resistance is 2.0–3.0 Ω.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Wiring harness wear caused an intermittent open circuit.

On a 2021 BYD Yuan Pro, the airbag warning light would occasionally illuminate over rough roads. A scan retrieved stored fault code B1640. Static resistance of the pretensioner measured normal, but the reading fluctuated when the seat was shaken. Inspection found the wiring harness sheath chafed on the inner side of the seat rail; internal copper conductors were partially fractured and barely connected. The repair: cut out the damaged section, soldered in an extension wire, sealed with heat shrink tubing, and rerouted the wiring away from the seat rail travel path. The fault was permanently eliminated.
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.