B169F

In BYD new energy vehicles, DTC B169F indicates an ESP (Electronic Stability Program) control unit communication fault, not an SRS airbag fault (early documentation may contain classification errors) — Qin Plus

Safety System

In BYD new energy vehicles, DTC B169F indicates an ESP (Electronic Stability Program) control unit communication fault, not an SRS airbag fault (early documentation may contain classification errors).

This fault code indicates the powertrain CAN or chassis CAN bus fails to receive a valid data frame from the ESP control module (integrated into the vehicle stability system, typically located on the left side of the engine compartment or inside the left front wheel arch), or the received signal fails verification.

This disables the Electronic Stability Program, traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and advanced driver assistance functions relying on ESP signals (such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping).

Root causes include a physical-layer CAN bus communication interruption, abnormal terminating resistance, a control unit power supply/ground fault, or a software version mismatch.

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Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Song Pro DM: Intermittent ESP warning while driving

Symptoms: The ESP, ABS and tyre pressure warning lights suddenly illuminated on the dash while driving, displaying 'Check ESP System'. The fault occasionally cleared after cycling the ignition, but returned during subsequent driving. Diagnosis: VDS retrieved DTCs B169F (Lost Communication with ESP) and U010104. ESP module power supply and earth: normal. CAN line voltage: normal. Intermittent contact at pin 14 (CAN-H) of the module connector; fault reproduced when wiggling the wiring harness. Resolution: Replaced the ESP control module connector assembly (BYD-3636100). Re-crimped the pins and applied conductive grease. Measured termination resistance at 60Ω – normal. Road test confirmed the fault was resolved.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin Plus DM-i multiple system warnings on cold start

Symptoms: During cold starts in winter, the engine, ESP, ABS and airbag lights illuminate simultaneously and may extinguish on their own after 5–10 minutes of driving. Frequency increases after rain or washing the vehicle. Diagnosis: Scanned DTCs B169F (ESP communication fault) and B1600 (airbag control unit communication fault, intermittent). Inspection revealed the ESP module, located above the left front wheel, is prone to water ingress. Disassembled the connector and found internal water staining and green copper corrosion. CAN line resistance fluctuated between 55–75 Ω. Resolution: Cleaned and blow-dried the connector, replaced the deteriorated seal (BYD-3636980), applied waterproof silicone grease and re-wrapped the wiring harness. Advised against high-pressure washing of the engine bay.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Tang DM: No communication with ESP after accident repair

Symptoms: After the front collision repair, the vehicle displayed 'ESP malfunction' on startup and the steering was heavy (EPS relies on the ESP steering angle signal). Diagnosis: We scanned with VDS and retrieved codes B169F (invalid ESP signal) and C0035 (left front wheel speed sensor fault, historic). Inspection found a mounting screw had pinched the ESP module wiring harness during the accident repair, damaging the CAN wire insulation and shorting it to ground. Measured CAN-H resistance to ground: 0Ω. Fix: We repaired the damaged CAN wiring harness by insulating with heat-shrink tubing, rerouted the harness, replaced the possibly damaged ESP control module (BYD-3636100-B1), then performed steering angle sensor calibration and wheel speed signal checks after installation.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Han EV ESP communication error after OTA update

Symptoms: After OTA update from V1.2 to V1.3, at startup the next day the ESP warning light stayed on. Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist did not work. Diagnosis: VDS read DTCs B169F (Lost Communication With ESP) and U030198 (Software Version Mismatch). The ESP module had software V2.1 but the VCU expected V2.2, suggesting an incomplete OTA flash. A re-flash attempt prompted ‘Communication Timeout’. Solution: Disconnected the battery negative terminal for 5 minutes to reset the CAN network. Used VDS offline mode to force-flash the ESP software to V2.2.1, keeping battery charge above 50%. Cleared fault codes afterward, then performed ESP system self-learning and EPB function check. Intelligent driving assistance functions returned to normal.
Original source ↗
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.