B1708

DTC B1708 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects a 0-ohm resistance in the left side curtain airbag ignition circuit — Qin Plus

Safety System

DTC B1708 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects a 0-ohm resistance in the left side curtain airbag ignition circuit.

This typically indicates a short circuit in the ignition circuit (short to ground or short between positive and negative terminals).

Under normal operating conditions, the airbag igniter resistance must measure between 2.0 and 3.0 ohms to generate sufficient Joule heat to trigger the gas generator during a collision.

A 0-ohm reading means the circuit has virtually no resistance.

Potential causes include an internal short circuit in the curtain airbag igniter, wiring harness damage causing direct contact between positive and negative terminals, connector water ingress and corrosion, or a fault in the SRS ECU internal detection circuit.

This fault prevents the left side curtain airbag from deploying normally during a side impact (current bypasses the igniter) or, in extreme cases, creates a risk of unintended deployment.

This critical fault severely compromises passive safety functions.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2021 BYD Tang left curtain airbag internal short circuit

While driving normally, the dashboard suddenly displayed 'Check Airbag System'. A VDS scan showed only B1708 (left curtain airbag resistance 0 Ω). I removed the left C-pillar trim and disconnected the yellow connector on the curtain airbag. Using a dedicated tester, I measured 0.3 Ω at the curtain terminal (standard: 2.5 Ω ± 0.5 Ω) and confirmed an internal short in the igniter bridge wire. I replaced the left curtain airbag assembly (Part No.: ...), then cleared the fault codes and reconfigured the SRS system with a diagnostic tool, which fixed the problem. Root cause: moisture in the igniter propellant from a specific gas generator production batch caused an internal micro-short.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2019 BYD Yuan EV airbag warning light on after wading through water.

After driving through water about 40 cm deep, the airbag warning light on the instrument panel stayed on. VDS scan showed DTCs B1708 and B1706 (left side curtain airbag short to ground). Removed the left sill trim panel and found the airbag harness connector under the left front sill. The waterproof seal had perished and detached, and water had clearly entered. A water film between the pins caused a short circuit (measured 0.1 Ω). Cleaned the connector with anhydrous alcohol, dried it with compressed air, applied special conductive anti-corrosion grease, and replaced the seal. Curtain airbag resistance returned to normal (2.4 Ω). Cleared fault codes, system normal.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2019 BYD Song MAX: False DTCs after accident repair

After repairing a left-side collision, the dashboard kept showing an airbag fault. VDS retrieved DTC B1708. Inspection found that while reinstalling the left curtain airbag, the technician inserted the yellow connector but did not hear the secondary lock (CPA) click, leaving the connector not fully seated. The ECU detected abnormal loop resistance (contact resistance near 0Ω). The connector was reseated and the lock tab fully engaged (two clicks heard). The DTC was cleared using VDS, and the SRS system self-test (including an ignition cycle) was completed, eliminating the fault. This is a typical false electrical fault caused by human error.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2020 BYD Qin petrol — wiring harness chafing caused short circuit

After 3 years and 80,000 km, the vehicle logged a B1708 fault. Lifted the vehicle and inspected the chassis harness. Found the left curtain airbag harness chafed through at the A-pillar lower sheet metal hole, where prolonged vibration against the sharp edge wore through the protective sleeve and insulation. The internal positive and negative wires were exposed and made direct contact, causing a short circuit (resistance: 0Ω). Cut out the damaged harness section (approx. 15 cm), rejoined with waterproof soldering, and insulated with double-layer heat shrink tubing. Rerouted the harness, added a rubber protective sleeve, and secured with cable ties to prevent body contact. Fault fully cleared.
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.