B1693

The BYD SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) strictly defines DTC B1693 as "Driver Airbag Circuit Resistance Low/Short to Ground", not a simple ground connection issue — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

The BYD SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) strictly defines DTC B1693 as "Driver Airbag Circuit Resistance Low/Short to Ground", not a simple ground connection issue.

This fault indicates the airbag control unit (ACU) detects the driver-side airbag (steering wheel airbag) firing circuit resistance is below the standard threshold (normal range 2.0–3.0 Ω; values below 1.5 Ω trigger this code).

Potential causes include an internal short circuit in the steering wheel clock spring flexible printed circuit, abnormal contact resistance at the airbag connector, damaged wiring harness insulation causing a short to ground, or a faulty ACU internal firing driver circuit.

This fault prevents airbag deployment during a collision (open-circuit condition) or causes unintentional deployment without a collision (short-circuit condition), representing a critical safety function failure.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin DM: Steering wheel clock spring short circuit caused airbag light to come on.

Symptoms: Dashboard airbag warning light constantly illuminated, DTC B1693 (driver side airbag circuit resistance too low). No collision history. Diagnosis: Connected VDS scan tool and retrieved DTC B1693. Measured airbag circuit resistance at 0.8Ω (below normal 2.5-3.5Ω). Inspected steering wheel clock spring connector, found plug loose. Removed clock spring and found internal short in flat ribbon cable. Resolution: Replaced steering wheel clock spring. Reconnected and secured airbag wiring harness plug. Cleared DTC and road tested. Fault eliminated.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song Pro intermittent clock spring open circuit fault

Symptoms: After startup, the instrument cluster displays "Check Airbag System". DTC B1693 appears intermittently, with the warning light occasionally flickering when turning the steering wheel. Diagnosis: Connected the scan tool and confirmed B1693 (Driver Side Airbag Stage 1 Circuit Short). Inspected the wiring harness beneath the steering wheel and found chafing due to frequent rotation. Checked the ACU connector and found oxidised pins. Measured continuity across the clock spring and detected an open circuit at certain steering angles. Repair: Replaced the genuine steering wheel clock spring assembly (Part No.: BYD-EG-5910). Cleaned the ACU connector pins and applied conductive grease. Adjusted the steering wheel harness routing to prevent interference.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Airbag circuit fault on BYD Tang DM after minor collision

Symptoms: SRS warning light stays on continuously and cannot be cleared. Fault code B1693 (Driver Airbag Circuit Resistance Low) present. Vehicle had a minor front bumper impact but the airbags did not deploy. Diagnosis: Scanned with Launch X431, showing B1693. Checked the driver airbag connector and found it not fully seated. Measured airbag assembly resistance at 2.3 Ω (normal). Tested harness continuity from clock spring to ACU and found an internal short in the clock spring. Suspected that steering wheel impact during the collision caused internal damage to the clock spring. Resolution: Replaced the steering wheel clock spring. Re-secured all SRS connectors. Performed airbag configuration write using the diagnostic tool. Road tested to confirm the warning light extinguished.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Clock spring FPC fractured on BYD e5 battery electric vehicle

Symptoms: Dashboard displayed airbag system fault, DTC B1693, occurring when starting after charging, along with intermittent steering wheel button failure. Diagnosis: Scan tool read B1693 as "driver airbag circuit short". Inspected clock spring FPC (flexible printed circuit) and found broken conductor traces. Checked ACU version – software was outdated. Measured clock spring resistance while turning the steering wheel: fluctuated between 0.5Ω and 5Ω. Solution: Replaced steering wheel clock spring with improved version (reinforced FPC). Updated airbag control unit software to latest version. Inspected and secured wiring harness cable ties to prevent strain on the harness during steering.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Surui: Airbag warning light on after steering wheel removal and refitting

Symptoms: Airbag warning light constantly on, fault code B1693. Vehicle over 5 years old, 80,000 km. Steering wheel recently removed to install multifunction buttons. Diagnosis: Used BYD diagnostic tool to confirm B1693 indicates driver side airbag circuit fault. Inspected airbag connector behind steering wheel, found connector clip broken causing poor contact. Checked clock spring, found internal ribbon cable fatigue fractured due to repeated removal and refitting. Measured airbag circuit resistance fluctuating between infinite (open circuit) and 0.2 Ω (short circuit). Solution: Replaced steering wheel clock spring assembly and airbag connector (added wiring harness retaining clip for positive contact). Re-matched airbag system by entering VIN.
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.