B1694

DTC B1694 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects its operating supply voltage is below the system threshold (usually 9 — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

DTC B1694 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects its operating supply voltage is below the system threshold (usually 9.0V-9.5V, depending on vehicle calibration).

The SRS system uses a dual power supply design: constant power (+B, memory power) and ignition switch power (IG).

This ensures airbag deployment during a collision even if the ignition switch is off.

Low voltage prevents normal operation of the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, crash sensors, and CAN communication.

The system enters fail-safe mode (the instrument cluster airbag warning light remains illuminated).

In extreme cases, this causes deployment failure during a collision or risks unintended deployment.

New energy vehicles use a DC-DC converter instead of a traditional alternator for low-voltage charging.

Abnormal DC-DC output or high-voltage system power loss also triggers this code.

3
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2019 BYD Yuan EV: Degraded auxiliary battery caused SRS system to enter sleep mode

Vehicle parked for 3 days. On startup, the instrument cluster displayed "Check Airbag System". Retrieved DTC B1694 (active fault). Static battery voltage measured only 11.2V, CCA at just 40% of rated value. Diagnosis found the owner frequently drives short trips and had installed a dashcam with 24-hour monitoring (static current 45mA). Resolution: Replaced 60Ah AGM battery (LN2-3703010), disconnected dashcam from constant power and wired to ACC, cleared DTC using VDS, and performed SRS self-test. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2021 Tang DM-i: Abnormal DC-DC converter output causing intermittent fault codes

The airbag warning light illuminated intermittently while driving. B1694 was a stored fault code, alternating with B1695 (supply voltage too high). Freeze frame data showed voltage fluctuating between 8.5V and 15.8V. Checked the low-voltage battery – normal. Measured the DC-DC converter output terminal; voltage dropped below 12.0V under increased load. Further inspection found the DC-DC low-voltage output wiring harness connector (located on the front left longitudinal beam) had internal pin retraction, with contact resistance of 2.3Ω. Repaired the connector pins, applied conductive paste, and secured the wiring harness to prevent vibration. The fault has not recurred.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2020 BYD Qin Pro petrol: water ingress and oxidation at the SRS ECU connector

After driving in rain, the airbag warning light stayed on constantly. The scan tool showed DTCs B1694 and B1650 (airbag warning lamp circuit fault). Inspected the vehicle—no accident history. Battery voltage 12.6V, normal. Removed the centre console and found the SRS ECU under the right side of the air conditioning evaporator. The 32-pin connector had obvious water stains and green corrosion. The air conditioning drain hose had detached, causing condensate to leak inside. Cleaned the SRS ECU connector pins using electrical contact cleaner, replaced the air conditioning drain hose, wrapped the connector with waterproof tape and rerouted the wiring harness to avoid the water source. Cleared the fault codes and the system returned to normal.
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.