B1697

DTC B1697 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detected an internal hardware fault or critical support circuit error, forcing the system into fail-safe mode — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

DTC B1697 indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detected an internal hardware fault or critical support circuit error, forcing the system into fail-safe mode.

This fault involves an internal microprocessor calculation error, EEPROM data corruption, an abnormal internal accelerometer signal, an ignition driver circuit fault, or a severe fault in the external power supply, ground, or communication lines.

When triggered, the SRS ECU disables deployment of all airbags and seat belt pretensioners.

The vehicle provides no passive safety protection during a collision.

This severe fault compromises driving safety.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Intermittent SRS ECU fault in 2021 Tang DM caused B1697

A Tang DM with 32,000 km on the clock. The SRS warning light illuminated intermittently on the dash. The scan tool retrieved DTC B1697, alternating between current and stored. Inspection found the SRS ECU supply voltage fluctuating between 13.2V and 11.8V. Traced the power feed from the battery positive terminal to the SRS ECU and found the wiring harness had worn through at the engine bay fuse box from vibration, causing a poor connection. Repaired the harness and secured the routing. Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2019 BYD Song MAX: CAN bus short circuit caused SRS system failure

After driving through water, DTC B1697 set and the SRS warning light stayed on. Measurement found CAN-H shorted to ground (only 2Ω). Disassembly revealed a poorly sealed waterproof plug on the wiring harness below the left A-pillar, allowing water ingress that corroded and shorted the CAN circuit. Cleaned the corroded harness, replaced the SRS ECU (water had already caused internal damage), and reapplied waterproofing to resolve the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2019 BYD Yuan EV: SRS ECU internal memory failure

During normal driving, the vehicle suddenly displayed an airbag fault. Retrieved DTC B1697, which would not clear. Checked the power supply, ground and communication circuits – all normal. Attempted a software upgrade, but it failed. Disassembled the SRS ECU and found cracked solder joints on the internal EEPROM chip (stores crash threshold and configuration data). Since this chip is encrypted, it cannot be replaced separately. Replaced the complete SRS ECU, performed online matching, and the system returned to normal.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2020 Qin Pro DM software fault causing false B1697 alert

Found B1697 DTC during new vehicle PDI, but SRS warning light remained off. Inspected hardware, no faults. Checked TSB and identified an SRS software bug in this production batch causing false ECU failure reports under specific voltage conditions. Upgraded software to V2.3.5, cleared fault code, and it did not return. This is a typical software calibration issue.
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.