B1788

DTC B1788 indicates a short to power (B+) in the Stage 2 inflator circuit of the driver-side dual-stage front airbag — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

DTC B1788 indicates a short to power (B+) in the Stage 2 inflator circuit of the driver-side dual-stage front airbag.

The SRS control unit continuously monitors the airbag deployment circuit resistance (normally 2.0–3.0 Ω) using internal safety sensors and diagnostic circuits.

The control unit identifies a short to power when the Stage 2 airbag circuit voltage continuously exceeds the threshold (typically over 80% of supply voltage) or the resistance drops abnormally low (near 0 Ω).

This fault causes: 1) Stage 2 airbag deployment failure during a collision, reducing occupant protection; 2) Accidental deployment risk, where the airbag triggers without a collision; 3) The SRS system to enter fail-safe mode, inhibiting all airbag functions.

This fault involves a high-voltage deployment circuit and represents a highest-level safety fault.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal short in clock spring caused DTC B1788 on BYD Tang DM

Model: 2021 Tang DM, Mileage: 45,000 km. Symptom: Airbag warning light constantly illuminated. Scan tool retrieved active DTC B1788. Repair: Disconnected battery. Found slight water ingress at the clock spring connector below the steering wheel. Removed the clock spring; multimeter measured insulation resistance between secondary airbag circuit (Pins 3-4) and power circuit (Pin 5) at only 0.3Ω, confirming internal layer-to-layer short. Cause: Long-term parking in humid underground garage degraded insulation, allowing internal copper foil to short against power leads. Replaced clock spring (Part number: BYD-5823010). Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Yuan EV airbag module internal igniter short circuit

2019 Yuan EV535, 82,000 km. Airbag warning light illuminated suddenly while driving; no collision history. Intermittent DTCs B1788 and B1787 (short to ground). Repair: Airbag simulator substitution. Fault cleared with simulator connected, confirming harness integrity. Disassembled driver airbag module and found trace metal powder between second-stage igniter pins. Resistance measured normal after cleaning, but fault recurred after reinstallation. Replaced driver airbag module (first- and second-stage igniters). Fault eliminated. Root cause: Insulation breakdown between bridge wire and housing inside airbag igniter due to aging.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Song MAX: Aftermarket steering wheel modification damaged wiring harness

Vehicle: 2019 Song MAX, 35,000 km. Modifications: Aftermarket sports steering wheel installed. Symptoms: Airbag warning light on. Customer had previously removed and reinstalled the steering wheel at a modification shop. Repair: Found the driver's airbag stage 2 harness (yellow wire, normally paired with black) pinched by a retaining clip under the steering column. Insulation ruptured, exposing copper wire that contacted the dashboard frame (ground) and a nearby red power wire (steering wheel heating modification harness), shorting to power. Repaired the harness (rewrapped with insulation tape, rerouted), removed the illegal heating harness. Fault cleared. Note: Steering wheel modifications easily damage the clock spring and airbag harness.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin Pro SRS control unit false positive

Vehicle: 2020 Qin Pro (petrol), 12,000 km. Symptom: After accident repairs (front bumper and left front fender replaced), the airbag warning light stayed on constantly with DTC B1788. Repair: Measured airbag module resistance at 2.4Ω (normal). Checked wiring harness insulation to power supply (normal). Monitored second-stage loop voltage with an oscilloscope and detected a 12V spike lasting approximately 5 ms at ignition ON. Inspection revealed the SRS control unit connector (located at the front of the center tunnel) was not fully seated. Reseated and secured the connector; the voltage spike disappeared. Cleared the DTC; fault did not return. Determined cause: poor contact at the control unit connector caused the diagnostic circuit to falsely trigger.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Tang EV connector corrosion after driving through water

Model: 2021 Tang EV, Mileage: 28,000 km. Symptom: Airbag warning light illuminated the day after the vehicle drove through standing water approximately 30 cm deep. Repair: Read DTC B1788 (current). Removed and inspected the driver-side airbag connector; found obvious water stains and green corrosion inside the yellow connector. After cleaning the connector, measured a persistent short-to-power on the second-stage circuit. Further inspection revealed water had penetrated the clock spring, causing an internal short. Replaced the clock spring and all airbag connectors exposed to water (including the floor harness side), and dried the SRS system completely. Apply airbag-system-specific waterproofing agent to the connector seals.
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.