B164212

This DTC indicates an abnormal electrical connection between the driver-side seat belt pretensioner squib circuit and vehicle power positive (B+), causing the SRS control unit to detect a continuous high voltage (near 12V) across the pretensioner terminals — Seal U

Safety System

This DTC indicates an abnormal electrical connection between the driver-side seat belt pretensioner squib circuit and vehicle power positive (B+), causing the SRS control unit to detect a continuous high voltage (near 12V) across the pretensioner terminals.

As a key actuator in the passive safety system, the pretensioner has a normal operating resistance of 2.0-3.0 ohms.

The SRS ECU supplies a momentary deployment current only upon receiving a collision signal.

A short to power causes the SRS ECU to immediately enter fault protection mode and disable all airbag deployment functions.

During a collision, the pretensioner fails to deploy and tighten the seat belt.

In extreme cases, the short circuit may trigger unintended pretensioner activation, severely threatening occupant safety.

This is a hard fault; once confirmed, it typically does not self-recover.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Seat rail wear caused pretensioner wiring short circuit on BYD Yuan Plus

The airbag warning light suddenly came on in a 2022 BYD Yuan Plus (same platform as the vehicle for DTC B164212). Using a VDS2000 scan tool, we retrieved DTC B164212. Removing and inspecting the driver's seat revealed that, due to frequent seat adjustments, the sharp edge of the seat rail had worn through the insulation of the pre-tensioner harness beneath the seat, causing the copper conductors to contact the rail (ground). Improper harness routing also caused the harness to chafe against the seat heating power wire, wearing through the insulation and creating a short to power. Repair: Replaced the damaged harness section, wrapped the harness with abrasion-resistant corrugated tubing, repositioned the harness mounting to clear the seat rail travel range, and recalibrated the seat position sensor, which cleared the fault.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Water-damaged vehicle: pretensioner connector corroded and shorted

A 2019 BYD Qin EV displayed 'Check SRS System' on the instrument cluster after wading through water during a heavy rain. The scan tool retrieved DTC B164212 and multiple related short-circuit fault codes. Inspection found severe water ingress inside the pretensioner connector KJG05 located under the driver's seat. Terminal surface oxidation had produced verdigris, creating a low-resistance path between the power monitoring terminal and pretensioner drive terminal, causing the ECU to falsely detect a short to power. Repair procedure: Disconnected the connector, thoroughly cleaned the terminals using electronic contact cleaner, removed oxide deposits, applied specialized conductive anti-corrosion grease, replaced the waterproof seal, reinforced the connector sealing with heat shrink tubing, and cleared the fault codes. The system returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

After accident repair, an incorrectly connected pretensioner connector caused a short circuit.

A 2018 BYD Qin Pro DM logged DTC B164212 immediately upon startup after front collision repairs. The repairer had mistakenly swapped the pretensioner plug (yellow, with shorting bar) with the seat lumbar support motor plug (same colour, different pin layout) when reinstalling the driver's seat. This connected the pretensioner directly to 12V constant power, causing a short to power. Fortunately, the SRS ECU protection circuit cut off in time, preventing pretensioner deployment. Correcting the plug connections, checking the pretensioner resistance (2.3 ohms, normal), and using the diagnostic tool to run 'Crash Output Clear' and 'SRS Configuration' cleared the fault.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Aftermarket seat ventilation installation damaged wiring, causing a short circuit

A 2020 BYD E3. The airbag light came on the day after the owner installed an aftermarket seat ventilation system. We found the installer had cut into the pretensioner harness insulation to tap power. A poor connection between the splice terminal and the pretensioner wire arced, burning the insulation and causing the harness to short to the ventilation fan's constant 12V wire. Repair: Removed the aftermarket equipment. Cut out the severely damaged section of the pretensioner harness, re-soldered the wires, and sealed with heat-shrink tubing. Restored the original wiring routing. Advised the owner against modifying safety circuits.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Pretensioner internal squib insulation damaged

A 2019 BYD E2 with no accident history developed intermittent DTC B164212. Initial wiring checks found no faults. The pretensioner's static resistance measured 2.1 ohms (normal), but when the seat was vibrated and the pretensioner housing lightly tapped, the reading swung sharply between 0.5 and 5 ohms. This fluctuation pointed to internal short circuits under vibration, likely from micro-cracks in the squib insulation or moisture inside the pyrotechnic cartridge. Replaced the driver-side seat belt retractor assembly (including pretensioner). Continuous monitoring for one week showed no recurrence of the fault.
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.