B171D

DTC B171D indicates the driver-side knee airbag igniter circuit resistance falls below the lower threshold calibrated by the SRS control unit (ACU), typically under 2 — Seal U

Safety System

DTC B171D indicates the driver-side knee airbag igniter circuit resistance falls below the lower threshold calibrated by the SRS control unit (ACU), typically under 2.0 Ω.

In the BYD SRS system, the knee airbag serves as a critical restraint system component, with a standard igniter resistance range of 2.0–3.0 Ω.

A low resistance value indicates a short circuit risk.

Potential causes include an internal short in the igniter assembly, a short between wiring harness connector pins, or a wiring harness short to ground or power.

This fault causes the ACU to classify the airbag circuit as unsafe.

During a collision, the knee airbag may fail to deploy, or in extreme cases, deploy unintentionally.

Consequently, the SRS system illuminates the airbag fault warning lamp and may disable the entire airbag system.

3
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Knee airbag connector corroded on water-wading vehicle, causing a short circuit

A 2019 BYD Song MAX owner reported the airbag warning light stayed on. Diagnostic tool read DTC B171D (left knee airbag resistance too low). Inspection found water had accumulated below the A-pillar due to a blocked sunroof drain tube. The knee airbag connector (located under the left side of the dashboard) had internal water staining and green corrosion. After removing the connector and cleaning the oxides, the wiring harness side measured normal, but the airbag side read only 0.8 Ω (internally shorted). Replaced the left knee airbag assembly, sealed the connector. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket underbody shield crushed SRS wiring harness

A 2021 BYD Tang DM stored DTC B171D and the airbag warning light came on after installing an engine undertray. Inspection found the mounting screws were too long and had pierced the SRS harness sleeve beneath the dashboard, crushing two wires in the knee airbag circuit and causing a short. Repaired the harness by cutting out the damaged section, soldering the wires, and insulating with heat-shrink tubing. Replaced the undertray screws with shorter ones. Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

ACU internal sampling resistor drift caused a false alarm

A 2020 BYD Qin petrol variant repeatedly set DTC B171D. The code would reappear after clearing and subsequent driving. Inspected the knee airbag and wiring harness; both were normal. Measured resistance: approximately 2.3 ohms (within specification). Suspected an internal ACU fault. Swapped the ACU into an identical vehicle for cross-verification; the fault transferred. Replaced the airbag control unit (ACU), recoded and matched it, completely eliminating the fault. Root cause: internal resistance drift in the ACU sampling circuit, causing false detection.
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.