B1602-00

This DTC indicates a short to power (positive) in the driver-side front airbag (steering wheel airbag) ignition circuit — Atto 3

Safety System

This DTC indicates a short to power (positive) in the driver-side front airbag (steering wheel airbag) ignition circuit.

Specifically, the airbag control unit (ACU/SRS ECU) detects abnormal continuity between the driver airbag ignition wiring harness (typically the W/L white-blue and G/R green-red wires) and the vehicle power supply.

Resistance falls below the threshold (normal values exceed 1 MΩ; fault conditions may approach 0 Ω or display a voltage exceeding 1 V).

This severe electrical fault in the airbag system poses two extreme risks: first, the short circuit can trigger unintended airbag deployment, injuring the driver; second, a continuous bypass of the airbag circuit prevents proper deployment during an actual collision.

Potential fault locations include the clock spring (spiral cable), airbag module wiring harness, connectors, or inside the airbag ECU.

3
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Poor contact in the airbag connector caused B1602-00 on a BYD Qin.

Symptoms: The airbag warning light on the instrument panel stays on constantly. DTC B1602-00 retrieved via diagnostic scan. Diagnosis: The technician first checked the driver airbag connector and found it not fully seated. They disconnected and securely reconnected it. With the ignition ON, they cleared the DTC using the diagnostic tool and waited at least 20 seconds. They then cycled the ignition OFF and back ON, read the DTCs again, and found the code still present. Next, they measured voltage and resistance to ground at harness terminals G46-1 (W/L wire) and G46-2 (G/R wire). The voltage to ground exceeded 1V (abnormal), indicating a short to power in the harness. Further inspection revealed internal wear in the clock spring causing the short circuit. Solution: Replaced the driver airbag harness (including clock spring), reconnected the airbag module, cleared the DTCs, and road tested the vehicle. Fault resolved.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song DM Airbag Circuit Fault Reference Case

Symptoms: After a collision or repair work, the airbag warning light illuminates and the diagnostic tool displays airbag system fault codes (including short-circuit faults such as B1602). Diagnostic Process: Used a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes and confirmed an airbag circuit fault. Inspected the airbag module wiring connections and found a loose connector. Checked the clock spring (spiral cable) for continuity and measured the airbag module resistance to verify it was within the normal range (typically 2–5 ohms). Solution: Re-seat the airbag module connector, ensure a secure connection, then clear the fault codes. If the fault persists, replace the clock spring (for the steering wheel airbag). Check the airbag ECU power supply and earth, and replace the ACU if necessary.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn clock spring caused short to power in BYD Qin EV450

Symptoms: The airbag warning light suddenly illuminated on an 80,000 km Qin EV450. DTC B1602-00 was stored. Diagnosis: The technician disconnected the battery negative terminal and waited 90 seconds per standard procedure, then removed the steering wheel for inspection. After disconnecting the driver airbag module, the technician measured its resistance at approximately 2.8 Ω (normal). Measuring voltage from the clock spring lower harness to ground showed 12 V on the W/L wire—well above the normal 1 V—confirming a short to power. Removing the clock spring revealed that the internal flat cable insulation had worn through from long-term steering movement, contacting the metal frame and causing the short. Repair: Replaced the clock spring (spiral cable), reconnected all connectors, cleared DTCs, and performed a power-cycle test. The fault did not recur and the airbag system self-test completed normally.
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.