B160B1A

DTC B160B1A indicates the Driver Airbag (DAB) deployment circuit resistance falls below the normal threshold set by the SRS ECU (typically 2 — Atto 3

Safety System

DTC B160B1A indicates the Driver Airbag (DAB) deployment circuit resistance falls below the normal threshold set by the SRS ECU (typically 2.0-3.0Ω; values below 1.0Ω trigger this fault).

This constitutes a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) hard-wire fault.

The ECU detects an abnormally low-resistance path in the deployment circuit.

Potential causes include a wiring short to ground, an internal short in the clock spring, an internal short in the airbag module, or a short between connectors.

This fault forces the airbag system into fail-safe mode and continuously illuminates the instrument cluster airbag warning light.

In extreme cases, the airbag may fail to deploy during a collision because the ECU misinterprets the condition as a short circuit and disables the deployment circuit.

In very rare cases, wiring interference creates a risk of unintended deployment.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal short in the Qin Pro DM clockspring caused abnormal resistance.

A 2019 Qin Pro DM with 42,000 km on the odometer displayed “Check airbag system” on the instrument cluster. Retrieved DTC B160B1A. Disconnected the airbag module and measured its resistance as normal (2.3Ω), but the circuit from the clock spring to the ECU measured only 0.4Ω, indicating an internal short in the clock spring. Replaced the clock spring, clearing the fault. Disassembling the old clock spring revealed that the internal flat cable insulation had worn through from prolonged steering movement, exposing copper wires that contacted the metal housing.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Driver airbag connector corroded and shorted after water ingress

2018 BYD Qin Pro petrol. Airbag warning light illuminated after the vehicle drove through water, logging DTC B160B1A. Inspection found obvious water stains inside the yellow airbag connector beneath the steering wheel, with pins oxidised and blackened. Ignition circuit resistance to ground measured only 0.2 Ω. After cleaning, drying and applying conductive anti-corrosion paste to the connector, resistance returned to normal. Root cause traced to an aged seal on the steering wheel trim panel, which allowed water to enter the connector during washing, causing a short circuit.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket steering wheel pinched the wiring harness, causing a short circuit.

A 2019 Qin Pro DM set DTC B160B1A one week after the owner installed a racing steering wheel. The technician found the original airbag harness was not correctly routed during the modification. The metal edge of the steering wheel hub pinched the harness, crushing the insulation and causing a short to ground. The technician repaired the damaged harness by replacing sections of wire and reinforcing the insulation, then refitted the original steering wheel assembly to clear the fault. Reminder: Always use a dedicated wiring harness adapter when modifying the steering wheel to avoid pinching the original harness.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Airbag module internal resistance low

During pre-delivery inspection of a new 2018 Qin Pro, found DTC B160B1A. Ruled out wiring harness and clock spring faults, then directly measured the airbag module body resistance: 0.8Ω (below the normal 2.0Ω lower limit). Diagnosed an internal manufacturing defect in the gas generator causing low resistance. Replaced the driver-side airbag module (including gas generator) and cleared the fault. Component quality issue.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

SRS ECU false alarm (software fault)

A 2019 Qin Pro DM intermittently set code B160B1A. When the fault occurred, the circuit resistance measured normal (2.1Ω). The code could be cleared but randomly reappeared while driving. We checked the ECU power and earth—both normal. We determined the cause was either an internal sampling circuit fault in the SRS ECU or a software calibration issue. After replacing the SRS control unit and flashing the latest software, the fault was eliminated.
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.