B1651

DTC B1651 indicates the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) detects the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner circuit resistance exceeds the calibrated threshold (typically above 4 — Atto 3

Safety System

DTC B1651 indicates the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) detects the front passenger-side seat belt pretensioner circuit resistance exceeds the calibrated threshold (typically above 4.8Ω or open circuit).

The pretensioner utilizes a squib structure with a normal resistance of 2.0±0.3Ω.

Excessive resistance indicates a high-resistance or open-circuit risk in the firing circuit.

During a collision, this prevents the ACU from reliably triggering the pretensioner, leaving the seat belt unable to tighten promptly and severely compromising occupant protection.

This constitutes a Level 2 SRS fault.

The system illuminates the airbag warning lamp and may force the front passenger airbag into a degraded protection mode.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Frequent seat movement caused the connector to work loose

A 2020 BYD Song MAX with 32,000 km had the airbag warning light on. Retrieved DTC B1651. Inspection found the front passenger seat was frequently moved back and forth (multiple family members used the vehicle). The pretensioner connector under the seat (yellow 2-pin plug) was not fully latched, leaving a gap of about 0.5 mm. The pin surfaces showed slight oxidation. Reseated the connector firmly, secured the wiring harness with a cable tie, and cleared the fault code. The issue was resolved. Advised the owner to avoid rough seat adjustment.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Seat modification crushed the wiring harness, causing internal wire breakage.

A 2021 BYD Tang DM logged DTC B1651 one week after the owner installed an aftermarket passenger seat ventilation and heating pad. Removing the seat showed the heating pad mounting bracket had pinched the pretensioner wiring harness against the seat frame edge. The insulation was damaged, only 2-3 copper strands remained connected, and the resistance measured 12 Ω. The technician cut out the damaged section, soldered in replacement high-temperature wire of the same specification (0.5 mm², rated above 105 °C), sealed the joint with heat-shrink tubing for waterproofing, and cleared the fault. The technician advised the owner to avoid SRS wiring routes when modifying seats.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Seat belt pretensioner internal squib open circuit due to aging

A 2019 BYD Yuan EV, four years old, logged DTC B1651. Checked the wiring harness connectors and found no faults. Measured the resistance at the pretensioner connector beneath the seat and found infinite resistance (open circuit). Removed the seatbelt assembly (located below the B-pillar) and found the internal pin of the pretensioner connector had detached from the igniter due to a failed solder joint caused by long-term vibration. Since the pretensioner is a single-use pyrotechnic device integrated with the seatbelt retractor, replaced the front passenger side seatbelt assembly (including pretensioner). Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Water ingress caused connector corrosion and high resistance

My 2020 BYD Qin petrol logged a B1651 DTC after a blocked sunroof drain tube let water in below the passenger-side A-pillar. Checking under the seat, I found obvious water staining inside the pretensioner connector. The pins had verdigris and contact resistance measured 8.5 Ω. I cleaned the connector with electronic cleaner, sanded the pins with fine sandpaper, and applied dielectric grease to stop further oxidation. I also unblocked the sunroof drain tube, which fixed the fault. I recommend inspecting the sunroof drainage system regularly.
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.