B1621

DTC B1621 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) electronic control unit detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <0 — Atto 8

Safety System

DTC B1621 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) electronic control unit detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <0.5Ω) between the driver side airbag squib circuit and body ground (GND).

Under normal conditions, airbag squib resistance must measure 2.0-3.0Ω, and insulation resistance to ground must exceed 1MΩ.

A short to ground indicates an unintended ground connection in the squib circuit.

This causes: 1) During a collision, the ground connection bypasses current, preventing proper airbag deployment and resulting in a loss of side-impact protection; 2) In extreme cases, wiring vibration may cause the ECU to misinterpret the short as a valid deployment signal, creating a risk of unintended airbag deployment; 3) The SRS system enters fail-safe mode, illuminates the instrument cluster airbag warning light, and disables the associated airbag function.

This fault affects a core active safety system component and requires immediate repair.

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Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn seat rails chafed the wiring harness on BYD Yuan EV, causing B1621.

The airbag warning light on a 2019 BYD Yuan EV with 32,000 km was constantly on. A diagnostic tool read current fault code B1621. Inspection found 3 cm of wear on the yellow wiring harness beneath the driver's seat, at the frontmost position of the seat rail, with exposed copper contacting the rail and creating a short to ground. Cause: The owner frequently adjusted the seat, causing the wiring harness retaining clip to detach. The harness then rubbed against the rail. Action: Repaired the harness by soldering the wires and applying double-layer heat shrink tubing. Rerouted the harness, secured it with cable ties, and ensured more than 20 mm clearance between the harness and seat rail. Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Tang DM airbag connector shorted due to water ingress after wading.

2021 BYD Tang DM. After wading, the instrument cluster displayed 'Check SRS System'. Scanned DTC B1621-00 (short to ground). Removed the driver seat and found obvious water stains inside the airbag connector underneath; pins had oxidised and turned black. Measured pin-to-ground resistance at 0.3Ω. Cause: Water entered through the sill seal during wading, pooled under the seat, and shorted the connector. Repair: Thoroughly cleaned the connector, removed corrosion with electronic cleaner, blew it dry, applied conductive grease, and replaced the waterproof connector seal. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Pro: internal short circuit in airbag module after seat replacement

2020 BYD Qin petrol variant. DTC B1621 appeared after a leather seat installation at an auto parts market. The original seat airbag harness was forcibly pulled, damaging it internally. The old seat airbag measured 0.8Ω (internal short to ground). The new seat airbag measured 2.4Ω (normal), but during the transfer a screw pierced the harness, causing a short to ground. Repair: Replaced the airbag module with an OEM unit, repaired the damaged harness section, and routed the wiring properly to avoid contact with the seat frame. Cleared the fault and advised the customer to avoid unprofessional modifications.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song MAX SRS ECU false alarm

2019 Song MAX with intermittent airbag warning light. Scan tool showed intermittent B1621 fault code. Checked wiring harness and airbag resistance – both normal. Fault difficult to reproduce. Detailed inspection revealed the SRS ECU mounting bracket was slightly deformed, causing the internal circuit board to contact the metal bracket when driving over bumps, creating a spurious ground path. Repair: Adjusted ECU mounting position, fitted insulating washers, tightened screws to standard torque (8 N·m). Monitored for one week with no recurrence. Confirmed false trigger caused by abnormal grounding between ECU housing and body.
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.