B172C

DTC B172C indicates the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <1Ω) between the left second-row side airbag squib circuit and body ground — Atto 8

Safety System

DTC B172C indicates the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) detects an abnormally low-resistance path (typically <1Ω) between the left second-row side airbag squib circuit and body ground.

In the SRS system, normal airbag squib resistance is approximately 2.0-3.0Ω.

When the ACU detects a short to ground in the circuit, it registers a severe fault and triggers protection mode: immediately disconnecting power to the airbag circuit, illuminating the SRS warning lamp, and disabling left second-row side airbag deployment.

This fault prevents the side airbag from inflating normally to protect the occupant during a collision, or in extreme cases, risks unintended deployment due to intermittent wiring contact.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Song MAX left second-row seat rail wiring harness chafing case

2019 BYD Song MAX, 28,000 km, instrument panel SRS light stays on. Diagnostic scan read current fault B172C. Disassembly inspection found the left middle-row seat slide rail rear mounting bolt had crushed the wiring harness. Repeated friction from fore-aft seat movement wore through the insulation on two wires, allowing the copper strands to contact the seat steel frame and short to ground. Rerouted the harness clear of the slide rail travel path, wrapped it with cloth tape, secured it to the seat base wiring bracket, and replaced the damaged wires. Fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Tang DM airbag connector corrosion after water wading

2021 Tang DM. After wading through about 30cm of water, the dash showed a safety system fault. Scan found codes B172C and B172D for both middle-row side airbags. Pulled the seat airbag connectors; inside were clear water stains and green corrosion. Insulation resistance between terminals measured only 0.8Ω. Root cause: degraded connector seals let moisture in during wading, shorting terminals together and to ground. Repair: replaced both side airbag harness connectors (waterproof seals), cleaned airbag module terminals, applied conductive protectant, reassembled. Fault has not returned.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket seat heating modification causes short circuit in Yuan EV

2019 BYD Yuan EV. SRS warning light came on the day after front seat heaters were installed at an auto parts market. Retrieved DTC B172C. Inspection found that a metal staple used to secure the heating pad had pierced the side airbag harness corrugated tubing, puncturing the igniter wire and contacting the seat frame. Repair: removed the unauthorized staples, replaced the damaged airbag harness assembly (igniter wiring cannot be spliced), and restored to factory condition. System normal.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin Pro airbag module internal short circuit case

2020 BYD Qin petrol, no accident or modification history. SRS warning lamp illuminated intermittently. Scan tool showed B172C intermittent fault. Measured under-seat wiring harness resistance to ground: normal. Wiggle test produced no change. Disconnected the airbag module and measured 0.2Ω between module terminals (abnormally low). Diagnosed an internal igniter short circuit in the airbag gas generator. Replaced the left middle-row side airbag assembly (including gas generator and airbag cushion). Performed ACU configuration write. Resolved the fault.
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.