B1781

DTC B1781 indicates the airbag system (SRS) detected an abnormal short to vehicle power (B+, typically 12V battery voltage) in the right middle-row seat belt pretensioner ignition circuit — Atto 8

Safety System

DTC B1781 indicates the airbag system (SRS) detected an abnormal short to vehicle power (B+, typically 12V battery voltage) in the right middle-row seat belt pretensioner ignition circuit.

The pretensioner is an electrically triggered ignition device containing an igniter and a gas generator.

Under normal conditions, the circuit remains in a high-resistance open state (showing a low resistance of 2-3Ω only when measured with a dedicated tool).

When the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) detects the circuit voltage continuously exceeding the threshold (typically above 5V) or an abnormal resistance drop, it identifies a short to power.

This fault forces the SRS into fail-safe mode, disabling the right middle-row and potentially related airbag functions.

The airbag warning light illuminates continuously.

In severe cases, the pretensioner may fail to deploy during a collision or may trigger unintentionally.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Song MAX right second-row seat slide rail wear caused wiring harness short circuit

2019 Song MAX, 30,000 km. Airbag warning light stayed on. Retrieved DTC B1781. Found: Right middle seat slide rail pinches seatbelt pretensioner harness during fore-aft adjustment. Insulation worn through, shorting to frame (ground) and constant power. Replaced the damaged harness section (~30 cm), added corrugated tubing, and repositioned clips to maintain 15 mm clearance from rail. Fixed.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Tang DM seat modification caused pretensioner short to power

The owner of a 2021 Tang DM reported the airbag warning light illuminated with DTC B1781. Upon inquiry, the owner had recently had middle-row seat heating installed at an aftermarket workshop. Inspection revealed the installer had mistakenly connected the seat heater power wire to the pretensioner connector, causing the pretensioner circuit to connect directly to 12V power. Repair: Removed unauthorised modification wiring, restored factory harness connections, replaced damaged pretensioner connector terminals, and re-wrapped the harness. Advised the owner that seat modifications must use dedicated power supply interfaces.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Yuan EV pretensioner connector corroded and shorted after water ingress

2019 Yuan EV set B1781 after wading through heavy rain. Found the pretensioner connector beneath the right middle-row seat had water stains and green copper corrosion; terminals were shorted by electrolyte conduction. Cause: Wading depth exceeded the floor seal line and water entered through the B-pillar seal. Repair: Dried the connector thoroughly, cleaned terminals with precision electronic cleaner, applied dielectric grease (insulating silicone grease), and replaced the waterproof seal ring. Check other SRS connectors for water ingress.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin Pro seatbelt pretensioner internal squib short circuit

2020 Qin Pro petrol variant showed DTC B1781 that would not clear. After checking the wiring, the harness between the ACU and pretensioner showed good insulation with no short to power. Disconnected the pretensioner connector and measured the body resistance: 0.3Ω (well below the normal 2.3Ω). Determined the internal igniter element had shorted. Fix: Replaced the right middle-row seat belt assembly (part number: BYD-Safety-RC-2020), ran the 'Replace Airbag Control Unit/Component' programming routine on the diagnostic tool, and wrote the system configuration.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Multiple models: B-pillar trim panel installed improperly, pinching wiring harness

Multiple Yuan and Song series vehicles developed DTC B1781 after B-pillar trim repairs (such as window glass replacement or seat belt height adjuster repairs). Cause: When reinstalling the lower B-pillar trim, technicians failed to seat the pretensioner wiring harness correctly in the wire channel, causing trim clips to press directly on the harness. Prolonged vibration pierced the insulation, allowing contact with the metal trim clips (connected to body power). Repair: Repair the damaged harness, reroute the wiring to specification, and ensure the harness sits in the dedicated wire channel clear of trim compression.
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.