B160C-00

DTC B160C-00 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects the driver frontal airbag (steering wheel airbag module) igniter (squib) circuit resistance exceeds the calibrated upper limit — Qin Plus

Safety System

DTC B160C-00 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects the driver frontal airbag (steering wheel airbag module) igniter (squib) circuit resistance exceeds the calibrated upper limit.

Normal BYD Qin series airbag igniter resistance is 2.0-3.0 Ω.

The ECU triggers this fault when it detects the resistance continuously exceeds the threshold (typically >5 Ω or an open circuit).

This hard fault means the airbag may fail to deploy normally (fail-safe mode) or delay deployment during a collision, severely compromising driver passive safety.

Poor contact, wiring oxidation, a partial open circuit, or igniter aging causes the abnormal increase in circuit resistance.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal open circuit in clock spring causing high resistance

Vehicle: Qin EV300 2017 model, 82,000 km. The owner reported the airbag warning light stays on. Retrieved fault code B160C-00 (driver airbag resistance too high). Measured the airbag module itself at 2.3 Ω (normal). Measured resistance between the corresponding pins on the body side and steering wheel side of the clock spring: 5.8 Ω with the wheel centred, reading infinite (open circuit) at full left lock. Disassembled the clock spring and found the internal flat cable partially broken from prolonged rotation. Replaced the clock spring with a genuine part (part number: BYD- clock spring assembly), which cleared the fault. Analysis: The Qin-series clock spring is designed for roughly 80,000–100,000 steering cycles; ride-hail cars in heavy use tend to fail early.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Airbag connector oxidised, poor contact

Model: Qin 100 2017, mileage 65,000 km, vehicle in humid southern region. Symptom: Airbag warning light illuminated intermittently, more frequent in wet weather. Diagnosis found B160C-00 as a historical fault code; current resistance measurements fluctuated between 2.5–8 Ω. Inspection revealed green oxidation on pins inside the yellow DAB connector beneath the steering wheel, and a loose connector locking clip. Cleaned pins with electronic cleaner, applied conductive paste, and replaced the locking clip. Resistance stabilised at 2.4 Ω. One-month follow-up: no recurrence. Recommendation: For water-exposed vehicles or high-humidity environments, pay close attention to connector seal integrity.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Airbag module internal igniter degraded.

Model: Qin EV450 2018, 120,000 km. After collision repair, the airbag warning light stays on. DTC B160C-00 present. Found the driver airbag did not deploy but sustained impact. Disconnected the driver airbag module and measured its resistance: 12 Ω (excessively high). Determined internal igniter connections fractured from the impact. Replaced the driver airbag module (also replace the clock spring, as the old unit may have been damaged in the collision). After programming and matching, the fault was resolved. Tip: On vehicles after a collision, check igniter resistance for impact damage even if airbags did not deploy.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn steering column wiring harness caused intermittent open circuit.

Vehicle: 2017 Qin 80, 90,000 km. Customer reported the airbag warning light occasionally flickering when turning the steering wheel. Static resistance measured normal at 2.6Ω, but when turning the wheel quickly left and right, resistance instantly jumped above 20Ω. Removed the steering column shroud and found the clock spring-to-body harness transition section had worn insulation at the mounting bracket from long-term chafing, with some copper wires broken and only a few strands remaining connected. Repaired the harness: cut out the damaged section, crimped new terminals, and added anti-abrasion sleeving. Fault fixed. For intermittent faults like this, use the wiggle test to pinpoint.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

SRS control module software false positive

Vehicle: 2017 BYD Qin EV300, 40,000 km. No accident history. Airbag warning light suddenly came on. DTC B160C-00 stored. Measured airbag circuit resistance throughout; readings normal at 2.2 Ω. Wiring showed no abnormalities. Checked BYD Technical Service Bulletin TSB-2018-SRS-03; it identifies an SRS software calibration issue on early Qin EV300 models that causes false resistance readings during voltage fluctuations. Updated SRS control module software to V2.3.1 or higher. Fault cleared. This case serves as a reminder: after ruling out hardware faults, consider software calibration and ECU sampling circuit issues.
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.