B178C

This DTC indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ECU detected the circuit resistance of the front passenger-side second-stage frontal airbag (a dual-stage inflator using staged ignition technology) exceeds the calibrated upper limit (normal value approximately 2 — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

This DTC indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ECU detected the circuit resistance of the front passenger-side second-stage frontal airbag (a dual-stage inflator using staged ignition technology) exceeds the calibrated upper limit (normal value approximately 2.0-3.0Ω, fault threshold typically >3.5Ω or open circuit).

The second-stage airbag deploys in stages based on the collision severity sensor signal (delayed ignition) to reduce occupant impact during a low-speed collision.

Excessive resistance indicates a high-resistance connection or potential open circuit.

Oxidized or corroded connectors, loose wiring harness connections, fatigue fracture of the spiral resistance wire inside the airbag inflator, or an abnormal ECU sampling circuit can cause this condition.

This fault causes the airbag to deploy only in single-stage mode during a collision (delayed ignition failure) or fail completely, severely degrading crash protection performance.

This is a safety-critical fault.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Intermittent B178C fault on Song MAX after water wading

A 2019 Song MAX showed an intermittent airbag warning light after driving through heavy rain and standing water. The scanner read B178C (current fault). Technicians found the passenger airbag connector under the center console had retained floodwater, causing slight pin oxidation (grey-green rust spots). Continuity remained, but contact resistance measured 4.2Ω. Cleaning the connector and applying specialized conductive paste fixed the fault. Seal SRS connectors on any vehicle that has been through flood water.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Yuan EV second-stage airbag resistance high after accident repair

2019 BYD Yuan EV. DTC B178C set three months after front collision repairs. The shop replaced the passenger airbag using an aftermarket wiring harness. Inspection found a section of secondary airbag circuit harness pinched by the sharp edge of the center console frame, causing 50% of internal copper wires to fracture and high resistance (3.8Ω). Replaced with genuine SRS harness and rerouted to avoid interference. Fault resolved. Note: Pay attention to harness routing and protection during accident repairs.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Tang DM aftermarket large screen installation caused loose connector

2021 BYD Tang DM. One week after the owner fitted an aftermarket 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, a B178C fault appeared. Inspection revealed the installer had tugged on the SRS wiring harness behind the glove box during the retrofit, causing the passenger-side second-stage airbag connector (normally concealed behind the glove box) to work loose by approximately 2 mm. While not fully disconnected, this increased contact resistance. The technician reseated the connector and secured it with an additional clip. The fault code cleared and has not returned. When removing or refitting the centre console, check the SRS connector condition.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Airbag gas generator internal resistance wire fractured

A Qin Pro EV with 80,000 km and no accident history logged DTC B178C. Wiring continuity checked normal. Direct measurement at the airbag assembly connector showed infinite resistance (open circuit). Diagnosis: fatigue fracture of the igniter resistance wire inside the second-stage gas generator—an internal airbag assembly fault. Replaced the passenger side airbag assembly with a new unit (part number must match vehicle configuration; distinguish between versions with and without side airbags). Programming and matching cleared the fault. Typical component aging case.
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.