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B17171B

DTC B17171B indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects an open circuit in the left knee airbag (Driver Knee Airbag) igniter circuit — Seal U

Safety System

DTC B17171B indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control module detects an open circuit in the left knee airbag (Driver Knee Airbag) igniter circuit.

The resistance value falls outside the normal range (normal: approx. 2-3Ω; open circuit: >10Ω or infinite).

This fault indicates a physical break in the wiring or connector between the airbag ECU and the left knee airbag assembly, or an internal open circuit within the airbag igniter itself.

The knee airbag protects the driver's lower limbs from dashboard intrusion during a frontal collision.

This fault prevents the airbag from deploying during a crash and may trigger the SRS secondary protection mechanism (e.g., disabling the associated airbag group), posing a severe safety hazard.

In the BYD diagnostic protocol, the '1B' suffix specifically denotes an 'open circuit/high resistance' condition.

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Cases Logged
Real-World Cases
BYD DTC AI Analysis

New vehicle PDI found knee airbag not connected.

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A 2020 BYD E3 arrived at the dealer with the SRS warning light on steadily during PDI. Scanning retrieved DTCs B17171B (left knee airbag not connected) and B17181B (right knee airbag not connected). Inspection traced the fault to an assembly omission: the yellow SRS connectors for both knee airbags had not been plugged in when the instrument panel was installed on the production line. After reconnecting the connectors and confirming the locks were fully seated, the technician cleared the codes. The SRS system then passed self-test, and the fault was eliminated. This case suggests possible assembly issues on E2/E3 models from that production period.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Corroded knee airbag wiring harness in flood-damaged vehicle

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After driving through floodwater in heavy rain, a 2019 Qin EV displayed an airbag warning light on the instrument panel. The scan tool retrieved current fault code B17171B. Removing and inspecting the driver-side knee airbag connector revealed obvious water staining and green copper corrosion inside the plug. Water level exceeded the floor while wading, allowing moisture to enter the SRS connector through poor harness sealing. Repairs: cleaned connector terminals with electronic cleaner, applied special conductive grease, replaced the waterproof seal, and waterproofed the harness. After repair, resistance returned to normal. Cleared the fault code, and it did not return.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Loose connection in airbag circuit after accident repair

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A BYD E2 had a collision. During replacement of the front bumper and instrument panel, the repair technician removed the left knee airbag. After repairs, the technician did not clear the fault codes. Three days after delivery to the customer, the SRS warning light illuminated. Inspection found that although the knee airbag connector was plugged in, the locking tab had not fully engaged. Vehicle vibration caused an intermittent connection, triggering an intermittent B17171B fault. After reconnecting the connector and hearing a locking click, the technician used a diagnostic tool to perform 'Crash Data Clear' and 'SRS Configuration Write', permanently resolving the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Wiring harness wear caused an intermittent open circuit.

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An E3 with 80,000 km had an intermittent SRS warning light. The scan tool showed stored fault code B17171B. Inspection found the wiring harness under the dashboard chafing on the edge of the steering column mounting bracket. The damaged insulation caused the internal copper strands to partially fracture, opening the circuit at certain steering angles or when the body flexed. Repair: Spliced in a replacement wire (minimum 0.5mm², high-temperature grade), rerouted the harness to clear the interference point, wrapped the section with fleece tape and corrugated tubing, and repositioned the harness clips to provide enough slack.
Other Seal U Fault Codes
B1108For the BYD Song MAX (2017–2019), DTC B1108 indicates a short circuit in the PM2.5 air quality detection module (dust sensor) or its wiring harness. The sensor uses laser scattering to detect in-cabin and outside PM2.5 concentrations and transmits data to the HVAC ECU via the LIN bus or an analog signal. Short circuit conditions include: 1) Sensor power supply wire (+5V/+12V) shorted to ground 2) Signal wire shorted to power or ground 3) Short circuit in the sensor's internal photoelectric detection circuit This fault prevents the automatic climate control from switching between fresh air and recirculation based on air quality. The system enters fail-safe mode (typically forced recirculation). Severe short-circuit current can destroy the HVAC ECU sampling circuit. The system classifies this as a Level 3 severe fault and restricts vehicle operation to prevent electrical fires or controller damage. For other BYD models (such as the Qin EV, E5, and Song DM), B1108 indicates a driver-side sunload sensor fault, reflecting differences in DTC definitions across models.B110811This DTC indicates a short circuit in the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (rapid detector). Specifically, abnormal continuity exists between the sensor power supply circuit or signal output circuit and body ground or battery positive. This causes the control module (ACU/air conditioning controller) to detect abnormal current or a voltage signal outside the valid range (typically 0V or supply voltage). The PM2.5 sensor monitors internal and external particulate concentrations, providing the data the automatic air conditioning system uses to switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. A short circuit disables the air quality monitoring function. This fault may force the air conditioning system into recirculation protection mode and trigger related thermal management system faults, as the air conditioning system acts as a key actuator in vehicle thermal management. In severe cases, the short circuit current can damage the internal sampling circuit of the air conditioning controller or overheat the wiring harness.B1109DTC B1109 indicates an open circuit in the communication line between the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (dust concentration sensor) and the air conditioning control unit (AC ECU), or an open circuit within the sensor internal circuitry. Typically located in the air conditioning intake duct, this sensor monitors real-time PM2.5 particle concentration inside and outside the vehicle. It provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent switching between fresh air and recirculation modes and for controlling the air purification device. During an open circuit fault, the AC ECU cannot receive the air quality signal, triggering the system fail-safe mode. Symptoms typically include failure of the automatic recirculation function, abnormal air purification indicator light operation, or abnormal air quality data displayed on the air conditioning panel. Severe cases may compromise the cabin environment control strategy, but do not directly affect vehicle driving safety.B110913DTC B110913 indicates an open signal circuit for the PM2.5 rapid detector (in-cabin air quality sensor). This sensor typically mounts inside the air conditioning system intake duct. It monitors in-cabin PM2.5 concentration in real time and provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent control of the air purification function. The BYD diagnostic protocol uses sub-code '13' to specifically indicate an open signal circuit. Although this fault theoretically affects a comfort feature, BYD Qin series vehicles classify it as a Level 3 (severe) fault. This classification occurs because the air conditioning system interacts with the battery thermal management system (e.g., monitoring battery cooling intake air quality). The fault can disable the automatic air conditioning mode and prevent the air purification function from operating. In extreme cases, it affects the battery compartment intake air quality assessment, triggering the 'repair immediately' strategy.B110AThis DTC indicates interrupted CAN bus communication or abnormal data between the air conditioning control unit (ACU) and the PM2.5 air quality sensor. The PM2.5 sensor monitors particulate concentration inside and outside the vehicle and provides the basis for purification control in the automatic air conditioning system. The ACU triggers this fault if it fails to receive a valid CAN message from the sensor within the specified period (usually 100-500 ms), if message verification fails, or if the signal frame times out. Although this fault does not affect vehicle driving safety, it disables the automatic air purification function. The air conditioning system cannot automatically switch between recirculation and fresh air modes or activate the air purification mode based on air quality. A persistent fault may restrict the thermal management strategy.
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.