B173611

DTC B173611 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control unit detects an abnormal short to body ground in the firing circuit of the right second-row side airbag module (typically located on the side of the right second-row seat or the lower B-pillar) — Seal U

Safety System

DTC B173611 indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) control unit detects an abnormal short to body ground in the firing circuit of the right second-row side airbag module (typically located on the side of the right second-row seat or the lower B-pillar).

The airbag module contains an electric squib (igniter) controlled by the airbag ECU, with a normal resistance between 1.5 and 2.5 Ω.

The diagnostic system logs a short to ground when the circuit-to-ground resistance drops below the threshold (typically under 1 Ω or a specific calibrated value).

This fault produces the following consequences: 1) The side airbag fails to deploy during a collision, resulting in a loss of side-impact protection; 2) In extreme cases, short-circuit current triggers unintended airbag deployment, causing occupant injury; 3) The SRS enters fail-safe mode, disabling the entire vehicle airbag system.

This constitutes a highest-severity electrical safety fault requiring immediate repair.

3
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn seat rail wiring harness caused a short to ground

Vehicle: 2019 BYD E2, 60,000 km. The customer reported an intermittent airbag warning light on the instrument cluster. Using VDS, the technician retrieved DTC B173611. After removing the right-hand rear seat, the technician found the seat track adjustment mechanism had worn through the airbag wiring harness corrugated tubing over time, allowing the copper core to directly contact the seat metal frame and short to ground. Repair: Cut out the damaged harness section, soldered in extension wires, insulated the splices with double-layer heat shrink tubing, and rerouted the wiring away from the seat track travel path. Fault resolved.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

After wading, water entered the connector, causing corrosion and a short circuit.

Vehicle: 2019 BYD Qin EV. Warning light illuminated after driving through water in heavy rain. Scan tool displayed code B173611 and could not clear it. Inspection found damp carpet beneath the right rear seat. Removing the side airbag connector revealed obvious water stains and green copper corrosion inside. Cause: aged door seal allowed rainwater to seep in and pool at the floor wiring harness connector. Fix: cleaned connector oxides thoroughly, sprayed electronic cleaner and dried, applied conductive grease, replaced the waterproof seal, and cleared the fault codes. System returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Connector not reconnected after accident repair caused short circuit

Vehicle: 2020 BYD E3. After a repair shop replaced the B-pillar trim following a right rear door accident, the instrument cluster displayed an airbag warning. Fault code B173611 was stored. Inspection revealed the technician had not fully seated the airbag connector when installing the right rear side airbag module (locking tab unengaged). The plug tilted, allowing the signal pin to contact the body metal and short to earth. Rectification: Reconnected the airbag module connector correctly, ensuring the locking tab clicked into place. Secured the wiring harness with cable ties to eliminate strain. Cleared the DTC and completed airbag system calibration.
Original source ↗
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.