B176F

This fault code indicates an abnormally low-resistance connection to body ground (GND) in the left rear seat belt pretensioner drive circuit — Atto 3

Safety System

This fault code indicates an abnormally low-resistance connection to body ground (GND) in the left rear seat belt pretensioner drive circuit.

As a key actuator in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), the pretensioner typically uses a pyrotechnic or motor-driven design.

During a collision, it rapidly retracts the seat belt webbing by igniting a gas generator or driving a motor, eliminating slack between the occupant and the seat belt.

A short to ground means the positive circuit between the SRS ECU and the pretensioner (typically high-level triggered) shorts to the vehicle chassis ground, with resistance falling below the calibrated threshold (generally <2Ω).

Upon detecting this fault, the SRS ECU immediately enters fail-safe mode, cuts power to the circuit to prevent accidental deployment or wiring overheating, and illuminates the airbag warning lamp.

Consequently, the left rear seat loses pretensioner protection during a collision, and the occupant risks secondary impact injuries due to seat belt slack.

The short-circuit current may also overheat and damage the SRS ECU driver chip, compromising the normal operation of the entire airbag system.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Song MAX: Intermittent B176F after water submersion

Vehicle drove through water approximately 30 cm deep. One week later, the instrument cluster intermittently displayed an SRS warning. Diagnosis found DTC B176F as an intermittent fault; freeze frame data indicated 100% humidity. Removed the left rear seat and found the wiring harness connector seal underneath had deteriorated, allowing water in. Terminals developed green copper corrosion and shorted to ground. Replaced the connector and waterproofed the area. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Tang DM seat modification crushed wiring harness

When installing aftermarket aviation seats, mounting bolts that were too long pressed through the floor wiring harness. This damaged the insulation on the pretensioner power supply wire, causing it to contact the seat bracket. The DTC set with the seat secured but cleared when the seat was moved. Found the harness damaged at the seat rail mounting point. Repaired the harness and shortened the mounting bolts.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal short circuit in the Yuan EV pretensioner assembly

Vehicle had no collision history, but B176F persisted and would not clear. Disconnected the pretensioner connector and measured infinite harness-to-ground resistance (normal), but the pretensioner body plug showed continuity to the metal bracket. Replaced the left rear seat belt assembly (including pretensioner). New part measured 2.1Ω and showed no continuity to ground. Fault code cleared and has not returned.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Qin Pro B-pillar wiring harness chafed and shorted to ground

At 60,000 km, frequent opening and closing of the left rear door caused the B-pillar wiring harness to chafe against the body sheet metal, wearing through the insulation and exposing the copper core to the vehicle body. This caused the SRS light to flicker on rough roads. Removing the B-pillar trim revealed damaged harness protection. Re-wrapped the wiring and fitted a rubber protective sleeve. Fault eliminated.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

SRS ECU false positive fault

The vehicle had no physical damage. Pretensioner wiring harness and unit measured normal, but the DTC kept recurring. Suspected internal ECU drive circuit fault. Replaced the SRS ECU with an identical unit and recoded it; fault cleared completely. Factory testing of the original ECU revealed internal MOSFET breakdown causing false short-to-ground detection.
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.