B121111

This DTC indicates a short to ground in the PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater left heat sink temperature sensor signal circuit, or an internal sensor short circuit — Qin Plus

Thermal Management System

This DTC indicates a short to ground in the PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater left heat sink temperature sensor signal circuit, or an internal sensor short circuit.

BYD Qin series vehicles typically integrate this sensor into the PTC heater assembly to monitor heater core temperature and prevent overheating.

During a short circuit, the air conditioning controller detects an abnormally low voltage signal (near 0V) and triggers protection logic to cut PTC power, disabling the heating function.

Because the PTC heater draws high operating current (up to tens of amperes), temperature monitoring failure risks overheating or fire.

Therefore, the system classifies this as a severe fault (Level 3).

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Qin Pro DM: PTC wiring harness wear causes intermittent short circuit

A 2019 Qin Pro DM had an intermittent 'motor overheating' warning light and intermittent heater failure. The diagnostic tool recorded current fault B121111; freeze frame data showed an ambient temperature of -5°C, suggesting heavy heater use in winter was the cause. Lifted the vehicle and found the PTC sensor wiring harness had chafed against a sharp metal edge where it passed through the firewall, wearing through the insulation and exposing the copper wire. Repaired the harness and fitted abrasion-resistant sleeving. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Qin EV300 PTC assembly internal sensor short circuit

2017 BYD Qin EV300: no heat from the heater. Read DTC B121111. Measured PTC sensor resistance at only 0.8 Ω. Disconnected the sensor — module still reported short circuit, ruling out a wiring harness fault. Removed and inspected the PTC heater. Found obvious burn marks on the temperature sensor probe; the insulation layer between the ceramic plate and metal heat sink had broken down. Replaced PTC heater assembly (including sensor). Heater now works normally, DTC cleared.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

Sensor connector shorted after water ingress.

After driving through water, the air conditioning warning light illuminated. Read DTC B121111. Found water inside the PTC sensor connector (located near the right front wheel arch liner), with verdigris corrosion between the pins causing a short circuit. Cleaned the connector, applied conductive grease and replaced the waterproof seal. Fault resolved. Recommend checking the water wading depth sensor and drain holes for blockages.
BYD DTC AI AnalysisFrom Chinese market (translated)

AC controller software falsely reporting fault

2018 BYD Qin Pro DM. Replaced the PTC assembly, but DTC B121111 remained. Measured the new sensor resistance: 9.8kΩ (normal). Wiring harness showed no shorts. Suspected a control module fault. Checked the AC controller software version—it was V1.2, which has a known temperature sampling circuit bug. Updated the controller software to V1.5, cleared the DTC, and it did not recur.
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.