B167B-00

This DTC indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects an abnormally low-resistance connection (short to ground) between the right rear side impact sensor (SIS) signal circuit and body ground (GND) — Qin Plus

Safety System

This DTC indicates the airbag control unit (SRS ECU) detects an abnormally low-resistance connection (short to ground) between the right rear side impact sensor (SIS) signal circuit and body ground (GND).

BYD SRS architecture typically uses piezoelectric or acceleration-type side impact sensors.

These sensors mount inside the right rear door, behind the C-pillar trim panel, or beside the rear seat to monitor lateral impacts to the right rear of the vehicle.

When the sensor signal wire shorts to ground, the ECU continuously receives a low-level signal near 0V and cannot correctly identify actual collision deceleration signals.

This causes the following: 1) the right rear airbag (side airbag/curtain airbag) may fail to deploy during a side impact; 2) the system enters fail-safe mode, illuminates the airbag warning lamp, and may disable the entire airbag system.

Cycling the ignition typically cannot clear this hard fault.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Water ingress into sensor connector caused short circuit after driving through water

The owner of a 2019 BYD Qin EV450 reported the airbag warning light on the dashboard stayed on after driving through heavy rain and flood water. A VDS diagnostic scan retrieved DTC B167B-00 (current fault). The technician removed the right rear sill trim panel and found significant water in the side impact sensor connector below the C-pillar; the pins had green copper oxide corrosion. Tracing the root cause, the technician found the right rear sunroof drain hose connector had detached, allowing rainwater to run down the C-pillar into the sill area. The technician cleaned the connector pins with electronic contact cleaner, dried them, applied conductive protective grease, reconnected the connector, wrapped it with waterproof tape, and repaired the drain hose connection. After clearing the fault codes, multiple water spray tests confirmed the fault did not return.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Wiring harness crushed by seat rail following accident repair

A 2017 BYD Qin 100 had been in a right-rear side collision. After repairs at an independent workshop, an intermittent DTC B167B-00 appeared. Diagnosis showed the fault occurred when the vehicle hit bumps. Removing the rear seat revealed that during reinstallation, the technician had failed to properly secure the side impact sensor wiring harness (located on the right floor), leaving it trapped beneath the seat rail. Repeated seat adjustments caused the rail edge to chafe through the harness insulation, exposing copper wires that contacted the bodywork and shorted to ground. Repair: Cut out the damaged section, soldered and insulated the wires, rerouted the harness, and secured it in the floor wiring channel using OEM clips to maintain clearance from the seat rail.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Replaced sensor due to internal aging and short circuit.

A 2018 BYD E1 with 68,000 km and no accident history. The airbag warning light came on. The scan tool pulled code B167B-00; cleared, but it returned after a few kilometres. Disconnected the sensor, measured resistance between terminals and housing: it fluctuated between 0.5 and 50 Ω (normal: open circuit). Disassembled the sensor and found electrolyte on the internal PCB—the internal gel in this piezoelectric sensor had aged. Repair: replaced with genuine right rear side impact sensor (part number matched to VIN, typically BYD-specific). Torqued to spec (8–10 Nm) to avoid housing deformation. Fault cleared permanently.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Aftermarket audio installation damaged the wiring harness

A 2020 BYD E1. The owner retrofitted the rear door speakers himself, using self-tapping screws to secure them. The screws were too long, penetrating the door trim panel and piercing the side impact sensor wiring harness (inside the door wiring loom), shorting the signal wire to ground. Diagnosis found DTC B167B-00 and no sound from the right rear door speaker. Repair: removed the aftermarket speaker, extracted the penetrating screw, repaired the damaged harness (3 wires affected, 1 being the sensor signal line), and restored the factory wiring. Advised the owner to revert to the original audio configuration or have compliant modifications carried out at an authorized workshop.
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.