B176A

DTC B176A indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) detects a resistance of 0 ohms in the left rear seat belt pretensioner circuit — Seal 6 EV

Safety System

DTC B176A indicates the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) detects a resistance of 0 ohms in the left rear seat belt pretensioner circuit.

Normally, as a pyrotechnic device, the pretensioner resistance ranges from 1.5–3.0 Ω (depending on vehicle configuration).

A resistance of 0 indicates a short in the circuit, typically a short to ground or an internal short within the pretensioner.

This causes the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) to identify a pretensioner circuit fault.

During a collision, the left rear seat belt pretensioner may fail to deploy, severely compromising rear occupant restraint protection.

This fault also illuminates the instrument cluster SRS warning light and may lock the entire airbag system, preventing other airbags from deploying normally.

4
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn B-pillar wiring harness caused pretensioner short circuit

A 2020 BYD Qin Pro EV had the SRS warning light constantly illuminated. Technicians retrieved DTC B176A. Removing the left rear B-pillar trim revealed the seatbelt pretensioner harness rubbing against the seat rails below the B-pillar. Long-term friction had worn through the insulation, exposing the copper wire and causing a short to ground against the body shell. Resistance measured 0Ω. Repair: Repaired the damaged harness (rewrapped with insulation tape and sleeved with corrugated tubing), adjusted the harness position to prevent seat interference, and replaced the damaged pretensioner connector terminals. After clearing the fault codes, the SRS system returned to normal.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Pretensioner connector shorted from water ingress after wading

2019 BYD Song MAX. Owner reported the SRS warning light illuminated suddenly after driving through a flooded section. Fault code B176A. Inspection found damp carpet in the left rear. Removed the B-pillar trim to find clear water staining inside the yellow pretensioner connector; terminals were oxidised and blackened, shorting the signal wire to ground. Resistance measured 0 ohms. Repair: Dried the wiring harness and connector with compressed air, cleaned the oxidised terminals with electronic cleaner, applied waterproof conductive grease, and replaced the connector seal. Traced the water ingress to a blocked sunroof drain tube; cleared the blockage to resolve the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Internal short circuit in pretensioner after accident repairs

A 2021 BYD Tang was involved in a minor collision on the left rear side. After accident repairs, the instrument cluster displayed DTC B176A. Inspection showed no external damage to the left rear seatbelt pretensioner, but resistance measured 0Ω (normal is approximately 2.0Ω). Disassembly revealed the internal igniter's bridge wire had shorted from the collision impact. Pretensioners are single-use safety devices; the internal short was unrepairable even though the unit did not deploy. Fix: Replaced the left rear seatbelt assembly (includes pretensioner), ran the seatbelt pretensioner resistance learn procedure with a diagnostic tool (required on some models), cleared the fault code. System self-test passed.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Intermittent short circuit causing intermittent B176A

A 2019 BYD Yuan EV came in with the SRS warning light intermittently illuminating. Scanning revealed historic DTC B176A; current status was normal. The technician found the left rear seatbelt pretensioner connector slightly loose—driving on bumpy roads caused the terminals inside to intermittently contact and short. Inspection also revealed the connector locking tab broken, resulting in poor sealing. Repair: Replaced the pretensioner wiring harness connector with a new unit featuring the locking tab, re-crimped the terminals, and ensured a secure connection. Used an oscilloscope to monitor the pretensioner circuit resistance waveform and confirmed no abnormal fluctuations before delivery. One-week follow-up confirmed the fault had not reoccurred.
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.