B1602

DTC B1602 indicates a short to power in the driver frontal airbag (DAB) igniter circuit — Seal U

Safety System

DTC B1602 indicates a short to power in the driver frontal airbag (DAB) igniter circuit.

In the BYD SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) architecture, the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) continuously monitors the circuit resistance of each airbag igniter (normally about 2-3 Ω) and its insulation status.

When the ACU detects abnormal continuity between the driver airbag igniter wiring and the vehicle power supply (12V+) (resistance below the threshold, typically <10 kΩ for a short to power), it triggers this fault.

This fault means the airbag may deploy unexpectedly while driving (a serious safety risk) or fail to deploy properly in a collision because the power supply clamps the circuit.

The fault may originate in the clock spring (spiral cable), airbag wiring harness, connector, or the ACU internal driver circuit.

5
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Worn clock spring caused B1602 in BYD Tang DM

2021 BYD Tang DM, 80,000 km. SRS warning light stays on constantly. Retrieved DTC B1602 (driver airbag short to power). Disassembly revealed the clock spring’s internal ribbon cable had fractured due to long-term rotational fatigue. The broken copper wire at the fracture point made contact with the metal frame, causing a short to power. Replaced with genuine clock spring (part number: SC-3636100); fault cleared. Note: The Tang series clock spring integrates the steering angle sensor. After replacement, use a diagnostic tool to perform ‘steering angle sensor calibration’; otherwise the ESP system will set a fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song MAX airbag wiring harness corroded after wading.

2019 BYD Song MAX. After wading through deep water during a heavy rainstorm, the instrument cluster displayed 'Check SRS System'. The scan tool reported DTC B1602. Inspection found the driver's side A-pillar drain hole blocked. Water entered along the dashboard and pooled under the steering wheel, causing the yellow 2-pin airbag connector (C202) terminals to oxidize and develop verdigris, shorting the power and signal terminals. Repair: cleaned the connector terminals with WD-40 Specialist Electrical Contact Cleaner, replaced the waterproof seal, cleared the drain hole, and re-wrapped the wiring harness. Fault has not recurred.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Steering wheel modification triggered fault in BYD Yuan EV

2019 BYD Yuan EV535. Owner retrofitted a multi-function steering wheel. A B1602 DTC appeared the next day. Inspection found that a screw had pierced the steering wheel wiring harness protective sleeve during the modification. The puncture point touched the steering wheel frame (body ground is actually the 12V circuit after the load), creating a short to power. Repair: Replaced the damaged airbag wiring harness (including the upper clock spring section), rerouted the wiring according to specifications, and used dedicated harness clips to prevent metal contact. Note: BYD airbag systems are sensitive to circuit impedance; non-professional modifications can easily trigger faults.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Pro: ACU Internal Fault Misdiagnosis Case

2020 BYD Qin Pro (petrol variant). DTC B1602 appeared repeatedly. After replacing the clock spring and airbag, the fault recurred intermittently. Further inspection found that pin 3 of the ACU internal firing driver chip (NXP MC33797) had shorted to the power supply, causing continuous 12V output to the driver airbag circuit. External measurements can't detect this internal short; you need an oscilloscope to capture abnormal waveforms during the ACU self-test. Finally, replacing the airbag control module (located under the centre console, part number E5A-3658100) and performing module coding and crash data reset resolved the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Song Pro wiring harness unsecured after accident repair

2021 BYD Song Pro. B1602 triggered three months after front-end accident repairs. Investigation traced the fault to the repair process. During reassembly of the steering wheel and dashboard, the technician failed to clip the airbag harness into the steering column retaining clip. The unclipped harness chafed against the dashboard metal bracket when the steering column turned, eventually wearing through the insulation and shorting to constant power (horn supply wire, orange). Repair: Soldered the damaged conductors and sealed with heat-shrink tubing, restored the harness to the original retaining clip positions, and adjusted harness slack. Note: BYD workshop manuals require airbag harnesses to be secured with original clips and maintain at least 50 mm clearance from the body.
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.