B16AE00 - General fault in the airbag control unit airbag control unit fault

What does error code B16AE00 mean in the airbag control unit?

In BYD vehicles, error code B16AE00 reports a general fault in the SRS control unit, i.e. the control unit of the restraint system, which also includes the airbags. The control unit stores the fault and switches on the airbag warning light, and the fault is not assigned to a single component.

The airbag warning light shows the driver that an entry is present in the restraint system. A plug or wiring is not explicitly named in the code.

How do you recognise error code B16AE00?

You recognise error code B16AE00 by an airbag warning light that is permanently lit. The code is stored in the fault memory, cannot be permanently deleted and only becomes visible when read out with a diagnostic tool, because the light alone names neither the code nor its meaning.

A diagnostic tool reads out the fault memory and displays the stored code. This step is the basis for all further measures.

As long as the code is stored, the indication remains. You should therefore have the fault checked promptly.

What causes error code B16AE00?

Error code B16AE00 points to a cause in the control unit itself and not to a single component such as a plug or wiring. Possible causes are internal faults in the unit, such as aging of the components, moisture, corrosion or voltage spikes, as well as crash data after an accident.

• aged electronic components in the control unit
• solder joints in the control unit
• moisture or corrosion in the control unit
• voltage spikes caused by a weak battery or by jump-starting
• crash data after an accident

Plugs and wiring are not the starting point for this code, because the code points to the control unit itself.

In which vehicles does error code B16AE00 occur?

Error code B16AE00 is known in BYD vehicles, namely for several models from the brand's line-up. These include the models Atto 2, Atto 3, Dolphin, Dolphin Surf, Han, Seal, Seal U, Sealion 7 and Tang.

The list is not complete, and the meaning of the code may differ in other vehicles. Whether the code is present on your own vehicle is shown only by reading the fault memory with a diagnostic tool. A model list does not replace this check.

How is error code B16AE00 resolved?

Error code B16AE00 is resolved by having the fault memory read out with a diagnostic tool and then sending the control unit to Airbag24 for repair. Because the code points to the control unit itself, it must be removed, and Airbag24 in Berlin takes on the repair.

First have the fault memory read out so that the code is documented before the work. Then disconnect the battery before removing the control unit. Afterwards create a repair order online and send the unit to Airbag24.

Checking, repairing and testing usually take 3–4 working days. The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

Work on the airbag system should be left to qualified specialists. This also applies to removing the control unit, for which the battery must be disconnected beforehand.