Airbag control unit with part number 079960-0351

What is the function of Airbag Control Unit 079960-0351?

The component with part number 079960-0351 is an OEM airbag control unit from supplier Siemens, specifically designed for the Toyota Supra A70. Its core function is to monitor the entire occupant restraint system (SRS), process crash sensor data, and precisely deploy the airbags in the event of a collision.

As the central control unit, this device processes signals from the acceleration sensors and determines within milliseconds whether an airbag deployment is necessary. It controls not only the driver’s and passenger’s airbags but also the entire connected safety system. Due to its critical role, it is robustly engineered and typically installed beneath the dashboard or in the center console area.

The electronics are specially tailored to the Toyota Supra A70’s vehicle architecture, which means compatibility with other models or series is not possible. Exact matching of the part number is essential for proper operation.

Why does Airbag Control Unit 079960-0351 fail?

The most common cause of failure is the storage of crash data after an accident. Other defects arise from age-related electronic malfunctions in internal components or resulting communication failures with diagnostic tools. Repairs aim to address these hardware and data issues.

After a collision—even if only the sensors were triggered but no airbags deployed (e.g., knee, passenger, or seat‑belt airbags)—the control unit stores what is known as a “crash lock.” This data lock serves as a safety measure to prevent further use. The system becomes locked and must be professionally reset.

Over time, electronic components on the circuit board—such as capacitors or processors—can also fail due to material fatigue or thermal stress. These internal faults cannot be resolved simply by clearing the fault memory and require component‑level repairs.

A further typical defect is complete loss of communication: the control unit no longer responds to requests from diagnostic equipment. In almost all cases, this is caused by an internal hardware failure that disrupts data processing or interface functionality.

How can you recognize a fault in Control Unit 079960-0351?

The clearest symptom is a continuously illuminated airbag warning light (SRS lamp) on the instrument cluster. Additionally, the control unit may become inaccessible to diagnostic tools, or error codes may persist that cannot be cleared.

The SRS warning light that remains on after starting the engine is the system’s direct indication of a malfunction. The vehicle thereby signals that the airbag function is not guaranteed, which can result in a significant failing during the mandatory technical inspection.

In the workshop, the fault often manifests as an inability to establish a connection to the airbag system via the diagnostic port. The control unit “does not respond,” making precise fault analysis through the fault memory impossible.

Alternatively, error codes may be read out, pointing to an internal defect within the control unit itself. Attempts to clear these errors will fail because the underlying cause—whether stored crash data or a component failure—remains unresolved.

In which vehicles is Airbag Control Unit 079960-0351 installed?

The Siemens airbag control unit with part number 079960-0351 is exclusively designed for the Toyota Supra A70 series. It covers all model years from 1986 to 1992, including both facelifted versions. Use in other Toyota vehicles is not intended.

At Airbag24, we repair this control unit for the following specific models:

Toyota Supra A70 (model years 1986–1988)

Toyota Supra A70 First Facelift (model years 1988–1991)

Toyota Supra A70 Second Facelift (model years 1991–1992)

It is important to note that similar part numbers such as 89170-0D440 or 89170-60100 exist for other Toyota models, but they are not interchangeable with 079960-0351. Both the hardware and software are vehicle‑specific.

How is Control Unit 079960-0351 professionally repaired?

Professional repair is a purely electronic process. Upon receipt at Airbag24, the control unit undergoes diagnostics, defective components on the circuit board are replaced, and any stored crash data is completely erased. We provide 2 years’ statutory liability for defects on the repaired unit.

The repair process at Airbag24 follows a standardized procedure to ensure the highest quality and safety. First, the removed control unit is subjected to an initial inspection to verify the reported fault.

Subsequently, repair is performed at the component level. Technicians analyze the circuit board, identify defective parts such as capacitors or memory chips, and replace them professionally. At the same time, any existing crash data is erased via specialized interfaces, and the system software is restored to its factory settings.

Finally, each repaired control unit undergoes a comprehensive functional test. Only after passing all tests and communicating flawlessly does it get approved for return shipment. This approach offers a safe and significantly more cost-effective alternative to expensive new purchases.