Airbag control unit with part number 150300-3243

What is the function of Airbag Control Unit 150300-3243?

The Airbag Control Unit 150300-3243 from Autoliv is the central control module for the occupant protection system in the Lexus ES (GSV40). It continuously analyzes data from crash sensors and is responsible for precisely and rapidly deploying airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the event of a collision. It is also known by OEM part numbers 89170-06880 and 89170-50220.

As the “brain” of the passive safety system (SRS), unit 150300-3243 communicates with all relevant vehicle sensors, including acceleration and pressure sensors.

When a collision exceeding predefined thresholds is detected, the control unit sends critical ignition signals to the pyrotechnic charges of the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. Proper functionality is therefore essential for protecting vehicle occupants.

Why does Control Unit 150300-3243 fail? Common defects.

The most frequent causes of failure for Control Unit 150300-3243 are stored crash data following an accident that prevents further operation, as well as internal electronic faults leading to complete communication loss. External factors such as water damage or short circuits can also result in total failure.

A primary defect is the storage of crash data. If airbags or seatbelt pretensioners were deployed during a crash, the control unit locks itself internally. This data cannot be erased using standard diagnostic tools and triggers internal SRS errors (e.g., U1XXX, B1XXX).

Another common issue is complete communication failure. The control unit no longer responds to requests from diagnostic equipment (OBD, TECH2, Bosch testers). This is usually caused by defective components on the circuit board, such as processors or memory chips.

External factors can also damage the unit. These include water ingress causing corrosion at CAN‑bus connectors and on the circuit board, as well as voltage spikes or reverse polarity during jump-start attempts that may destroy sensitive electronics.

How do you recognize a fault in 150300-3243?

A malfunction of Control Unit 150300-3243 primarily manifests as a permanently illuminated airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. Additionally, workshop diagnostic tools often fail to establish communication with the airbag system, displaying error messages such as “Control unit faulty” or “No communication.”

The clearest indication is the airbag warning light. After starting the engine, it not only briefly illuminates but remains steadily lit or begins to glow continuously after about 30 seconds—signaling a serious fault within the SRS.

In the workshop, the defect often becomes apparent through failed diagnostics. When a technician attempts to read the fault memory, the diagnostic tool reports that no connection can be established with the airbag control unit.

Accompanying this, entries may appear in the fault memories of other control units, indicating the failure of the airbag module since it is no longer reachable on the vehicle’s internal data bus network (CAN‑bus).

In which vehicles is Control Unit 150300-3243 installed?

The airbag control unit with part number 150300-3243 was specifically developed by supplier Autoliv for Lexus models. It is used exclusively in the Lexus ES series, particularly in model GSV40 and its facelift version.

At Airbag24, we repair Control Unit 150300-3243 for the following specific models:

Lexus: ES GSV40 (model years 2006–2009) and ES GSV40 Facelift (model years 2009–2012).

How is 150300-3243 professionally repaired?

Professional repair of Control Unit 150300-3243 at Airbag24 includes precise metrological analysis, correction of the specific defect—whether clearing crash data or restoring electronics—and a final functional test. We provide 2 years' statutory liability for defects on every repair.

Upon submission to Airbag24, the control unit undergoes a thorough diagnosis. Using specialized measurement technology, our technicians pinpoint the exact source of the fault to address only the defective components.

The actual repair process depends on the nature of the defect. For stored crash data, the information is securely erased at the chip level, and the internal fault memory is reset. In cases of communication failures or other electronic malfunctions, the affected components on the circuit board are expertly replaced.

Finally, each repaired unit undergoes comprehensive functional testing on a test bench. This ensures that communication functions flawlessly again and that all internal error codes have been cleared. Only after this successful test is the control unit approved for return shipment.