Airbag control unit with part number 89170-02081

What does the airbag control unit 89170-02081 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-02081 forms the central unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Toyota in the vehicle. It checks the signals from the crash sensors, determines in milliseconds in an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit works in the background and only becomes noticeable when it detects a fault. It then indicates the malfunction via the airbag warning light.

Why does the control unit 89170-02081 fail?

The most common cause with the 89170-02081 is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag fired. An ordinary diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Ageing, corrosion, cold solder joints and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Crash data is therefore the first thing to check in every fault diagnosis. Airbag24 removes it during the repair.

The other causes in detail:

• Ageing electronic components in the control unit
• Cold solder joints on the circuit board
• Moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the 89170-02081 is defective?

A fault in the 89170-02081 is visible on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or at times. An error message also appears, the diagnostic tool finds no control unit, and the fault memory remains. In a real emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

Watch for these signs:

• Warning light in the instrument cluster that stays on permanently or only occasionally activates
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between diagnostic tool and control unit
• Fault memory that cannot be erased

The warning light in particular is a clear signal that must not be ignored. A workshop or a diagnostic tool can then read out the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 89170-02081 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 89170-02081 is fitted in several models at Toyota. It is installed in these vehicles: Toyota Corolla E120 (2001-2004) and E120 Facelift (2004-2007).

The list below shows the vehicles we have on file for this part number.

• Toyota Corolla E120 (2001-2004)
• Toyota Corolla E120 Facelift (2004-2007)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; that only confirms you have the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out. Only that shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-02180, 89170-02240, 89170-02390, 89170-02411, 89170-02G60, 89170-12160.

How does the repair of the 89170-02081 work?

First, you have the fault memory of the 89170-02081 read out and enclose the log. Then you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Afterwards you create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed; at Airbag24, testing, repair and functional check take 3–4 working days as a rule.

The unit first goes through the test bench. Then defective components are repaired, crash data deleted and a functional test run.

The unit then goes back to you.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects. 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.

How does the control unit 89170-02081 get to Airbag24?

You can either send the 89170-02081 to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an additional charge. UPS handles the return after the repair.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-proof.