Airbag control unit with part number 89170-0E260

What does the airbag control unit 89170-0E260 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-0E260 controls the restraint system (SRS) for Lexus. It reads the crash sensors, selects the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to be triggered within milliseconds in a crash, and monitors the entire system. It reports irregularities via the airbag warning light.

The control unit runs in the background at all times while the vehicle is powered. After a crash, crash data is stored and the unit locks itself.

It is connected to the sensors in the vehicle and to the seatbelt pretensioners, whose status it queries continuously.

Why does the control unit 89170-0E260 fail?

The most common cause with the 89170-0E260 is crash data from an accident, which stays stored even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool does not erase it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The stored crash data remains in memory even if the vehicle looks undamaged after the accident. The other causes concern the electronics themselves or their connections.

Further causes at a glance:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion on plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the 89170-0E260 is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, a fault message in the instrument cluster, a missing connection for the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not deploy.

Typical signs at a glance:

• airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently
• airbag warning light comes on only intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit
• fault memory cannot be cleared

The warning light is the clearest indication. If you see it lit, have the fault memory read out promptly.

Which vehicles is the 89170-0E260 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 89170-0E260 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX AL20 (2015-2019) and AL20 Facelift (2019-2022).

The following list shows the vehicles in which the unit is installed.

• Lexus RX AL20 (2015-2019)
• Lexus RX AL20 Facelift (2019-2022)

Two things help before removal. The part number on the label can be compared with this page, which only confirms that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit itself is defective or a connector or cable is the cause is shown only by a read-out fault memory.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-0E021, 89170-48210, 89170-48211, 891700000000000016768827392, 89170000000000005112856576.

How does the repair of the 89170-0E260 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 89170-0E260. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a functional test. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days. The unit is then returned 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 89170-0E260 get to Airbag24?

A UPS collection for an extra charge is possible, as is sending the unit as a parcel that you arrange yourself. After the repair the control unit 89170-0E260 comes back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit must be packed shockproof.