Airbag control unit with part number 89170-0R081

What does the airbag control unit 89170-0R081 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-0R081 is the switching centre of the restraint system (SRS) for Toyota. Based on the signals from the crash sensors, it decides in an emergency which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered within milliseconds.

It does not work only during an accident: the entire system is monitored continuously. Faults it detects are reported by the control unit via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself. The lock affects the unit itself, not only the display.

Why does the control unit 89170-0R081 fail?

The most common cause lies in the crash data stored after an accident, regardless of whether an airbag has deployed. Ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes come on top of that.

The crash data remains stored in the unit. A conventional diagnostic scanner cannot remove it, which is why a reset does not solve the problem either.

Electronic components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture and salt attack plug connections. Voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start additionally burden the system.

How can you tell that the 89170-0R081 is defective?

Signs of a defect are an airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently, error messages in the instrument cluster, and a diagnostic tool without connection. The fault memory also cannot be erased.

• Airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between diagnostic tool and control unit
• Fault memory cannot be erased

As long as these signs persist, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency. Therefore treat the light as a serious warning.

Which fault is present is shown only by reading out the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 89170-0R081 fitted in?

The 89170-0R081 is fitted in these vehicles from Toyota: Toyota RAV4 XA30 (2006-2009) and XA30 Facelift (2009-2013).

The list shows the vehicles for which this part number is recorded.

• Toyota RAV4 XA30 (2006-2009)
• Toyota RAV4 XA30 Facelift (2009-2013)

Comparing the part number on the label with this page should be done to confirm the right unit. This comparison says nothing more. Whether the control unit is defective, or whether a plug or cable is the cause, is clarified only by the fault memory that was read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 150300-8850, 89170-0R022, 89170-0R140, 89170-42201, 89170-42210, 89170-42420.

How does the repair of the 89170-0R081 work?

You have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then you disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 89170-0R081. Next, you create the repair order online and send in the unit well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24 the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are replaced, the crash data is erased and a function test is performed. Afterwards your unit goes back to you. This period covers only testing, repairing and checking at Airbag24.

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 89170-0R081 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 89170-0R081 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. UPS brings the unit back after the repair.

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