Airbag control unit with part number 89170-0W180

What does the airbag control unit 89170-0W180 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-0W180 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Lexus. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This lets you, as the driver, recognise that something is wrong with the restraint system. The safety of the occupants therefore depends largely on this control unit.

Why does the control unit 89170-0W180 fail?

Most common cause with the 89170-0W180: crash data stored after an accident that cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool. With this control unit, erasing the crash data is often not possible; if you wish to have it erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in, and Airbag24 will then check the part number. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

The unit also stores crash data when no airbag has deployed. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connections and voltage spikes can also be causes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

How can you tell that the 89170-0W180 is defective?

A fault in the 89170-0W180 becomes visible through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. In addition, there may be messages in the instrument cluster, a missing contact with the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

• Airbag warning light lights up permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy. Therefore, have the finding checked promptly. The underlying cause cannot be determined from these signs alone. Signs of this kind should not be ignored.

Which vehicles is the 89170-0W180 fitted in?

The 89170-0W180 is fitted in this vehicle: Lexus RX XU10 (1997-2000). Whether your car is one of them is shown by the vehicle list on this page.

These vehicles are listed for this part number:

• Lexus RX XU10 (1997-2000)

Comparing the part number on the label of your removed unit with this page is useful, as it confirms that it is the correct unit. Whether the control unit itself is faulty or a connector or cable is the cause is shown only by the fault memory read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-0W040, 89170-0W270, 89170-0W280, 89170-0W290, 89170-0W310, 89170-0W340.

How does the repair of the 89170-0W180 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the 89170-0W180. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in, well packed.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components and carries out a functional test. The functional test checks the unit before it is sent back. Your unit then goes back to you. If you want the crash data erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. 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 89170-0W180 get to Airbag24?

You send the 89170-0W180 in as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-resistant. Make sure the parcel is securely sealed.