Airbag control unit with part number 89170-12890

What does the airbag control unit 89170-12890 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-12890 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Toyota. It processes the messages from the crash sensors, determines within milliseconds in a collision which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire, and checks the entire system without pause. Detected faults are passed on to the airbag warning light.

The actual triggering is only a small part of its work. The larger part is monitoring, because that is the only way a fault is noticed before it matters.

After an accident the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 89170-12890 fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data from an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Further causes are aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plugs, and voltage spikes.

Without an examination it is impossible to say which of these causes applies. Crash data still comes first, because the control unit stores it after an accident.

Typical examples of the other causes:

• ageing of electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion on plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 89170-12890 is defective?

A defect shows when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on constantly or intermittently, a fault message appears, the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The warning light is a clear sign in particular, because it shows that the restraint system is not in order. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then possibly fail to deploy.

Anyone who keeps an eye on the warning light will notice a fault from the outset.

Which vehicles is the 89170-12890 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 89170-12890 is fitted in these vehicles: Toyota Auris E180 (2012-2015) and E180 Facelift (2015-2019). Whether your own unit belongs to them can be checked on the label.

These vehicles are listed here:

• Toyota Auris E180 (2012-2015)
• Toyota Auris E180 Facelift (2015-2019)

Before removal, compare the part number on the unit with this page. This only ensures that you have the correct control unit. Also have the fault memory read, because only this log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is causing the fault.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 152100-4560, 222814-101, 89170-02J70, 89170-0W330, 8917002890, 8917012730.

How does the repair of the 89170-12890 work?

First have the fault memory read and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Create a repair order online and pack the unit well before you send it in.

At Airbag24 the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are replaced, the crash data is deleted and a function test concludes the work. 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 89170-12890 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return shipment after the repair is made by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel, and pack the unit securely against shocks.