Airbag control unit with part number 89170-12A80

What does the airbag control unit 89170-12A80 do?

At Toyota, the airbag control unit 89170-12A80 takes over control of the restraint system. It evaluates the crash sensors, determines in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the entire system. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

In the event of a fault it switches on the airbag warning light, so that you recognise the defect on the dashboard.

Before an accident the unit monitors the sensors constantly. What happens afterwards depends on the readings.

Why does the control unit 89170-12A80 fail?

Stored crash data from an accident remain in the 89170-12A80, even without a triggered airbag, and a normal diagnostic tool is unable to erase them. They are the most frequent trigger; in addition there are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The data come from the accident itself and stay in the memory until Airbag24 removes them. Whether an airbag was triggered makes no difference to this storage.

The remaining causes concern electronics and their surroundings. Components age, solder joints can be poorly connected, and moisture promotes corrosion. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery, also put strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 89170-12A80 is defective?

A defect at the 89170-12A80 shows itself through the airbag warning light, when it burns permanently or intermittently in the instrument cluster, and through an error message in the instrument cluster. A missing connection from the diagnostic tool to the control unit, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared, also indicates a fault. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy in an emergency.

These signs are clear enough to have the system checked. The light is therefore not a minor matter but indicates an actual fault in the restraint system.

Please have this indication clarified promptly.

Which vehicles is the 89170-12A80 fitted in?

The 89170-12A80 is fitted in these vehicles: Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2018).

The following models are assigned to this control unit:

• Toyota Corolla E170 (2013-2018)

A comparison of the label on the removed unit with this page confirms that the unit fits. It says nothing about its condition. Therefore have the fault memory read out beforehand, because the log shows whether the control unit or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-02C70, 89170-12180, 89170-12G10, 89170-12N50.

How does the repair of the 89170-12A80 work?

First you enclose the read-out fault memory with its log, then disconnect the battery and remove the 89170-12A80. Afterwards create the repair order online and send the unit in packed. At Airbag24 the usual processing time for testing, repair and function test is 3–4 working days.

The sequence protects you when handling the airbag system. The log is part of it too, because it records the starting situation.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs it and erases the crash data. Finally the function test follows, and then your own unit comes back. 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 89170-12A80 get to Airbag24?

You post the 89170-12A80 as a parcel, or you have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. UPS takes care of the return after the repair.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel, and pack the unit shock-proof.