Airbag control unit with part number 89170-30360

What does the airbag control unit 89170-30360 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-30360 is the control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Lexus. It reads the crash sensors, decides in the event of an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system continuously. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The sensors constantly supply measurements to the unit. The decision whether an event counts as an accident is made from these values. If the check reveals anything, the airbag warning light shows it.

Anyone holding the part number 89170-30360 has in hand the control unit that decides on triggering and warning. It is therefore worth taking a close look at the unit itself and at the wiring that connects it.

Why does the control unit 89170-30360 fail?

Most often the cause is crash data stored in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag fired. An ordinary diagnostic tool cannot reach this data. Other causes include ageing electronic components, dry solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes. Airbag24 deletes the crash data during the repair.

Stored crash data is the result of a recorded event. Whether an airbag triggered in the process makes no difference to the storage, which is exactly why problems can appear even when the bodywork looks unremarkable from outside.

Besides the crash data, causes can lie in age, moisture and power supply. These include ageing components, dry solder joints on the circuit board, corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start.

How can you tell that the 89170-30360 is defective?

A defect is recognisable from a warning light in the instrument cluster that stays on permanently or only intermittently, from a fault message in the instrument cluster display, and from a diagnostic tool that cannot make contact with the control unit. In that case there is a risk that airbags and seatbelt pretensioners will not trigger in an emergency.

The fault memory also gives information, because in this case it cannot be cleared. If you notice any of these signs, do not wait; have the vehicle checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 89170-30360 fitted in?

The part number 89170-30360 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus GS S160 Facelift (2000-2005) and S160 (1997-2000). What matters is the part number on the unit, not the model name in the registration document.

The following list shows the vehicles we have for this part number.

• Lexus GS S160 Facelift (2000-2005)
• Lexus GS S160 (1997-2000)

Before you remove the unit, a couple of checks help. Comparing the part number on the label with this page only confirms that you have the right unit in front of you. Have the fault memory read beforehand, since only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

How does the repair of the 89170-30360 work?

At the start, the fault memory is read out and you attach the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create a repair order online. Next, send the unit in, well packed. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. This time covers only checking, repairing and testing the unit.

The order of steps is binding, because it concerns safety. Only once the battery is disconnected do you start removing the unit.

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 89170-30360 get to Airbag24?

You can either send the unit yourself as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns the unit by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel. Pack the unit shock-resistant so that it survives transport undamaged.