Airbag control unit with part number 89170-33160

What does the airbag control unit 89170-33160 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-33160 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Toyota. It evaluates the signals of the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and reports faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs in the background for as long as the vehicle has power. Sensors, wiring and firing circuits are checked continuously during this process.

In everyday life this work is hardly noticed. It only becomes visible when the control unit reports a fault.

Why does the control unit 89170-33160 fail?

Most often the cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove this data. Further causes are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump starting.

Crash data are records that the unit creates during an impact. They remain in the memory until they are specifically erased, and they can still burden the fault memory even when nothing on the vehicle is noticeable any more.

The other causes tend to develop gradually. An aged component or a damp contact can distort signals long before a complete failure occurs.

How can you tell that the 89170-33160 is defective?

A defect in the 89170-33160 shows first in the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. A fault message in the instrument cluster, a missing contact with the diagnostic tool, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared also indicate a problem.

The warning light is the sign that should not be overlooked, because it reports the fault as soon as the system detects it. A diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection does not automatically mean that the control unit is defective. The cause can equally lie in the wiring or at the plug.

While such a finding persists, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency. Have the system checked and do not ignore the light.

Which vehicles is the 89170-33160 fitted in?

The 89170-33160 control unit is fitted in these vehicles: Toyota Camry XV20 Facelift (2000-2001) and XV20 (1996-2000).

The overview lists the vehicles recorded for this part number:

• Toyota Camry XV20 Facelift (2000-2001)
• Toyota Camry XV20 (1996-2000)

Compare the part number on the label of your removed unit with this page. That only ensures you have the right unit, and says nothing yet about a defect. Also have the fault memory read out before you remove the control unit, because only this log shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

How does the repair of the 89170-33160 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 89170-33160. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. At Airbag24 processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is returned to you.

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 89170-33160 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 89170-33160 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 in the parcel and pack the unit shock-resistant.