Airbag control unit with part number 89170-33490

What does the airbag control unit 89170-33490 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-33490 coordinates the SRS restraint system of Toyota. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an impact which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system during operation. Detected faults are shown via the airbag warning light.

In normal driving, the electronics work unobtrusively in the background. They continuously compare the sensor readings with stored specifications and monitor the wiring to the components.

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

Why does the control unit 89170-33490 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has fired; a normal diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Further possible causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes such as those from a weak battery or jump-starting.

Crash data remains in the unit even if no airbag was triggered. Nothing about it can be seen from outside.

The unit consists of many components that age over the years. Solder joints can become brittle, and moisture attacks contacts, which then conduct less well.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weakened battery or when a jump-start cable is connected, add further strain to the electronics.

How can you tell that the 89170-33490 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or comes on from time to time, and the instrument cluster shows an error message. If no connection to the diagnostic tool can be made, or the fault memory cannot be cleared, this indicates a defect. In this state, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to fire in an emergency.

The warning light is one of the most important signals in the vehicle, because it concerns the entire restraint system. If it does not go out after the ignition is switched on, have the finding checked.

Even if the indication disappears from time to time, the fault is not resolved.

Which vehicles is the 89170-33490 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-33490 was fitted in these vehicles from Toyota: Toyota Camry XV40 (2006-2011). The part number on the removed unit is decisive for the comparison.

The list below shows the vehicles for which the unit is on record.

• Toyota Camry XV40 (2006-2011)

Have the fault memory read out before removal, because the protocol shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause. The label comparison is additionally carried out; it only confirms the right unit and does not establish the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-06A40.

How does the repair of the 89170-33490 work?

You have the fault memory read out, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit; attach the log to the unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. For checking, repairing and the function test, Airbag24 generally sets aside 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24, the control unit is first checked and then repaired, with defective components being replaced. The stored crash data is erased, followed by a function test, and then the unit goes back to you.

The order of steps in the vehicle must be observed for safety reasons. 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 89170-33490 get to Airbag24?

The control unit reaches Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends the repaired control unit back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel; pack the unit with cushioning to withstand shocks.