Airbag control unit with part number 89170-33550

What does the airbag control unit 89170-33550 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-33550 is the central unit of the SRS restraint system in Toyota and Lexus. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds about triggering airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and checks the system continuously.

The unit indicates faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. The driver sees in it a sign of impaired function.

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

Why does the control unit 89170-33550 fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a standard diagnostic tool cannot reach it. Also possible are ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data sits in the control unit, which is why the vehicle shows nothing of it from outside. Only a look into the unit's memory reveals it.

The other causes concern the technology inside. Electronics age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion damage the contacts. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery, can also affect the unit.

How can you tell that the 89170-33550 is defective?

A defect becomes visible when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on continuously or intermittently, a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection, or the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light is the most conspicuous sign. It signals a fault in the restraint system but does not say whether the control unit itself is affected. Plugs and cables are also possible causes.

During the fault, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency. Have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 89170-33550 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-33550 is fitted in the following vehicles: Toyota Camry XV40 (2006-2011); Lexus ES GSV40 Facelift (2009-2012) and GSV40 (2006-2009). The information helps narrow things down but remains a guide and not a check of the unit.

The overview below shows the vehicles for which the part number is on record.

• Toyota Camry XV40 (2006-2011)
• Lexus ES GSV40 Facelift (2009-2012)
• Lexus ES GSV40 (2006-2009)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That only tells you it is the right unit, nothing more. Having the fault memory read out beforehand remains the more important step, because only the log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 150300-3243, 89170-06A40, 89170-33570, 89170-33571, 89170-33580, 89170-33660.

How does the repair of the 89170-33550 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next create an online repair order and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 takes 3–4 working days as a rule.

At Airbag24 the team checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is sent back to you.

The order of the steps at the vehicle is binding 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 89170-33550 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends your own unit back by UPS.

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