Airbag control unit with part number 89170-33N81

What does the airbag control unit 89170-33N81 do?

In Lexus, the control unit 89170-33N81 takes over control of the restraint system (SRS). It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system.

At the same time, it reports faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

These processes happen without any intervention by the driver; in normal operation the control unit therefore goes unnoticed.

Why does the control unit 89170-33N81 fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an accident, which arise even when no airbag has deployed; they cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Other causes include ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

• Ageing electronic components
• Cold solder joints
• Moisture and corrosion at the plug connections
• Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

Airbag24 removes the crash data during the repair. The test on the test bench narrows down which of the causes from the list applies.

How can you tell that the 89170-33N81 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster indicates a defect in the 89170-33N81 when it lights up permanently or intermittently. Fault messages in the instrument cluster, a missing connection from the diagnostic tool to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be erased may also occur.

While the warning light is on, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency, and that is exactly why the indication matters. The overall picture of light and messages helps to assess the situation.

Certainty about the cause comes only from reading out the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 89170-33N81 fitted in?

The 89170-33N81 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus ES AXZH60 (from 2018).

The vehicles for which this number is recorded are listed here:

• Lexus ES AXZH60 (from 2018)

Two steps come before removal. Comparing the part number on the label with this page only confirms the identity of the unit. The fault memory, by contrast, shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause, which is why it is read out first.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-06820, 89170-06850, 89170-06880, 89170-33B90, 89170-33C30, 89170-33C50.

How does the repair of the 89170-33N81 work?

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. Before that, have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

At Airbag24, the unit is examined on the test bench, defective components are repaired, crash data are erased and a function test is carried out. The unit then returns 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 89170-33N81 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit 89170-33N81 yourself as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-proof.