Airbag control unit with part number 89170-33T20

What does the airbag control unit 89170-33T20 do?

For Lexus, the airbag control unit 89170-33T20 is the central component of the restraint system (SRS). It measures through the crash sensors whether an accident has occurred, and within milliseconds selects the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners that fire. It also monitors the system; faults are shown via the airbag warning light.

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

In everyday driving it goes unnoticed, but the monitoring runs continuously.

Why does the control unit 89170-33T20 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even when no airbag has deployed; a standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are ageing of the electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

The crash data stays in memory until Airbag24 erases it during the repair. Nothing can be seen from the outside.

Components age, solder joints can be cold, and moisture or corrosion attacks the plug connections.

Voltage spikes occur, for example, with a weak battery or when jump-starting, and they stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 89170-33T20 is defective?

A defect in the unit shows up through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. A fault message also appears, and the diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit.

If you notice any of these signs, have the fault checked. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

• Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• Fault memory that cannot be cleared

Which vehicles is the 89170-33T20 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-33T20 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus ES AXZH60 (from 2018). Check your vehicle against this before you remove the unit.

This is what the vehicle list for this number looks like:

• Lexus ES AXZH60 (from 2018)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that you have the right unit in front of you. Also have the fault memory read out, because only that result shows whether the control unit is defective or a connector or cable is the cause.

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 89170-33T20 work?

First the fault memory is read out and the log is enclosed; then you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Create the repair order online, and the unit is sent to Airbag24, well packed. Airbag24 tests it on the test bench, repairs faults on the components, erases the crash data and tests the function; processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

The order of these steps is fixed for your safety. 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 89170-33T20 get to Airbag24?

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

Make sure the printed repair order is in the parcel and the control unit is packed shockproof.