Airbag control unit with part number 89170-42170

What does the airbag control unit 89170-42170 do?

The 89170-42170 is the airbag control unit of the restraint system in Toyota vehicles. The crash sensors supply it with measurement data, from which it derives in an accident, within milliseconds, the triggering of the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

The unit monitors the wiring and components continuously, so that any malfunction is noticed. If it reports a malfunction, this happens via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

An accident causes crash data to be stored, and the control unit remains locked afterwards. Repair is the only way to lift this lock.

Why does the control unit 89170-42170 fail?

The most common cause of a failure of the 89170-42170 is crash data that remains in the unit after an accident, although no airbag has fired. Ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes are further possible causes.

These crash data cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool. They are therefore removed by Airbag24 only during the repair.

The other causes concern the electronics themselves: components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture causes corrosion at contacts.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, also load the unit.

How can you tell that the 89170-42170 is defective?

You can recognise a defect in the 89170-42170 first by the airbag warning light, which stays on permanently or intermittently. A fault message may also appear, the diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit, or the fault memory stays set.

In such a situation airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger in an emergency. That makes a prompt check necessary.

The warning light itself is the clearest sign, because it shows the defect while the car otherwise carries on as normal.

Which vehicles is the 89170-42170 fitted in?

The 89170-42170 is fitted in these vehicles: Toyota RAV4 XA20 (2000-2003) and XA20 Facelift (2003-2006). The assignment refers exclusively to this part number.

You will find the vehicles for this part number in the following overview:

• Toyota RAV4 XA20 (2000-2003)
• Toyota RAV4 XA20 Facelift (2003-2006)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms that you have the right unit. It does not give the cause. Only the read-out fault memory shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is responsible. Therefore have it read out before removal.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-42160.

How does the repair of the 89170-42170 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the 89170-42170 and create the repair order online.

You then send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards the unit goes back to you.

Processing usually takes 3–4 working days at Airbag24, meaning checking, repairing and testing only. 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 89170-42170 get to Airbag24?

The unit is sent in either as a parcel or via a UPS collection booked for an extra charge. Once the 89170-42170 is repaired, UPS takes the return shipment.

Pack the unit shock-resistant and enclose the printed repair order.