Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48011

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48011 do?

The control unit 89170-48011 is the central unit of the airbag system in vehicles of Toyota. It evaluates the data from the crash sensors and triggers the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in an accident. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

It also continuously checks whether all components of the system are working. It reports any faults it finds via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The unit works quietly in the background and only stands out when something is wrong.

Why does the control unit 89170-48011 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Further causes include aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on connectors, and voltage spikes.

Crash data is a record of the accident. It is created regardless of whether airbags triggered, and it is therefore present even in accidents where no airbag was visibly triggered.

The other causes concern the electronics and their surroundings. Solder joints become brittle over time, components age, and moisture attacks the plugs. Voltage spikes occur when the battery is weak or when a vehicle is started with jump leads.

How can you tell that the 89170-48011 is defective?

A defect shows up through the airbag warning light, through error messages in the instrument cluster or through the diagnostic tool failing to establish a connection. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

Typical signs are:

• The airbag warning light does not go out.
• The airbag warning light comes on intermittently.
• An error message is shown in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool remains without access to the control unit.
• The fault memory remains and cannot be cleared.

If you notice any of these signs, have the fault checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48011 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-48011 is in use in these vehicles: Toyota Highlander XU20 Facelift (2004-2007) and XU20 (2001-2003).

The list shows the vehicles individually, so that matching is easy.

• Toyota Highlander XU20 Facelift (2004-2007)
• Toyota Highlander XU20 (2001-2003)

Before you start removal, check the part number on the label against this page. This step only confirms the identity of the unit. Whether the control unit is defective, or a plug or cable is the cause, is shown only by the fault memory.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-48090, 89170-48150.

How does the repair of the 89170-48011 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit. Then create the repair order online and send the unit off well packed.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days. After that, your own, repaired unit goes back 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 89170-48011 get to Airbag24?

You can send your control unit as a package, or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the package and pack it shock-resistant.