Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48160

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48160 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-48160 coordinates the restraint system (SRS) in Lexus. It reads the sensors, calculates in a crash within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit detects faults itself and shows them via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

For the system to work reliably in an emergency, the control unit, sensors and wiring must all function properly.

Why does the control unit 89170-48160 fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an accident, even when no airbag was triggered. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, corrosion at plug connectors and voltage spikes.

• Aged electronic components
• Cold solder joints
• Corrosion at plug connectors
• Voltage spikes from a weak battery or jump-starting

Crash data cannot be removed with a conventional diagnostic tool, so even a restart or reset does not help.

Only reading out the fault memory shows whether one of these causes is present.

How can you tell that the 89170-48160 is defective?

A defect shows first on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. Added to this are error messages, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. Then airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

The light checks itself when the ignition is switched on. If it stays on afterwards, the system needs to be checked.

A loose plug or a damaged cable can cause the same display. The light alone therefore does not reveal what the cause is.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48160 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-48160 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX XU30 (2003-2006) and XU30 Facelift (2006-2009). The information refers to Lexus.

The vehicles concerned at a glance:

• Lexus RX XU30 (2003-2006)
• Lexus RX XU30 Facelift (2006-2009)

Compare the part number on the label of the unit with this page; this only tells you that you have the right unit. Have the fault memory read out before removal, because only this result 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 89170-48070, 89170-48090, 89170-48130, 8917048080.

How does the repair of the 89170-48160 work?

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

Airbag24 tests the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and runs a function test. Afterwards your own unit is returned to you.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days; this time applies only to testing, repairing and function-checking.

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 89170-48160 get to Airbag24?

A package goes to Airbag24, or alternatively UPS collects the unit for an extra charge. The return shipment after the repair is also by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the package, and pack the control unit so that it is shockproof.