Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48510

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48510 do?

As the central element, the airbag control unit 89170-48510 controls the restraint system (SRS) in Lexus. It checks the signals from the crash sensors and determines in an accident, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger.

While driving, the unit monitors the system components without interruption. If it detects a malfunction, it shows it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. The storage takes place regardless of whether an airbag actually deployed.

Why does the control unit 89170-48510 fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data after an accident, even if no airbag deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Crash data remains stored in the control unit until it is erased during repair. No airbag needs to have deployed in the accident for this to happen.

Ageing electronic components and cold solder joints lead to intermittent faults over time. Moisture and corrosion attack the contacts in plug connections.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, can damage the electronics.

How can you tell that the 89170-48510 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared. In such cases, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency.

The airbag warning light is the vehicle's direct indication of a fault in the restraint system. It shows the fault as soon as the control unit registers it.

If the light does not go out after starting, have the fault memory checked. This will clarify which fault is present.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48510 fitted in?

The 89170-48510 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX AL10 Facelift (2012-2015) and AL10 (2009-2012).

The following vehicles are known to us for this part number:

• Lexus RX AL10 Facelift (2012-2015)
• Lexus RX AL10 (2009-2012)

Before you send the unit in, two checks are worthwhile. Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only that 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 1503001853, 8917048380.

How does the repair of the 89170-48510 work?

For the 89170-48510, first read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24, testing, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 tests the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. The control unit then 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 89170-48510 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 89170-48510 in as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof before sending it.