Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48590

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48590 do?

The 89170-48590 is the SRS control unit for Lexus. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an emergency within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the entire system without pause.

If the system detects a fault, it shows this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. The light is therefore the device's direct feedback to the driver.

If the unit registers an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself afterwards.

Why does the control unit 89170-48590 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. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connections and voltage spikes also play a role.

Crash data is created regardless of whether anything visibly triggered. A diagnostic tool does not reach the stored information, so the fault remains unclear without further checks.

The other causes concern the ageing of the electronics and moisture at the contacts. Voltage spikes arise, for example, with a weak battery or a jump start, and cold solder joints on the circuit board can cause intermittent contacts.

How can you tell that the 89170-48590 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. Added to this are a fault message in the instrument cluster, no connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

In this case the warning light is the signal you will notice first. As soon as it lights up, have the fault read out promptly.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger, so an early check is advisable.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48590 fitted in?

The 89170-48590 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX AL10 Facelift (2012-2015) and AL10 (2009-2012).

Here are the known vehicles for this part number:

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

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only shows that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is decided only by the fault memory read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1503001853, 8917048380.

How does the repair of the 89170-48590 work?

First have the fault memory read out, enclose the log and then disconnect the battery before removing the control unit. Then create a repair order online.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and runs a function test. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, after which your own unit comes 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 89170-48590 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit so that it withstands knocks.