Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48890

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48890 do?

The 89170-48890 is the airbag control unit for the restraint system (SRS) in Lexus vehicles. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, selects the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in a crash, and checks the system continuously.

It shows detected faults via the airbag warning light. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit works in the background, which is why it is worth keeping an eye on the warning light.

Why does the control unit 89170-48890 fail?

Stored crash data from an accident are the most common cause of a failure, even if no airbag has triggered. Further causes are aged components, dry joints, moisture and corrosion on plugs, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

Crash data do not disappear with a standard diagnostic tool. At Airbag24 they are erased during the repair.

Whether any of the other causes is present is established by the examination on the test bench.

How can you tell that the 89170-48890 is defective?

A defect is recognisable from an illuminated airbag warning light, from error messages in the instrument cluster, from a diagnostic tool without connection and from a fault memory that cannot be emptied. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger.

• Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or flickers
• Error message on the instrument cluster display
• Diagnostic tool does not find the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be reset

A single one of these signs is enough to have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48890 fitted in?

The 89170-48890 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX AL20 (2015-2019).

The following vehicles are on record for this part number:

• Lexus RX AL20 (2015-2019)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you can identify the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out before removal, because only the log shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-0E021, 89170-48210, 89170-48211, 891700000000000016768827392, 89170000000000005112856576.

How does the repair of the 89170-48890 work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 89170-48890. Next create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 usually needs 3–4 working days for checking, repairing and testing.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. The unit is then returned 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 89170-48890 get to Airbag24?

You send the 89170-48890 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-resistant.