Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48A60

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48A60 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-48A60 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Lexus. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

During operation, the unit monitors the entire system continuously. Sensors, wiring and output stages are checked in the process, and every deviation is recorded in the fault memory.

After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. This state makes it a special case during repair, which Airbag24 handles separately.

Why does the control unit 89170-48A60 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 electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, are also possible causes.

Crash data is created even when no airbag is triggered in the event. The unit records the process, and the entry remains until it is erased during the repair.

Aged components and cold solder joints lose reliability over time. Moisture and corrosion at the plug connections also disturb the signal paths.

Voltage spikes stress the electronics when the battery is weak or the vehicle is jump-started.

How can you tell that the 89170-48A60 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In such a state, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

The warning light shows a detected fault, regardless of whether you are driving. If it does not go out after switching on the ignition, there is a fault that must be checked.

A missing connection for the diagnostic tool is another warning sign that makes finding the cause harder.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48A60 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 89170-48A60 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX AL20 (2015-2019). The selection shows the models in which this unit has been verified.

The list of vehicles follows for classification.

• Lexus RX AL20 (2015-2019)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you know for certain it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this log shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

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

How does the repair of the 89170-48A60 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit 89170-48A60, create a repair order online and send the packed unit in. Testing, repair and the function test at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 tests the unit on the test bench, and defective components are repaired. Stored crash data is erased, followed by a function test. Afterwards your own unit is 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 89170-48A60 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel to Airbag24 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 control unit shock-proof.