Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48D20

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48D20 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-48D20 is the control unit of the restraint system in Lexus vehicles. It reads the signals from the sensors, determines in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system constantly.

In an emergency the result must be available within fractions of a second. To achieve this, the unit works continuously with the sensor values and evaluates them.

If the system reports a fault, the airbag warning light appears. After an accident the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 89170-48D20 fail?

The most common reason for the control unit 89170-48D20 is that crash data has been stored after an accident, even if no airbag was deployed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes.

Storage does not depend on whether an airbag deploys. The other causes concern the electronics and their connections.

Voltage spikes can occur, for example, with a weak battery or when jump-starting. Which cause applies in an individual case is shown by the inspection.

How can you tell that the 89170-48D20 is defective?

A defect in the 89170-48D20 shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster staying on permanently or intermittently. A fault message or a lack of contact from the diagnostic tool also points to this. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy.

The typical signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light on permanently or intermittently,
• Fault message in the instrument cluster,
• Diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit,
• Fault memory cannot be cleared.

Watch the light after switching on the ignition. If it stays on, have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48D20 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 89170-48D20 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX AL20 Facelift (2019-2022) and AL20 (2015-2019). What matters is comparing the part number on the unit with this page.

The vehicles in which this control unit occurs are listed below.

• Lexus RX AL20 Facelift (2019-2022)
• Lexus RX AL20 (2015-2019)

You carry out the label check to recognise the correct unit. The cause, by contrast, can only be clarified by reading out the fault memory beforehand, because it shows whether the control unit or a plug or cable is affected.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-0E021, 89170-0E260, 89170-48490, 89170-48890, 89170-48A00, 89170-48A10.

How does the repair of the 89170-48D20 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log; only then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit 89170-48D20. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 usually needs 3–4 working days to process it.

After receipt Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, renews defective components, deletes crash data and carries out 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 89170-48D20 get to Airbag24?

A parcel with the control unit 89170-48D20 goes to Airbag24, or alternatively you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends the unit back via UPS.

The repair order goes into the parcel, printed out. Pack the unit shock-proof so that it arrives undamaged.