Airbag control unit with part number 89170-48D60

What does the airbag control unit 89170-48D60 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-48D60 coordinates the SRS restraint system of Lexus. Using the crash sensors it measures the load and, within a few milliseconds, selects the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners that are to trigger. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs continuously. If the unit detects a fault, it reports it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The task of the control unit is therefore to detect faults and react at the right moment, not merely to pass on signals.

Why does the control unit 89170-48D60 fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag was triggered. Aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes in the vehicle electrics are also possible. Airbag24 removes the crash data during the repair of the 89170-48D60.

A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove this data, so the entry remains until the unit is processed.

The other causes tend to act gradually: ageing of components and cold solder joints worsen the function over time. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, occur at short notice.

How can you tell that the 89170-48D60 is defective?

The most important sign is the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which may light up permanently or only intermittently. In addition, the instrument cluster may show an error message, the diagnostic tool may find no connection to the 89170-48D60, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an accident, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners could therefore fail to trigger.

A light that comes on only intermittently also indicates a fault and should not be disregarded.

The error message alone does not name the cause. Only a read-out of the fault memory shows whether the control unit is affected or a wire is the cause.

Which vehicles is the 89170-48D60 fitted in?

The 89170-48D60 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus RX AL20 Facelift (2019-2022) and AL20 (2015-2019).

Here is the overview of the vehicles in which this control unit occurs.

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

Before removal, two steps make sense. Comparing the part number on the label with this page confirms that you have the correct unit. Having the fault memory read out beforehand is the step that shows whether the control unit itself is defective or a connector or cable is the cause.

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 89170-48D60 work?

The procedure begins with having the fault memory of the 89170-48D60 read out and enclosing the log. You then disconnect the battery, remove the unit and send it in well packed, after creating the repair order. At Airbag24, checking, repairing and testing together usually take 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24 the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are replaced, the crash data are erased and a function test is run.

After the function test the 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 89170-48D60 get to Airbag24?

You can send the 89170-48D60 in as a parcel, or alternatively book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After repair it returns to you by UPS.

Enclose the repair order in printed form and make sure the unit is packed shock-resistant.