Airbag control unit with part number 89170-53030

What does the airbag control unit 89170-53030 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-53030 coordinates the restraint system (SRS) in Lexus vehicles. It reads the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. At the same time it monitors all components continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

In an emergency this evaluation has to be faster than any human reaction. The unit therefore works without pause in the background, even if the driver notices nothing of it.

After a crash, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 89170-53030 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored from an accident, even without airbags being triggered. A usual diagnostic tool cannot erase this data. Other causes are ageing of the electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

Stored crash data is the most frequent reason for a lock-out. It is created even by an impact in which the airbag stayed quiet, and it remains in the unit.

Ageing of the components and cold solder joints on the circuit board lead to faults that are hard to reproduce. Moisture and corrosion at the plugs make this problem worse.

Voltage spikes from the vehicle electrical system arise from a weak battery or from connecting a jump start. A check of the battery and plugs is therefore part of the fault search.

How can you tell that the 89170-53030 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and a fault message also appears in the instrument cluster. If the diagnostic tool has no connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared, a defect is also likely. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

The warning light is the most important sign. Constant light or flashing shows that the system has detected a fault and remains a warning signal until the cause is clarified.

A fault message in the instrument cluster confirms the finding. A fault memory that cannot be cleared additionally shows that the fault is fixed in the unit.

Which vehicles is the 89170-53030 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-53030 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus IS XE10 (1998-2001) and XE10 Facelift (2001-2005). The list shows whether your model is included.

The vehicles in detail:

• Lexus IS XE10 (1998-2001)
• Lexus IS XE10 Facelift (2001-2005)

Comparing the part number on the label with this page only shows that you have the right unit in front of you. Whether it is defective is clarified only by reading out the fault memory. Make sure this step is carried out before removal.

How does the repair of the 89170-53030 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 tests it, repairs it and runs a function test before it is returned.

The sequence is binding for safety reasons and should not be changed.

At Airbag24 the unit is examined on the test bench, defective components are replaced and the function test completes the repair. You then receive your own unit back. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

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 89170-53030 get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof.