Airbag control unit with part number 89170-53100

What does the airbag control unit 89170-53100 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-53100 brings the restraint system (SRS) together in Lexus. It evaluates the crash sensors, determines within fractions of a second which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

If a fault is detected, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster comes on. The unit works without any action on the part of the driver.

Why does the control unit 89170-53100 fail?

The most common cause for the 89170-53100 is stored crash data after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. An ordinary diagnostic tool cannot remove the data. In addition there are ageing electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start.

The data belongs to the event and therefore stays in the memory. Reading it out leaves the memory untouched.

The other causes tend to develop gradually. Electronics age, solder joints become brittle, and water and salt attack the contacts. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, strain the circuits suddenly.

How can you tell that the 89170-53100 is defective?

A defect in the 89170-53100 shows up as an airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently, a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without a connection, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not deploy.

The warning light is the system's direct feedback. If you ignore it, a fault the system has detected goes unaddressed.

A missing connection to the diagnostic tool is also a sign not to be neglected. Whether the cause lies in the control unit or in the wiring must be established by the check.

Which vehicles is the 89170-53100 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-53100 is fitted in the following vehicles: Lexus IS XE20 (2005-2009) and XE20 Facelift (2010-2013).

This list shows the vehicles for which the number is recorded:

• Lexus IS XE20 (2005-2009)
• Lexus IS XE20 Facelift (2010-2013)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page ensures that you have the correct unit. The actual answer, whether the control unit is defective or a connector or cable is the cause, comes only from the fault memory, which you have read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 89170-53110, 89170-53480, 89170-53490, 89170-53540, 89170-53560, 89170-53570.

How does the repair of the 89170-53100 work?

First have the fault memory of the 89170-53100 read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Finally create a repair order online and pack the unit well before you send it.

At Airbag24 the unit is tested on the test bench, defective components are repaired and stored crash data is removed. A function test concludes the work, after which your own unit comes back to you.

At Airbag24 these tasks generally take 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 89170-53100 get to Airbag24?

You can send the control unit 89170-53100 as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. UPS handles the return after the repair.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit should be packed shock-proof.