Airbag control unit with part number 89170-53160

What does the airbag control unit 89170-53160 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-53160 is the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) in Lexus. It processes the data from the crash sensors, decides in an accident on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously.

In case of a fault, the unit switches on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself; the lock is lifted only by the repair.

The electronics must work without delay in an emergency. Monitoring therefore runs without a break, and every fault in this chain is safety-relevant.

Why does the control unit 89170-53160 fail?

For this 89170-53160 the most common cause is stored crash data from an accident, even if no airbag deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Other causes at a glance:

• Aged electronic components.
• Cold solder joints.
• Moisture and corrosion on plug connections.
• Voltage spikes, for example from a jump start or a weak battery.

The entry is made in the control unit itself and is independent of whether the airbags triggered. That is why it is the most obvious starting point for troubleshooting.

How can you tell that the 89170-53160 is defective?

A defect on the 89170-53160 shows itself through the airbag warning light when it stays on constantly or intermittently. Also present may be a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without a connection to the control unit and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In this case airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

Typical signs at a glance:

• The airbag warning light stays on.
• A fault message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

These signs are clear enough to start a check. An early check creates clarity before you take bigger steps.

Which vehicles is the 89170-53160 fitted in?

The information serves to assign this part number to vehicles. The control unit 89170-53160 is fitted in the following vehicles: Lexus IS XE20 (2005-2009) and XE20 Facelift (2010-2013).

The vehicles in detail:

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

A comparison of the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page shows that it is the right unit. The cause is not established by this comparison. Only the fault memory, read out beforehand, 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 89170-53110, 89170-53480, 89170-53490, 89170-53540, 89170-53560, 89170-53570.

How does the repair of the 89170-53160 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit 89170-53160. Afterwards create a repair order online and send the unit well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

The unit is checked on the test bench and defective components are replaced. Stored crash data is deleted, and a function test concludes the repair before your own unit goes back 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 89170-53160 get to Airbag24?

The control unit 89170-53160 goes to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-proof.