Airbag control unit with part number 89170-53210

What does the airbag control unit 89170-53210 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-53210 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Lexus. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in the event of an accident, decides within a fraction of a second which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

While driving, the unit monitors the restraint system continuously. If it detects a fault, it indicates this via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. The next section explains the causes.

Why does the control unit 89170-53210 fail?

With the 89170-53210, stored crash data after an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Whether a component, a solder joint or a connector is affected in a particular unit only becomes clear when it is tested on the test bench.

How can you tell that the 89170-53210 is defective?

A fault shows up as the airbag warning light, as fault messages in the instrument cluster, as no connection to the diagnostic tool, or as a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to deploy in an emergency.

In detail, these signs stand out:

• The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or only intermittently.
• A fault message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

The warning light therefore reports the condition itself. Only the reading of the fault memory shows whether the control unit is actually defective.

Which vehicles is the 89170-53210 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-53210 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus IS XE20 (2005-2009) and XE20 Facelift (2010-2013).

The following vehicles are listed in the overview:

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

Two checks are recommended before removal. Firstly, compare the part number on the label of the unit with this page, which only confirms whether it is the right unit. Secondly, read out the fault memory, which shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector 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 89170-53210 work?

With the 89170-53210, first read out the fault memory and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. The unit then goes back to you.

Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days to process the unit. 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 89170-53210 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 89170-53210 to Airbag24 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Include the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.