Airbag control unit with part number 89170-53230

What does the airbag control unit 89170-53230 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-53230 controls the restraint system (SRS) for Lexus. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, determines in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire, and monitors the system continuously.

It shows faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

The continuous monitoring is meant to detect faults while the vehicle is being driven. A fault in the control unit therefore affects the entire restraint system.

Why does the control unit 89170-53230 fail?

Most often the cause is crash data stored in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Airbag24 erases the crash data during the repair, so that it is no longer stored in the unit afterwards. The other causes concern the electronics themselves and their connections.

Aged components and cold solder joints are typical weak points. Moisture and corrosion at plug connections worsen the contact, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start, can stress the circuits.

How can you tell that the 89170-53230 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or at times, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

With these signs, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not fire in an emergency. Therefore have the finding checked promptly.

The light shows the fault as soon as the system detects it.

Which vehicles is the 89170-53230 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 89170-53230 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus IS XE20 (2005-2009) and XE20 Facelift (2010-2013).

The list below shows the vehicles assigned to this part number.

• 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 only confirms that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is shown only by 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 89170-53230 work?

Read out the fault memory first and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 needs usually 3–4 working days for checking, repair and function test.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. The unit then 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 89170-53230 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 it back by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel. Pack the unit shock-proof.