Airbag control unit with part number 89170-53300

What does the airbag control unit 89170-53300 do?

At Lexus the airbag control unit 89170-53300 manages the restraint system (SRS). It processes the measurements from the crash sensors, decides in an emergency whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system without interruption. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

In the background the electronics continuously check their wiring and sensors. If a deviation is found, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster comes on.

The control unit with the part number 89170-53300 is the component that decides on warning and triggering. That is precisely why it must be properly checked in case of defects before anything is done to it.

Why does the control unit 89170-53300 fail?

Crash data from an earlier accident is the most common reason, even if no airbag fired; a standard diagnostic tool leaves it untouched. Also possible are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connectors, and voltage spikes. Airbag24 erases the crash data during the repair.

The crash data remain because the unit logged the event as an accident. Whether an airbag fired during it is not decisive for the memory.

A further group concerns the hardware. Electronic components age over time, and solder joints on the circuit board can lose contact.

Finally, the environment and the vehicle electrical system act on the unit. Moisture and corrosion on plug connectors, as well as voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or after a jump start, can cause faults.

How can you tell that the 89170-53300 is defective?

On the instrument cluster you recognise a defect when the airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently, when an error message appears, when the diagnostic tool gets no contact with the control unit, or when the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

The signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster on permanently or intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool receives no connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

A single sign is enough for a check, but it does not establish a precise cause.

Which vehicles is the 89170-53300 fitted in?

The part number 89170-53300 is fitted in these vehicles: Lexus IS XE30 Facelift (2016-2020) and XE30 (2013-2016). The label on the unit remains decisive.

Here follows the list of vehicles known to us.

• Lexus IS XE30 Facelift (2016-2020)
• Lexus IS XE30 (2013-2016)

Two steps are needed before removal. Comparing the label with this page confirms the right part. Reading the fault memory, by contrast, 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 89170-53250, 89170-53370, 89170-53700.

How does the repair of the 89170-53300 work?

It begins with reading out the fault memory with the attached log. Then you disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and request the repair order online. The well-packed unit goes to Airbag24, where it is checked, repaired, cleared of crash data and tested; processing there usually takes 3–4 working days.

The order on the vehicle has safety reasons, which is why removal follows only after the battery is disconnected.

At Airbag24 the time specification applies only to checking, repairing and testing. After the function test 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 89170-53300 get to Airbag24?

You can send the unit yourself as a parcel, or alternatively arrange a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 handles the return shipment by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and make sure the control unit is packed shockproof.