Airbag control unit with part number 89170-53660

What does the airbag control unit 89170-53660 do?

The airbag control unit 89170-53660 is the evaluation unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Lexus. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides in a crash whether the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself.

If it detects a fault, it records the error in memory and reports it via the airbag warning light. The light is therefore the first indication for the driver.

The control unit works in the background without pause, even when nothing can be seen from outside.

Why does the control unit 89170-53660 fail?

Most often the cause is crash data stored in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A standard diagnostic tool does not make it disappear. Added to this are aged electronics, cold solder joints, damp and rust at plugs, and voltage spikes.

Whether airbags deploy or not makes no difference to the stored data. Crash data arises in every accident.

The other causes concern the electronics and their surroundings: components age, cold solder joints form, and moisture acts on the contacts. Voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery, add further strain to the unit.

How can you tell that the 89170-53660 is defective?

A defect becomes visible when the airbag warning light lights up permanently or intermittently and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. In addition, the diagnostic tool does not connect to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be emptied. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The warning light is a direct signal from the vehicle. It goes out after starting; if it stays on, have the fault checked.

Even without the light, the connection to the control unit may be disturbed, and only the diagnostic tool can establish this.

Which vehicles is the 89170-53660 fitted in?

The control unit 89170-53660 is used in these vehicles: Lexus IS XE30 Facelift (2016-2020) and XE30 (2013-2016).

The list shows the models individually.

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

A comparison of the part number on the label with this page ensures that you have the correct unit in front of you. Whether the control unit itself is defective or a connector or cable is behind it is shown only by the fault memory. Read it out, therefore, before removal.

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 89170-53660 work?

First the fault memory is read out and the report attached to the order; then you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Afterwards you create the repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. At Airbag24, checking, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

On the test bench Airbag24 examines the unit. Defective components are replaced, stored crash data is erased, and the result is confirmed with a function test. Only then is your own unit returned.

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 89170-53660 get to Airbag24?

The route to Airbag24 is by parcel or by a UPS collection, which can be booked for an extra charge. The return journey is likewise made with UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and protect the unit with shockproof packaging.