What is a Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit?
The Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit is the central safety unit in the vehicle, precisely activating all occupant restraint systems in the event of a collision. It continuously monitors sensors, stores important crash data, and ensures the proper functioning of all airbag modules and seatbelt pretensioners in the vehicle, which is critical for safety.
This electronic control unit is responsible for airbag deployment and monitoring the entire Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
It processes signals from various sensors to deploy the airbags in a timely manner in an emergency and protect the occupants.
Why is the Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit defective?
A Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit can fail for a variety of reasons, often due to internal errors, stored crash data after an accident, or age-related wear and tear. Because it's the central control unit, any failure will result in an illuminated SRS warning light and require a professional Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit repair to restore safety.
Common causes are internal circuit errors or defective memory that prevent proper function.
After an impact, the control unit stores crash data, which requires replacement or a professional reset to ensure full functionality.
Corrosion caused by water ingress or a power failure can also cause the control unit to break down and require professional diagnosis and repair.
Common error codes for Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit repair
A faulty Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit will display specific error codes that allow for accurate diagnosis and indicate the need for a Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit repair. These B-codes typically indicate internal control unit problems or communication errors and must be professionally read and corrected to restore the airbag system to full functionality.
- B1000 → Control unit communication error → Cause: No or faulty communication between the airbag ECU and other vehicle systems or sensors.
- B1861 → Open circuit knee airbag (driver's side) → Cause: Open circuit in the circuit of the knee airbag on the driver's side, often due to a problem internal to the control unit.
- B0100 → Internal error airbag control unit → Cause: Generalized, unspecified internal defect of the control unit itself, which makes a Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit repair necessary.
- B0138 → Driver seat belt detection error → Cause: Problem in the driver seat belt detection circuit, often an internal control unit problem or faulty signal processing.
- B1098 → Internal self-test error of the control unit → Cause: The control unit detected a malfunction during an internal self-test and is therefore broken.
- B1651 → Faulty internal memory function → Cause: The internal memory of the control unit, e.g. for crash data or configuration, is damaged.
What part numbers are available for the Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit repair?
For Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit repairs, specific OEM part numbers from the manufacturer Lexus are relevant, ensuring exact compatibility and are essential for a successful repair. Correct identification of the part number is crucial to correcting the failure and ensuring that the replaced or repaired control unit optimally integrates with the vehicle, restoring full functionality of the airbag system.
The following part numbers are 100% verified and suitable for the airbag control unit of the Lexus RX AL20 (especially RX 350):
- 89170-0E021
- 891700E021
- 891700E020
- 8917048210
- 8917048211
- 891700E100
These numbers ensure the correct selection of the control unit, whether for a replacement or a targeted Lexus RX AL20 airbag control unit repair in the workshop.
Validating these OEM part numbers is critical for accurate diagnosis and successful troubleshooting.