Airbag control unit with part number 98221AG000

What does the airbag control unit 98221AG000 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AG000 is responsible for the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru vehicles. It reads the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident on airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit reports faults to the driver via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. The light is therefore the direct indication that something is wrong in the system.

Why does the control unit 98221AG000 fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data from an accident, even if no airbag has fired. Further triggers come from electronics and connections.

This data cannot be erased with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Airbag24 removes it during the repair.

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage peaks, for example after a jump-start

How can you tell that the 98221AG000 is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition there are fault messages in the instrument cluster, a disturbed connection to the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The light indicates that the system has detected a fault. Whether it burns constantly or only now and then makes no difference to the warning.

As long as the fault exists, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency. Therefore have the cause checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221AG000 fitted in?

The 98221AG000 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BL (2003-2006), BP (2003-2006), BL Facelift (2007-2009) and BP Facelift (2007-2009); Subaru Outback BP (2003-2007) and BP Facelift (2007-2009).

The individual vehicles are shown here:

• Subaru Legacy BL (2003-2006)
• Subaru Legacy BP (2003-2006)
• Subaru Legacy BL Facelift (2007-2009)
• Subaru Legacy BP Facelift (2007-2009)
• Subaru Outback BP (2003-2007)
• Subaru Outback BP Facelift (2007-2009)

On the one hand, comparing the part number on the label confirms that you have the correct unit. On the other hand, the fault memory is decisive: read out before removal, it shows whether the control unit is defective or whether the cause lies in a plug or cable.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1523006670, 1523008260, 1523008271, 1523008280, 98221AG060, 98221AG170.

How does the repair of the 98221AG000 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery before you remove the control unit 98221AG000. Next, create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit.

At Airbag24 the unit is tested on the test bench, defective components are replaced and the stored crash data is erased. A function test follows, and your own unit goes back to you. Testing, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

Please keep to this sequence, because it protects you during removal. 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 98221AG000 get to Airbag24?

The control unit 98221AG000 reaches Airbag24 either as a parcel or via a UPS collection booked for an extra charge. The return after the repair also runs via UPS.

Pack the printed repair order in, and pack the unit shock-proof.