Airbag control unit with part number 98221AJ140

What does the airbag control unit 98221AJ140 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AJ140 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. In an accident it decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

To do this it evaluates the signals from the crash sensors. At the same time it monitors the entire system continuously. If it detects a fault, it shows it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. This ongoing monitoring therefore works not only in an emergency but permanently in the background, for as long as the vehicle is powered.

Why does the control unit 98221AJ140 fail?

The most common cause of failure on the 98221AJ140 is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

That no airbag has triggered therefore does not mean the unit has stored nothing. The crash data remains in memory, and an ordinary diagnostic tool cannot remove it.

The other causes mainly concern the electronics themselves. Components age, solder joints can be cold, and moisture attacks plug connectors. A weak battery or jump-starting can change the voltage briefly so sharply that the electronics are damaged.

How can you tell that the 98221AJ140 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or from time to time. In addition a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, and the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit.

A fault memory that cannot be cleared is also a sign of a problem. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger, so it is important to have it checked as soon as the light comes on.

If you notice any of these signs, do not treat the vehicle as a routine case. The warning light shows the defect, and that is exactly its purpose.

Which vehicles is the 98221AJ140 fitted in?

The 98221AJ140 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BM (2009-2014) and BR (2009-2014); Subaru Outback BR (2009-2014).

The following list shows the vehicles that Airbag24 has stored for this part number.

• Subaru Legacy BM (2009-2014)
• Subaru Legacy BR (2009-2014)
• Subaru Outback BR (2009-2014)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That only ensures you have the right unit in front of you. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 150300-2150, 150300-2151, 150300-4650, 150300-4670, 98221AE040, 98221AG260.

How does the repair of the 98221AJ140 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery. Only after that remove the control unit and create a repair order online. Processing at Airbag24 takes 3–4 working days.

For safety reasons this order is mandatory. Removing the control unit before disconnecting the battery risks an unintended triggering, so the sequence applies without exception.

Then pack the unit well and send it in. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is returned 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 98221AJ140 get to Airbag24?

You send in the unit 98221AJ140 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns the unit to you by UPS.

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