Airbag control unit with part number 98221AJ16A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AJ16A do?

The control unit 98221AJ16A forms the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, determines within milliseconds in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously.

If it detects a fault, it shows this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221AJ16A fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause: it arises after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed, and a standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains in the unit until Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

Aged components and cold solder joints cause contact problems that occur either constantly or only intermittently.

Moisture and corrosion disrupt signal transmission at the plugs, while voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, put additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221AJ16A is defective?

A defect in the 98221AJ16A shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster staying on permanently or intermittently, an error message, a missing connection of the diagnostic tool to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger.

The warning light is the clearest sign the vehicle gives. Whether it stays on constantly or only comes on now and then does not change the assessment: there is a fault in the restraint system, and it must be checked.

Which vehicles is the 98221AJ16A fitted in?

The control unit 98221AJ16A is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BR (2009-2014) and BM (2009-2014); Subaru Outback BR (2009-2014).

Airbag24 has recorded these models for this part number:

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

Comparing the part number on the label with this page only confirms that the removed unit is the right one. Whether it is actually defective is established by the fault memory you have read out before removal, because a connector or a cable can equally be the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 150300-2150, 150300-2151, 150300-4650, 150300-4670, 98221AJ000, 98221AJ010.

How does the repair of the 98221AJ16A work?

Have the fault memory read out and attach the log before you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases 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 98221AJ16A get to Airbag24?

You can send the control unit 98221AJ16A in as a parcel or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-proof.