Airbag control unit with part number 98221AJ190

What does the airbag control unit 98221AJ190 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AJ190 forms the central switching point of the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru. From the values of the crash sensors, it calculates within a fraction of a second whether an accident requires triggering, and then controls the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

In normal operation, it monitors the system without a break. If it detects a fault, it stores it and makes it visible via the airbag warning light.

An accident leaves crash data in the unit, and afterwards it locks itself. This entry is important for later fault finding.

Why does the control unit 98221AJ190 fail?

The most common cause is that crash data was stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. The 98221AJ190 can fail as a result, even if it looks undamaged from the outside.

Besides the crash data, further causes come into consideration:

• aged electronic components in the control unit
• moisture and corrosion on the plugs
• voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start
• cold solder joints

Crash data stays inaccessible to an ordinary diagnostic tool, so it cannot be removed there. Which cause applies to your unit is shown only by the examination.

How can you tell that the 98221AJ190 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster indicates the defect on the 98221AJ190, either continuously or intermittently. Accompanying signs are error messages in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not be able to trigger. The warning therefore cannot be put off.

From the outside, you cannot tell which part is causing the fault, because neither the control unit nor the wiring shows this visibly. This requires reading out the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 98221AJ190 fitted in?

The 98221AJ190 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BM (2009-2014) and BR (2009-2014); Subaru Outback BR (2009-2014).

The overview shows which models these are.

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

On the one hand, compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only confirms that it is the right unit. On the other hand, have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the result shows whether the control unit or 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 98221AJ190 work?

First, have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit 98221AJ190. Next create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards, Airbag24 sends your own unit back to you.

For checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24, 3–4 working days are usually planned. Removal, sending in and shipping are not included in this time.

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 98221AJ190 get to Airbag24?

You can send the control unit 98221AJ190 yourself as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Pack the unit shockproof and enclose the printed repair order.