Airbag control unit with part number 98221AJ25A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AJ25A do?

The airbag control unit 98221AJ25A is the control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the crash sensors, determines in a crash within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. It shows faults via the airbag warning light.

The monitoring covers the sensors, the wiring and the trigger elements. These parts are checked for plausibility on an ongoing basis.

After a crash the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221AJ25A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has been triggered. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible.

Crash data stays stored in the unit, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot remove it. During the repair Airbag24 erases this data.

Aged components, cold solder joints and moisture at plugs affect the electronics directly. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, put additional strain on them. Which of these causes is present in an individual case is shown only by the examination.

How can you tell that the 98221AJ25A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. An error message appears in the instrument cluster, and the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit. In addition, the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The warning light shows the finding directly. Anyone who heeds it does not have to search long for the fault, because the control unit reports it itself.

As long as the fault exists, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency. Please therefore have the fault memory read out promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221AJ25A fitted in?

The control unit 98221AJ25A is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BR (2009-2014) and BM (2009-2014); Subaru Outback BR (2009-2014).

The vehicles on file are listed here:

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

Two steps help before you send the unit in. Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so you know it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, because only this 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, 98221AJ000, 98221AJ010.

How does the repair of the 98221AJ25A work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

At Airbag24 the unit is checked on the test bench, and defective components are replaced. Afterwards Airbag24 erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Checking, repairing and testing usually takes 3–4 working days at Airbag24. After that 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 98221AJ25A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Print the repair order and put it into the parcel. Pack the unit shock-proof.