Airbag control unit with part number 98221AJ300

What does the airbag control unit 98221AJ300 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AJ300 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously.

Even without an accident, the unit checks the connected components, such as sensors, cables and plugs.

It stores any fault it detects and reports it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself. Only the repair lifts the lock.

Why does the control unit 98221AJ300 fail?

The most common cause of the 98221AJ300 is crash data stored after an accident, even without a triggered airbag. Further causes are ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be deleted with a normal diagnostic tool. Airbag24 deletes it in the course of the repair.

The other causes lie in the electronics itself or at its connections. Components age, solder joints can have gone cold, and moisture attacks contacts. Voltage spikes, for example when a battery is weak or a jump start is performed, additionally stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221AJ300 is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster and through error messages there. The diagnostic tool also finds no connection to the 98221AJ300, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

Typical signs are:

• The airbag warning light stays on constantly or intermittently.
• An error message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool does not establish a connection to the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

In such a case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency. The finding should therefore be checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221AJ300 fitted in?

The 98221AJ300 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BM (2009-2014) and BR (2009-2014); Subaru Outback BR (2009-2014).

The overview below lists the vehicles assigned to 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. This is only a check that it is the right unit. Beforehand, have the fault memory read out, because only then does it show 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 98221AJ300 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the parcel. Then disconnect the battery before you remove the 98221AJ300. Next, create the repair order online and pack the unit carefully.

Airbag24 then checks the unit on the test bench. Defective components are repaired, the stored crash data is deleted and a function test is carried out. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

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 98221AJ300 get to Airbag24?

You send the 98221AJ300 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit shockproof.