Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL00A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL00A do?

The airbag control unit 98221AL00A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds on triggering airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. It indicates faults via the airbag warning light.

The unit checks the system throughout operation, as long as the ignition is on, and keeps the results ready for diagnosis.

After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself. The lock is only lifted by the repair.

Why does the control unit 98221AL00A fail?

Crash data stored after an accident is the most common cause of problems with the 98221AL00A, even without an airbag being triggered. Components that age, dry solder joints, dampness and corrosion on the plugs, and voltage spikes also play a part.

The further causes in detail:

• ageing electronic components
• dry solder joints
• moisture and corrosion on plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

Crash data cannot be deleted with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Airbag24 deletes it during the repair.

How can you tell that the 98221AL00A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently and thus indicates the fault on the 98221AL00A. This is accompanied by a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without connection, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger. Take this warning seriously and have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL00A fitted in?

You check whether your own vehicle matches by using the list. The control unit 98221AL00A is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BN (2014-2017), BN Facelift (2017-2020), BS (2014-2017) and BS Facelift (2017-2020); Subaru Outback BS Facelift (2018-2021) and BS (2015-2018).

These are the vehicles in detail:

• Subaru Legacy BN (2014-2017)
• Subaru Legacy BN Facelift (2017-2020)
• Subaru Legacy BS (2014-2017)
• Subaru Legacy BS Facelift (2017-2020)
• Subaru Outback BS Facelift (2018-2021)
• Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; that only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read before removal, because only that 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 98221AL07A, 98221AN00A, 98221AN00E, 98221AN01A, 98221AN01D, 98221AN10A.

How does the repair of the 98221AL00A work?

First have the fault memory of the 98221AL00A read and attach the log to the parcel. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Create the repair order online and send the unit in, well packed.

At Airbag24, the unit is examined on the test bench, defective components are repaired, and a function test completes the work. Airbag24 also deletes stored crash data before your own unit is sent back.

Processing takes 3–4 working days as a rule. 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 98221AL00A get to Airbag24?

The 98221AL00A is sent in as a parcel, or with a UPS collection that you book for an extra charge. Once the repair is complete, UPS brings the unit back to you.

Make sure the printed repair order is in the parcel and the unit is packed shock-resistant.