Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL00B

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL00B do?

The airbag control unit 98221AL00B coordinates the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in a crash within milliseconds on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the entire system. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

During operation it reads the sensors and actuators continuously. It shows faults via the airbag warning light and stores them in the fault memory.

Why does the control unit 98221AL00B fail?

Stored crash data from an accident is the most common cause on the 98221AL00B, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Added to this are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connections and voltage spikes from a weak battery or jump-starting.

A control unit with this entry remains conspicuous in the vehicle until the crash data is erased during the repair.

The other causes involve wear and environmental influences. Solder joints and plug contacts react sensitively to moisture, and older components tolerate voltage fluctuations less well.

How can you tell that the 98221AL00B is defective?

A defect on the 98221AL00B is indicated by the airbag warning light, which may light up permanently or intermittently. In addition there are fault messages in the instrument cluster, no connection to the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

Taking the light seriously and having it checked promptly is what matters. That a fault only occurs intermittently does not mean it is resolved.

The fault memory keeps the entry on record, even if the display goes out again in the meantime.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL00B fitted in?

The 98221AL00B belongs to several vehicles from Subaru. It was 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).

The list below shows the assignment of this part number.

• 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 with this page before removal. That only confirms that you have the right unit. Whether the control unit itself is defective or a plug or a cable is the cause is shown only by reading out the fault memory beforehand.

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 98221AL00B work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 98221AL00B. Afterwards create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. At Airbag24, inspection, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components and erases stored crash data. A function test follows.

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 98221AL00B get to Airbag24?

You can send the 98221AL00B as a parcel or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings the unit back to you.

Enclose the printed repair order and pad the control unit so that it is packed shock-proof.