Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL01A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL01A do?

The 98221AL01A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the crash sensors, selects within milliseconds the suitable airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for triggering, and monitors the system without interruption. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The device is connected to all sensors and triggers and reports its status continuously. The system works only through the interplay of these parts.

Why does the control unit 98221AL01A fail?

The most common cause with 98221AL01A is stored crash data after an accident, even without a deployed airbag, which a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase. Other causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or jump-starting.

• Ageing of electronic components
• Cold solder joints
• Moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• Voltage spikes, for example from jump-starting or a weak battery

The crash data is therefore a sensible starting point for the fault search.

How can you tell that the 98221AL01A is defective?

A defect in the 98221AL01A becomes visible in the instrument cluster, because the airbag warning light lights up permanently or intermittently and a fault message appears. In addition, a diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

• Airbag warning light lights up permanently
• Airbag warning light lights up only intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be erased

A single sign is enough to have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL01A fitted in?

The control unit 98221AL01A 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). The list refers to the part number, not to the vehicle name alone.

The overview of vehicles recorded for this number follows below.

• 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)

Match the number on the label of the removed device with this page; this only confirms that it is the correct device. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only its result 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 98221AL01A work?

First read out the fault memory and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98221AL01A. Create a repair order online and send the device in well packed.

Airbag24 examines the submitted device on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Then your own device is sent back. 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 98221AL01A get to Airbag24?

You send the 98221AL01A as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 gives it back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel, and pack the device so that it arrives undamaged.