Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL020

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL020 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AL020 is the link between the crash sensors and the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners of Subaru. In an accident, it assesses within fractions of a second which restraint devices to trigger, and continuously monitors the entire system.

If the unit detects a fault, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The warning light is where you will see a fault in the system first.

Why does the control unit 98221AL020 fail?

The most common cause with the 98221AL020 is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool. Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

Aged components and solder joints are among the causes, as is moisture at plug connectors. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, put additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221AL020 is defective?

A defect in the 98221AL020 can be recognised by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Other warning signs are a fault message, a diagnostic tool without a connection and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The warning signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light lights up permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool receives no connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In the event of a defect, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency. Please have the cause clarified promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL020 fitted in?

The 98221AL020 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:

• 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)

Matching the part number on the label with this page only ensures that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because the result alone 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 98221AL020 work?

With the 98221AL020, first have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Next comes disconnecting the battery; only after that is the control unit removed. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in packed; processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. Stored crash data is then erased and a function test carried out before 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 98221AL020 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221AL020 in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit shock-proof.