Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL210

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL210 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AL210 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in the event of an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously.

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

Why does the control unit 98221AL210 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other possible causes in the 98221AL210 are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

Crash data is therefore the most frequent cause of problems because it stays in the memory. Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

The other causes relate mainly to age and environment. Electronic components deteriorate over the years, solder joints on the circuit board go cold and conduct poorly, and moisture and corrosion attack plug connectors.

Electrical stress can also cause damage. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or when connecting to a jump-start, put a strain on sensitive components.

How can you tell that the 98221AL210 is defective?

A defect in the 98221AL210 shows up first as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Other signs are an error message in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool having no connection to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy if there is a defect. The vehicle should therefore be checked promptly, even if it otherwise seems to run normally.

The warning in the instrument cluster is therefore not a chance finding, but the signal the control unit itself gives.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL210 fitted in?

This vehicle assignment belongs to part number 98221AL210. The airbag control unit 98221AL210 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 vehicles are listed in detail here:

• 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)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that you have the correct unit in front of you. Before removal, have the fault memory read out. Only that result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector 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 98221AL210 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit, and create a repair order online. Processing the repair of the 98221AL210 at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

The order of these steps is for your safety, so the battery must be disconnected before removal. Pack the unit well and then send it in.

At the test bench, Airbag24 checks the unit, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards 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 98221AL210 get to Airbag24?

You send the 98221AL210 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns the unit to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof, so that it is not damaged in transit.