Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL220

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL220 do?

The 98221AL220 is the SRS control unit for Subaru. It analyses the signals from the crash sensors, decides in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the restraint system continuously. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself.

The monitoring runs in the background. The unit reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 98221AL220 fail?

The most common cause with the 98221AL220 is crash data stored after a crash, even if no airbag was deployed; a normal diagnostic tool does not make it disappear. Other causes are ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plugs, and voltage spikes.

Stored crash data is the most common explanation, because it remains in the unit after the incident and cannot be removed by normal means.

Ageing electronics and cold solder joints lead to intermittent faults. Moisture and corrosion at the plug connections create transition resistances.

Voltage spikes occur, for example, with a weak battery or when starting with external power, and can impair the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221AL220 is defective?

The airbag warning light lights up continuously or intermittently, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, and the diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit. In addition, the fault memory cannot be cleared. In these cases the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger in an emergency.

• Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, continuously or intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between the diagnostic tool and the 98221AL220
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

This indication cannot be ignored. Anyone who overlooks it drives with a system whose function is not assured.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL220 fitted in?

To check whether the unit suits your car, use the details on this page. The 98221AL220 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 models are listed in this overview:

• 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)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page ensures that it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, as only this 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 98221AL220 work?

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. Beforehand, have the fault memory read out, attach the log and disconnect the battery. Then remove the 98221AL220 and create a repair order online.

Airbag24 tests the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components and erases stored crash data. A function test follows before the unit, which is your own, is returned.

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 98221AL220 get to Airbag24?

You send the 98221AL220 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return shipment is made by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.