Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL230

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL230 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AL230 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within fractions of a second on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and checks the system without interruption. It shows detected faults via the airbag warning light.

During operation, the evaluation runs in the background. The readings are compared with stored limits, and only an exceeded limit leads to triggering.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. The lock is only lifted by the repair.

Why does the control unit 98221AL230 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot clear it. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, are also possible causes.

Crash data remains in the unit after the accident, even if the vehicle drives on without visible damage. Clearing it with the diagnostic tool does not succeed.

The other causes lie in the electronics themselves. Components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion at plug connectors impairs the connection. Voltage spikes additionally act on the circuit and can trigger faults.

How can you tell that the 98221AL230 is defective?

A defect shows as an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster that lights permanently or intermittently, as an error message there, as a diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights permanently or intermittently when the system has detected a fault. An error message may also appear in the instrument cluster. If no connection to the control unit can be made, or the fault memory remains after a clearing attempt, that also points to a fault. Until it is clarified, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL230 fitted in?

The control unit 98221AL230 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).

For this control unit, the vehicles are listed 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)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective is not clarified by this comparison. Therefore have the fault memory read out beforehand, because the log shows whether the control unit is the cause or whether a plug or cable is causing the fault.

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 98221AL230 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24 the unit is tested on the test bench, defective components are replaced, stored crash data is deleted, and a function test follows. Afterwards your own unit goes back 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 98221AL230 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back by UPS. Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.

A stable packaging with padding protects the control unit along the entire transport route.