Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL25A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL25A do?

As the central control unit, the airbag control unit 98221AL25A coordinates the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides in a crash within milliseconds on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. It shows faults via the airbag warning light.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

The system works constantly in the background.

Why does the control unit 98221AL25A fail?

Most often the cause lies in crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered; normal diagnostic tools cannot erase it. The control unit 98221AL25A can also fail for other reasons, such as ageing, cold solder joints or moisture.

Other causes at a glance:

• Ageing electronic components
• Cold solder joints
• Moisture and corrosion on plug connections
• Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 98221AL25A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently when there is a defect on the control unit 98221AL25A. A fault message in the instrument cluster, no connection of the diagnostic tool to the control unit or a fault memory that cannot be cleared also indicate this. In an emergency the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The light is the system's visible message to the driver and therefore deserves attention.

A diagnostic tool can read out the fault memory, which provides further details.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL25A fitted in?

The control unit 98221AL25A 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).

This overview shows which models are affected:

• 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)

Compare the imprint on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only establishes that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the result shows whether the control unit is defective or 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 98221AL25A work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98221AL25A. Next, create a repair order online and pack the unit well before sending it in.

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

The unit then 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 98221AL25A get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221AL25A to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

The repair order is printed out and goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shockproof.