Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL26B

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL26B do?

The airbag control unit 98221AL26B controls the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru by polling the crash sensors and deciding which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger in an accident. The decision is made within milliseconds. After an accident the device stores crash data and locks itself.

It also monitors all components of the system continuously. If it detects a fault, it indicates this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The control unit is therefore responsible for ensuring that the system is ready in an emergency.

Why does the control unit 98221AL26B fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even without an airbag deploying. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at connectors, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

The control unit also stores crash data when no airbag has deployed. A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase this data. Airbag24 deletes it during the repair.

Aged components and cold solder joints can lead to failures over the years.

Moisture and corrosion at connectors impair the contact. Voltage spikes occur, for example, with a weak battery or when a jump start is carried out.

How can you tell that the 98221AL26B is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Other signs include a fault message, a diagnostic tool with no connection, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may therefore not deploy.

The warning light reports the defect even if the vehicle behaves inconspicuously in everyday use. Take the notice seriously and have a check carried out.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL26B fitted in?

With this part number, the control unit is fitted for Subaru 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 below is for orientation only and is not a check of the device.

• 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)

Hold the part number on the label of the removed unit next to this page, and you can see whether both match. This only confirms the unit, not the fault. The fault memory then shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause, and you should have it read out in advance.

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 98221AL26B work?

Have the fault memory read out first and enclose the log with the device. Then disconnect the battery, and only then remove the control unit. Online you create the repair order and send the device in well packed.

Airbag24 first examines the device on the test bench and replaces the defective components. Then comes a function test and the deletion of the stored crash data, before your own unit is returned to you.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. 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 98221AL26B get to Airbag24?

You ship the device as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns your repaired device by UPS in the same way.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof, so that it arrives undamaged.