Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL280

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL280 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AL280 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, determines in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Faults are reported by the airbag warning light. The electronics check sensors, wiring and seatbelt pretensioners continuously, so that the system works reliably in an emergency.

Precisely because triggering must happen so quickly, every detected fault must be taken seriously.

Why does the control unit 98221AL280 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even without a deployed airbag; a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

The further causes at a glance:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture and corrosion at plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

The crash data remains in the unit even if the vehicle continues to be driven normally after the accident.

How can you tell that the 98221AL280 is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light, through error messages in the instrument cluster and through a diagnostic tool with no connection to the control unit. If the fault memory cannot be cleared, that also confirms a problem. In that state airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not trigger in an emergency.

Typical signs are:

• airbag warning light on permanently or intermittently
• error message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool does not find the control unit
• fault memory cannot be cleared

Each of these signs justifies a prompt check of the restraint system.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL280 fitted in?

The control unit 98221AL280 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 part number is decisive for the assignment.

The vehicles assigned to this part number 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)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand as well, because only that 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 98221AL280 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Testing, repair and function test at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Finally 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 98221AL280 get to Airbag24?

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

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