Airbag control unit with part number 98221AN00B

What does the airbag control unit 98221AN00B do?

The 98221AN00B is the airbag control unit, that is, the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, determines in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks its own condition continuously.

The fault indication runs via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring is an ongoing task in the background that runs throughout every journey.

Why does the control unit 98221AN00B fail?

Stored crash data from an earlier accident is the most common cause of the 98221AN00B, even if no airbag has deployed. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

A usual diagnostic tool cannot remove this crash data, because it lies deeper in the memory than a readout reaches. The finding therefore remains in the unit.

The other causes concern the electronics themselves and their surroundings. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or a jump start, and the inspection of the unit determines in each case whether they apply.

How can you tell that the 98221AN00B is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up on the 98221AN00B permanently or intermittently, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. In addition, the fault memory cannot be cleared, or the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit.

In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency, and that is exactly what the warning light is meant to signal. Have such a finding checked promptly, without postponing it.

Even if the vehicle seems unremarkable in everyday use, the warning light remains the most reliable indication of the state of the system.

Which vehicles is the 98221AN00B fitted in?

The control unit 98221AN00B is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SK Facelift (from 2021) and SK (2018-2021).

The vehicles known to us for this part number are listed below.

• Subaru Forester SK Facelift (from 2021)
• Subaru Forester SK (2018-2021)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. That only confirms that you have the right unit in front of you. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because this result shows whether the control unit is faulty or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221-SJ370, 98221AN00A, 98221AN00D, 98221AN00E, 98221AN01A, 98221AN01D.

How does the repair of the 98221AN00B work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 98221AN00B; afterwards create a repair order online and pack the unit well. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test, after which your own unit is returned. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

The log helps the inspection, because it records the stored faults.

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 98221AN00B get to Airbag24?

Either you send the 98221AN00B in as a parcel or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return journey after the repair is also made by UPS.

Place the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.