Airbag control unit with part number 98221AN01B

What does the airbag control unit 98221AN01B do?

The airbag control unit 98221AN01B is the central switching unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru. It reads the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the entire system. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light comes on.

After an accident the control unit stores crash data and then locks itself. It therefore works not only at the moment of triggering, but constantly.

Why does the control unit 98221AN01B fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag fired in the accident; an ordinary diagnostic tool does not make it disappear. In addition there are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or a jump start.

The fact that no airbag has deployed therefore does not mean that the control unit has stored nothing.

Environmental influences such as moisture and corrosion attack plug connectors, and voltage spikes additionally stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221AN01B is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster indicates a defect in the control unit 98221AN01B when it stays on permanently or intermittently. This is accompanied by a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared. Then airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy in an emergency.

Because a warning light that stays on permanently or comes on intermittently indicates a fault, have it checked promptly rather than ignoring the indicator.

Which vehicles is the 98221AN01B fitted in?

The list is based on our details for this part number. The control unit 98221AN01B is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SK Facelift (from 2021) and SK (2018-2021).

This part number has the following vehicles on record:

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

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page creates certainty that you have the correct unit in front of you. It does not clarify a cause. The fault memory, once read out, shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector 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 98221AN01B work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the order. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98221AN01B. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards the unit goes back to you.

For checking, repairing and testing, you should allow 3–4 working days at Airbag24 as a rule.

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 98221AN01B get to Airbag24?

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

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