Airbag control unit with part number 98221AN061

What does the airbag control unit 98221AN061 do?

The airbag control unit 98221AN061 is the switching point of the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru vehicles. It evaluates the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

During operation, the control unit checks the connections, the power supply and the output stages. It reports deviations to the airbag warning light.

Crash data remains stored in the unit, even if no airbag has fired.

Why does the control unit 98221AN061 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; it cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plugs, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Airbag24 erases the stored crash data during the repair. This cause is therefore eliminated as part of the order.

The other causes act mainly through the electronics themselves. Components age, solder joints can become cold, moisture attacks the contacts, and weak batteries or jump-starting generate voltage spikes.

How can you tell that the 98221AN061 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently. It may be accompanied by an error message, a lack of connection to the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

Such signs mean that airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not fire in an emergency, regardless of how well the vehicle otherwise runs.

The light indicates the fault. It therefore helps to have the fault memory read out before any further steps.

Which vehicles is the 98221AN061 fitted in?

The 98221AN061 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SK (2018-2021) and SK Facelift (from 2021). Our records on this unit are the basis for this information.

Here is the list of vehicles recorded for this unit:

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

You compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This ensures that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand as well, because only this log shows whether the control unit or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1523004370, 98221FC210, 98221SJ000, 98221SJ001.

How does the repair of the 98221AN061 work?

First, read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send the packed unit in.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. After that, the unit is returned to you.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. This period covers only testing, repair and function testing. 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 98221AN061 get to Airbag24?

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

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