Airbag control unit with part number 98221AN10A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AN10A do?

The airbag control unit 98221AN10A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

In addition, the unit monitors the entire system continuously. If it detects a fault, it indicates this via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. Only the repair lifts this lock.

Why does the control unit 98221AN10A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored in the unit after an accident, even when no airbag has been triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Aged components, moisture at plug connections and voltage spikes are also possible.

The crash data stays in the memory until the repair removes it. For this reason, a unit can report a fault even if no airbag was triggered in the accident.

Other causes in general are:

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

How can you tell that the 98221AN10A is defective?

A defect in the 98221AN10A shows up through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently, and through an error message in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool also gets no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger. The warning light is therefore a signal you should take seriously, even if the vehicle otherwise behaves normally.

Which vehicles is the 98221AN10A fitted in?

The details refer to Subaru vehicles that are recorded with Airbag24 for this part number. The airbag control unit 98221AN10A is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018) and BS Facelift (2018-2021).

The following list shows the models that are stored in our data for this part number:

• Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018)
• Subaru Outback BS Facelift (2018-2021)

On the one hand, it is worth comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you can be sure you have the right unit. On the other hand, have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this log shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221AG28A, 98221AJ16B, 98221AN00A, 98221AN00E, 98221AN01A, 98221AN01D.

How does the repair of the 98221AN10A work?

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

The order of these steps is fixed for safety reasons. The control unit may only be removed once the battery has been disconnected.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. Afterwards, your own unit goes back 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 98221AN10A get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221AN10A as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit so that it resists impact.