Airbag control unit with part number 98221AN10B

What does the airbag control unit 98221AN10B do?

The airbag control unit 98221AN10B controls the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the crash sensors and, in the event of an impact, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The unit monitors the system for as long as the vehicle is in operation. It records detected faults in memory and displays them via the airbag warning light.

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

Why does the control unit 98221AN10B fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. Its effects therefore remain even when nothing conspicuous can be seen on the vehicle. Airbag24 erases this data during the repair.

The other causes act over a longer period. Electronics age, solder joints can stay cold, and moisture gets into plug connectors. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or after a jump start, also stress the components.

How can you tell that the 98221AN10B is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light, which stays on permanently or intermittently, as a fault message in the instrument cluster, as a lack of connection from the diagnostic tool, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

• Airbag warning light stays on permanently or intermittently
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection from the diagnostic tool to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

If you notice these signs, have the system checked promptly. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy.

Which vehicles is the 98221AN10B fitted in?

The 98221AN10B is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018) and BS Facelift (2018-2021).

The overview below shows the vehicles for this part number:

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

Two steps give you certainty. Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms that you have the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is causing the fault.

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 98221AN10B work?

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

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. Stored crash data is then erased, followed by a function test, before your own unit is sent back to the sender.

The sequence is fixed for safety: the battery is always disconnected before removal.

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 98221AN10B get to Airbag24?

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

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