Airbag control unit with part number 98221AN13A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AN13A do?

The airbag control unit 98221AN13A is the control unit of the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru. Using the crash sensors, it determines whether an accident requires the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to fire, and it makes this decision within milliseconds. It checks the system continuously, shows faults via the airbag warning light, and after an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit is connected to sensors, firing circuits and seatbelt pretensioners and monitors these connections.

Its function depends on a stable power supply and intact cables.

Why does the control unit 98221AN13A fail?

The most common cause on the 98221AN13A is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag fired; a normal diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Other causes are ageing electronics, solder joints, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains in the memory even when the vehicle is back in everyday use.

Specifically, the following causes are possible:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start

How can you tell that the 98221AN13A is defective?

A fault in the 98221AN13A shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Fault messages in the instrument cluster, a lost connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared may also appear. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The warning light is the most important warning sign of the system and deserves attention. It reports a fault that has already been detected.

If the fault memory remains after an attempt to clear it, this points to a cause that has not yet been identified.

Which vehicles is the 98221AN13A fitted in?

Part number 98221AN13A belongs to these vehicles: Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018) and BS Facelift (2018-2021).

Here is the list for these vehicles:

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

Comparing the label on the removed unit with this page ensures that you have the right unit; it does nothing more. Reading out the fault memory is also worthwhile, because it shows whether the control unit or rather 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 98221AN13A work?

For the 98221AN13A, first have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit, before you create a repair order online. Send the well-packed unit in. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces faulty components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit is sent 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 98221AN13A get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221AN13A as a parcel to Airbag24, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return shipment after the repair is made by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel; the unit is packed shock-proof.