Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA000

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA000 do?

The unit 98221CA000 coordinates the restraint system SRS for Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors; in an impact it decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. It monitors the entire system constantly. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

If the control unit detects a fault, it switches on the airbag warning light. The monitoring takes place without any action on your part.

Why does the control unit 98221CA000 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even without an airbag deploying, which a normal diagnostic tool does not clear. In addition come aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

Stored crash data remains in the control unit even without an airbag deploying. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove it, and so the fault display persists.

The other causes relate to the condition of the vehicle. Over time electronic components age, solder joints can be cold, and moisture and corrosion attack the plug connectors. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, can also stress the unit.

How can you tell that the 98221CA000 is defective?

A defect becomes visible when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

These signs point to a defect:

• airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, permanently or intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• fault memory that cannot be cleared

The warning light is a clear signal that the system has detected a fault. In that case a check is needed.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA000 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221CA000 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020).

The following vehicles are recorded for this part number:

• Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016)
• Subaru BRZ ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020)

Comparing the part number on the removed unit with the information on this page shows you that you have the right unit. It does not answer the question of a defect. So have the fault memory read out before removal, because the result shows whether the control unit or a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221CA090, 98221CA210.

How does the repair of the 98221CA000 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Create the repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 first examines the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. Stored crash data is then deleted, followed by the function test. Only then is the unit returned 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 98221CA000 get to Airbag24?

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

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