Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA030

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA030 do?

The airbag control unit 98221CA030 forms the central control unit of the SRS restraint system of Subaru. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in the event of an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system permanently. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

If the unit detects a fault, it indicates this via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The control unit is therefore the central point for fault messages in the restraint system, and this is also where fault diagnosis starts.

Why does the control unit 98221CA030 fail?

The stored crash data are the most common cause with the 98221CA030, even if no airbag was triggered in the accident. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connections and voltage spikes can also come into consideration.

A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase the crash data. At Airbag24 they are erased as part of the repair.

Electronic components can age, and solder joints can loosen. Moisture and corrosion at the plug connections disturb signal transmission.

Voltage spikes arise, for example, when the battery is weak or a jump start was needed.

How can you tell that the 98221CA030 is defective?

An airbag warning light that lights up permanently or intermittently in the instrument cluster indicates the defect on the 98221CA030. An error message in the instrument cluster, a missing connection of the diagnostic tool or a fault memory that cannot be cleared may also be present. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy. The warning light is therefore a reason to have the condition checked.

Reading out the fault memory shows whether a cause such as the crash data is present or another one.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA030 fitted in?

The 98221CA030 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020).

These vehicles are recorded for this part number:

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

Two steps help before removal. Comparing the part number on the label with this page ensures that you have the right unit. The fault memory read out beforehand shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug 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 98221CA030 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98221CA030. Next, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. After that the unit is 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 98221CA030 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221CA030 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 into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.