Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA050

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA050 do?

The airbag control unit 98221CA050 coordinates the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. In a crash it evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and determines within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

Even without a crash, the unit monitors the system continuously. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up.

After a crash, the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221CA050 fail?

The most common cause with the 98221CA050 is crash data from an accident, which is stored even when no airbag has deployed. Alongside it are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

Further causes include:

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

Crash data cannot be removed with a normal diagnostic tool. Airbag24 deletes it during the repair.

How can you tell that the 98221CA050 is defective?

A defect in the 98221CA050 shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently. Accompanying this are an error message and connection problems with the diagnostic tool.

In this state the fault memory cannot be cleared. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy in an emergency, even if the vehicle appears roadworthy. Whether the control unit is actually affected is only shown by the readout; a prompt check is therefore worthwhile.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA050 fitted in?

Which models are affected is stated here. The airbag control unit 98221CA050 is fitted by Subaru in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020).

Here are the vehicles in overview:

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

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that it is the right unit. Secondly, have the fault memory read out before removal, because only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a 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 98221CA050 work?

For the repair of the 98221CA050, have the fault memory read out first and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit; afterwards create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards you receive your own unit back.

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 98221CA050 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221CA050 as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel. Pack the unit shockproof.