Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA100

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA100 do?

The unit 98221CA100 manages the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds about airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and keeps the system under observation. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs continuously during operation. Faults the unit detects are entered in its memory and shown via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

This makes the control unit central to occupant safety, even though it remains invisible in everyday use.

Why does the control unit 98221CA100 fail?

Crash data from an accident that remains in memory even when no airbag has fired is the most common cause. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes can also lead to failure.

Crash data is present in the unit as soon as an accident has happened and stays stored there. Reading it out can make it visible, but cannot remove it.

The other causes are aging, contacts and power supply. Components age, solder joints can be cold, and moisture attacks plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, also stress the electronics. Airbag24 erases crash data during the repair.

How can you tell that the 98221CA100 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition, a fault message appears, or the diagnostic tool cannot find the control unit. In a real emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not fire.

This warning must be taken seriously, even if it goes out again.

A fault memory that cannot be cleared also points to a defect. Therefore have the control unit checked promptly rather than hoping the display goes out.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA100 fitted in?

The 98221CA100 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020). Whether a vehicle fits is decided by the part number.

The following list gives the vehicles in detail:

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

Before shipping, it is advisable to take two steps one after the other. Comparing the part number on the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the right unit. The fault memory, however, shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause, which is why you should have it read out beforehand.

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

How does the repair of the 98221CA100 work?

Have the fault memory read out in advance and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create a repair order online. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Then send the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases stored crash data and runs a function test. The unit then returns 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 98221CA100 get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.