Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA140

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA140 do?

At Subaru, the airbag control unit 98221CA140 is the central control unit of the SRS. It receives the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, makes the decision within milliseconds about which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

During operation the unit checks all components of the system continuously. It indicates any faults it finds via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, it writes crash data to its memory and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221CA140 fail?

The most common cause lies in crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete this data. Airbag24 takes care of that during the repair.

Which of these causes applies to your unit is shown by the inspection on the test bench.

How can you tell that the 98221CA140 is defective?

A defect shows up first at the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Accompanying signs are an error message, a missing contact of the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

Typical signs at a glance:

• The warning light in the instrument cluster stays on without interruption.
• The light appears only intermittently.
• A message in the instrument cluster points to the fault.
• The diagnostic tool does not reach the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

With these findings, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency. Therefore have the display clarified promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA140 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221CA140 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020).

The models included are:

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

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms only that you have the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out before sending it in, because only this finding shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a cable or connector is the cause.

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

How does the repair of the 98221CA140 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log, disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Afterwards create a repair order online and send in the unit well packed.

At Airbag24, the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are repaired, the crash data is deleted and a function test is carried out. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. This period covers only these tasks. 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 98221CA140 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Returning it after the repair is done by UPS.

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