Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA160

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA160 do?

In the vehicle, the airbag control unit 98221CA160 forms the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It polls the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash whether the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. Faults are displayed via the airbag warning light.

For this purpose the control unit runs constantly. Every fault detected is stored in the fault memory so that it can be read out later.

After an accident, the unit keeps crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221CA160 fail?

The most common cause on the 98221CA160 is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; they cannot be removed with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

Such causes are hardly recognisable on a visual inspection, because they lie inside the unit.

Damp or corroded connectors gradually worsen the contact.

How can you tell that the 98221CA160 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or switches on again and again when the 98221CA160 is defective. In addition, a fault message appears, the diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The airbag warning light shows the defect clearly and must therefore be taken seriously. If it comes on, have the vehicle checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA160 fitted in?

The control unit 98221CA160 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020). You can check whether your car matches this list using the vehicle documents.

The vehicles in detail:

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

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so you can see that it is the right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand; only this result shows whether the control unit itself is the cause or whether a connector or cable is affected.

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

How does the repair of the 98221CA160 work?

First have the fault memory of the 98221CA160 read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components and erases stored crash data. A functional test follows, and afterwards your own unit is returned to you.

The order of the steps on the vehicle is for safety reasons and is mandatory. 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 98221CA160 get to Airbag24?

The unit 98221CA160 reaches Airbag24 by parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel, and pack the unit shockproof.