Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA170

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA170 do?

In the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru, the airbag control unit 98221CA170 evaluates the crash sensors. In an accident it determines within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger. It also monitors the system constantly.

This monitoring runs in the background while the vehicle is in operation and covers the evaluation of the measured values from the vehicle.

The unit indicates faults via the airbag warning light. After a crash, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221CA170 fail?

Stored crash data from an accident are the most common cause, even if no airbag triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase this data. Aged components, solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes come into question as well.

Crash data arise after an accident, without an airbag having to trigger. They remain stored until Airbag24 erases them during the repair.

Further causes lie in the electronics: components age over time, and cold solder joints can interrupt the contact. Moisture and corrosion at connectors make the contact additionally unreliable.

Voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or when connecting jump leads, are another cause. Which of these causes applies is decided by the inspection.

How can you tell that the 98221CA170 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster shows the defect when it stays on constantly or only intermittently. Fault messages in the instrument cluster, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared are added. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger.

The light is a clear signal that the system has detected a fault.

Anyone who sees the light come on should have the fault memory read out before taking further steps.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA170 fitted in?

The control unit 98221CA170 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020). The basis is the assignment to exactly this part number.

The models are listed below.

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

Two things help before sending. Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this establishes that it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, because only the result shows whether the control unit or a connector or cable is responsible for the defect.

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

How does the repair of the 98221CA170 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery before removing the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit. The repair time at Airbag24 is usually 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. Stored crash data are then erased by Airbag24, followed by a functional test.

Your own unit then goes back 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 98221CA170 get to Airbag24?

Either you send the unit as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends the unit back to you via UPS after the repair.

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