Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA180

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA180 do?

The control unit 98221CA180 is the airbag control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru, the central point for triggering airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. It reads the crash sensors, makes the triggering decision within milliseconds and checks the system continuously. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. All sensor signals converge in this unit, so a fault affects the complete restraint system.

Why does the control unit 98221CA180 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; other causes are component ageing, corrosion at connectors and voltage spikes on the 98221CA180.

• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture in connectors
• weak battery or jump start with voltage spikes

A standard diagnostic tool does not remove the crash data. Airbag24 deletes it during the repair.

How can you tell that the 98221CA180 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster indicates a defect by being on permanently or intermittently. A fault message in the instrument cluster, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared also point to it. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy in an emergency.

The light remains visible as the system's feedback as long as the fault is present. It also reports faults that occur only intermittently.

A fault memory read then shows which area is affected.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA180 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221CA180 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020).

The vehicles assigned to this part number are shown in the following list:

• 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. That only shows you have the correct unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a connector or cable is the cause is revealed only by the fault memory, which you have read out beforehand.

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

How does the repair of the 98221CA180 work?

With 98221CA180 the repair begins with the fault memory: have it read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Your repair order is created online, and you send in the well-packed unit. Testing, repair and function test at Airbag24 take 3–4 working days as a rule.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and then carries out the function test. Your own unit then comes 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 98221CA180 get to Airbag24?

Control unit 98221CA180 reaches Airbag24 by parcel; alternatively, you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is also made by UPS.

Pack the control unit shockproof and enclose the printed repair order.