Airbag control unit with part number 98221CA200

What does the airbag control unit 98221CA200 do?

The unit 98221CA200 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. From the signals of the crash sensors it calculates within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered in an accident.

It also monitors the entire system continuously. It shows faults it finds via the airbag warning light.

After an accident the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221CA200 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove this data. Other causes lie in aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, or voltage spikes.

Voltage spikes arise, for example, when the battery is weak or a jump start was needed. Moisture and corrosion attack the contacts, and cold solder joints lead to intermittent contacts.

Which of these causes applies in the specific case can only be shown by reading out the fault memory.

How can you tell that the 98221CA200 is defective?

A defect announces itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, through fault messages, or through the diagnostic tool being unable to connect to the control unit. A fault memory that cannot be cleared also points to a defect.

Typical signs are:

• Airbag warning light permanently on or only intermittently on
• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• No connection between diagnostic tool and control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger. Therefore have the fault checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221CA200 fitted in?

The control unit 98221CA200 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012-2016) and ZC6 Facelift (2017-2020).

We list the known vehicles for this part number here:

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

If you compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, you know that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is shown only by the fault memory read out beforehand.

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

How does the repair of the 98221CA200 work?

First you have the fault memory read out, enclose the log and disconnect the battery before removing the control unit. Then you create a repair order online. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. 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 98221CA200 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit to Airbag24 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Pack the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit so that it withstands knocks.