Airbag control unit with part number 98221CC090

What does the airbag control unit 98221CC090 do?

The airbag control unit 98221CC090 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. In a crash it decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and it monitors the system continuously during operation. It indicates faults via the airbag warning light.

The sensors for impact and side position send their signals to the unit, which evaluates them continuously. It stores any deviations in the fault memory so that they can be traced later.

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

Why does the control unit 98221CC090 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other possible causes include ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data remain in the memory even if the vehicle runs inconspicuously again after the accident. The condition cannot be seen from the outside, so it is easily overlooked during fault finding.

The other causes can concern components and connections. Electronic parts age over time, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or salt attack the contacts. Voltage fluctuations from the on-board electrical system, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, additionally stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221CC090 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and an error message may appear in the instrument cluster as well. If the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared, this is also a sign of a fault. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency.

The warning light is the most visible indication on the vehicle. If you ignore it, you drive with a restraint system whose condition is unclear, and nobody should risk that.

Which vehicles is the 98221CC090 fitted in?

The control unit 98221CC090 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru BRZ ZD8 (from 2021).

The overview of the models follows here:

• Subaru BRZ ZD8 (from 2021)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this result shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221CC001, 98221CC120.

How does the repair of the 98221CC090 work?

First have the fault memory read out, enclose the log, and then disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24, i.e. inspection, repair and function test, usually takes 3–4 working days.

Safety comes first in this process. Without a secured fault memory and a disconnected battery, removal does not begin.

The Airbag24 team inspects the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, then erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. The unit is then returned 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 98221CC090 get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.