Airbag control unit with part number 98221FC020

What does the airbag control unit 98221FC020 do?

The airbag control unit 98221FC020 is the central control unit of the restraint system for Subaru. It checks the crash sensors, decides in an impact whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system throughout. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit works closely with the sensors and the wiring.

Its most important feedback is the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which signals faults.

Why does the control unit 98221FC020 fail?

The most common cause with the 98221FC020 is a crash data entry after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered. An ordinary diagnostic tool does not delete this entry. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Crash data shows up at every readout, which is why it is checked first.

Aged components and cold solder joints produce faults that are not noticed straight away. Moisture and corrosion at plugs damage the contacts.

Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or when connecting to a jump start.

How can you tell that the 98221FC020 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool may then be unable to reach the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger.

The light remains a warning signal even if it only comes on briefly. It indicates an anomaly that must be investigated.

The lamp does not show where exactly the fault lies. For that, the fault memory is read out.

Which vehicles is the 98221FC020 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221FC020 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SF (1997-2001) and SF Facelift (2001-2002). The easiest way to check this is with the vehicle registration document.

The vehicles from the assignment are listed here:

• Subaru Forester SF (1997-2001)
• Subaru Forester SF Facelift (2001-2002)

Comparing the part number on the device only confirms that it is the right device. What counts is the fault memory, which is read out beforehand and shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221FC200.

How does the repair of the 98221FC020 work?

Reading the fault memory comes first, together with the log for the repair order. Only then do you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit 98221FC020. Processing at Airbag24 usually requires 3–4 working days.

You then create a repair order online and send the device in well packed. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Your own device 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 98221FC020 get to Airbag24?

A UPS collection can be booked for an extra charge; alternatively, the control unit 98221FC020 goes to Airbag24 as a parcel. After the repair, UPS delivers it back to you.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, together with shockproof packaging.