Airbag control unit with part number 98221FE060

What does the airbag control unit 98221FE060 do?

The airbag control unit 98221FE060 controls the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It checks the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident on airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and indicates faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit works constantly in the background, even when the vehicle is not being moved. Monitoring covers sensors, wiring and trigger units.

Every deviation ends up in the fault memory, which a later fault finding draws on.

Why does the control unit 98221FE060 fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an earlier accident, even if no airbag was triggered. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase them. Ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture or corrosion on plug connections and voltage spikes are also causes.

You cannot see from the vehicle whether crash data are stored in the memory. That is why they are often overlooked during fault finding, even though they can explain the failure.

The other causes can concern connections and components. Ageing solder joints and moisture on contacts weaken the connection. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, also affect the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221FE060 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. If the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit or the fault memory remains, there is also a fault. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger in an emergency.

• Airbag warning light stays on permanently
• Airbag warning light comes on intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool does not find the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

The lamp is the most visible indication. Do not leave it without a check.

Which vehicles is the 98221FE060 fitted in?

This control unit is installed in the following vehicles: Subaru Impreza GD Saloon (2000-2007) and GG Estate (2000-2007).

The list starts here:

• Subaru Impreza GD Saloon (2000-2007)
• Subaru Impreza GG Estate (2000-2007)

Compare the part number on the label of the unit with this page. This establishes that you have the correct control unit in front of you. Whether it is defective is shown only by the fault memory, which you have read out beforehand, because a plug or a cable can cause the same symptoms.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 152300-3961, 152300-6130, 152300-8400, 98221FE020, 98221FE030, 98221FE080.

How does the repair of the 98221FE060 work?

Have the fault memory read out first, enclose the log, and disconnect the battery. Only then remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit in. Airbag24 inspects the unit, repairs defective components, erases the crash data and tests the function; processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

The sequence protects you during removal. Each step depends on the one before, even if the process may seem cumbersome at first glance.

Once the unit has arrived at Airbag24, inspection on the test bench begins. Afterwards the repairs are carried out, the function is tested and your unit is sent 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 98221FE060 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel; alternatively, UPS collects it from you for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

Place the printed repair order in the parcel. The unit is packed shockproof so that it arrives undamaged.