Airbag control unit with part number 98221FE110

What does the airbag control unit 98221FE110 do?

At Subaru the airbag control unit 98221FE110 is the control unit for the restraint system (SRS). It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in an emergency within milliseconds about airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system permanently. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

For most of the time the unit remains invisible, because it only works in the background. Only when it detects a fault does it report via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

The part number 98221FE110 refers to exactly this control unit, whose condition decides on triggering and warning.

Why does the control unit 98221FE110 fail?

The most common cause remains crash data stored after an accident, even without a triggered airbag; a normal diagnostic tool does not remove it. Airbag24 erases the crash data during the repair.

Crash data arises because the unit records an event as an accident. Triggering an airbag is not a precondition for this.

Further causes include the following:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture and corrosion on plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 98221FE110 is defective?

A defect becomes noticeable when the warning light in the instrument cluster is on, an error message is displayed, or the diagnostic tool gets nowhere. In addition there is a fault memory that cannot be reset. In that case there is a possibility that airbags and seatbelt pretensioners do not trigger in an emergency.

The instrument cluster shows when something is wrong with the restraint system. This indication should not be delayed; whoever sees it has the system checked promptly. Only diagnosis shows whether the control unit itself is affected or whether a wire is to blame.

Which vehicles is the 98221FE110 fitted in?

The 98221FE110 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Impreza GD Saloon (2000-2007) and GG Estate (2000-2007). The part number on the unit decides the assignment, not the model name alone.

The list follows now with the vehicles known to us for this part number.

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

A comparison of the label with this page only confirms the right unit. Reading the fault memory before removal, on the other hand, clarifies whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

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 98221FE110 work?

At the start is reading the fault memory with the log, then disconnecting the battery. Only then do you remove the control unit, create the repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24 the unit is first checked on the test bench. Defective components are repaired, stored crash data erased and a function test carried out before the unit begins its return journey.

The order of steps serves safety: removal begins only once the battery is disconnected.

The time specification refers exclusively to checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24.

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 98221FE110 get to Airbag24?

You can send the unit yourself as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair the unit travels back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shockproof.