Airbag control unit with part number 98221FG130

What does the airbag control unit 98221FG130 do?

The airbag control unit 98221FG130 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The unit monitors the entire system continuously. It checks the connections to the components and keeps irregularities in the fault memory.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. Evaluation, triggering and diagnosis all run through this one control unit.

Why does the control unit 98221FG130 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data stays stored even if no airbag fired during the accident. The fault memory entry therefore remains until the unit is repaired.

The other causes are everyday electronics problems. Components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture attacks the contacts.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or when connecting jump leads, put additional strain on the circuits. Which cause affects your unit only becomes clear during testing.

How can you tell that the 98221FG130 is defective?

A defect shows up on the airbag warning light, which lights up permanently or intermittently, as a fault message in the instrument cluster, as a missing connection to the diagnostic tool, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In a real emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

The warning light in the instrument cluster indicates a fault as soon as the system detects it. Whether it stays on permanently or only lights up intermittently does not matter for the test.

Have the finding checked promptly, because the light already reports the fault and you do not need to search for it.

Which vehicles is the 98221FG130 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221FG130 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Impreza GH (2007-2014). This list helps you match the unit to a vehicle.

These vehicles are on record for this part number:

• Subaru Impreza GH (2007-2014)

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

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221FG000, 98221FG040, 98221FG060, 98221FG070.

How does the repair of the 98221FG130 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Online, you create a repair order and send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24, processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. Stored crash data is deleted by Airbag24 during this process, followed by a functional test.

Afterwards, your own unit goes back 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 98221FG130 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221FG130 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-resistant.