Airbag control unit with part number 98221FJ020

What does the airbag control unit 98221FJ020 do?

For Subaru, the airbag control unit 98221FJ020 takes over central control of the restraint system (SRS). It reads the crash sensors, determines in a crash within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger, and monitors the entire system. It shows faults via the airbag warning light.

In an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself. Only the repair lifts the lock.

In everyday driving, the monitoring runs in the background.

Why does the control unit 98221FJ020 fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even without an airbag having deployed. Ageing, cold solder joints, moisture on plug connections and voltage spikes are further causes.

Airbag24 removes the crash data; a standard diagnostic tool cannot do this.

The other causes are listed below:

• ageing electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 98221FJ020 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or lights up intermittently. An error message may also appear, the diagnostic tool may fail to communicate with the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy.

Signs at a glance:

• warning light in the instrument cluster is on
• error message is displayed
• diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit
• fault memory remains

As soon as any of these signs appear, have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 98221FJ020 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221FJ020 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru XV GP (2011-2016) and GP Facelift (2016-2018); Subaru Impreza GJ (2011-2018) and GP (2011-2018).

The matching vehicles for this part number are shown here:

• Subaru XV GP (2011-2016)
• Subaru XV GP Facelift (2016-2018)
• Subaru Impreza GJ (2011-2018)
• Subaru Impreza GP (2011-2018)

Compare the part number on the label of the unit with this page, so that you can be sure you have the right unit in front of you. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the log shows 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 150300-9400, 152300-6130, 1523003971, 98221FE020, 98221FE100, 98221FJ030.

How does the repair of the 98221FJ020 work?

For the repair of the 98221FJ020, first have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24, testing, repair and function test are usually scheduled for 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out the function test.

The unit then 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 98221FJ020 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221FJ020 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns it by UPS after the repair.

Pack the unit shockproof and put the printed repair order in the parcel.