Airbag control unit with part number 98221SA140

What does the airbag control unit 98221SA140 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SA140 belongs to the SRS restraint system of Subaru. It senses what happens in an accident via the crash sensors and controls within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. At the same time it reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The system is constantly active while driving and checks its components continuously.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221SA140 fail?

The most common cause of failure with 98221SA140 is stored crash data, even if no airbag has deployed. Ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes can also lead to failure.

Crash data cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool; Airbag24 erases it during the repair. The further causes at a glance:

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

How can you tell that the 98221SA140 is defective?

A defect in the 98221SA140 shows itself when the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. Other signs are a fault message in the instrument cluster, a lack of contact between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then be unable to deploy in an emergency. Taking the warning light seriously means having the cause checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221SA140 fitted in?

The 98221SA140 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SG (2002-2005) and SG Facelift (2005-2008).

Below is the list of vehicles for which this control unit is recorded.

• Subaru Forester SG (2002-2005)
• Subaru Forester SG Facelift (2005-2008)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you can be sure you have the right unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause is established only by reading out the fault memory. Have it read out first.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221SA030, 98221SA031, 98221SA080, 98221SA210.

How does the repair of the 98221SA140 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the 98221SA140. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 takes 3–4 working days as a rule.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. The unit you sent in 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 98221SA140 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221SA140 as a parcel, or alternatively book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 brings it back to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit shockproof.