Airbag control unit with part number 98221SA160

What does the airbag control unit 98221SA160 do?

As an airbag control unit, 98221SA160 controls the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash on airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system continuously. It reports faults on the airbag warning light.

The unit runs along while driving and checks the connections to sensors and triggers.

After a crash, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221SA160 fail?

Stored crash data forms the most common cause: it arises after an accident, even without a triggered airbag, and a standard diagnostic tool does not erase it. Further causes are aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Airbag24 erases the crash data during the repair. For you, this means you do not have to do anything about it.

Whether and which of the other causes applies is shown only by the check on the test bench. Solder joints and plug connections can hardly be assessed from the outside.

How can you tell that the 98221SA160 is defective?

A defect shows on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, when it lights up permanently or intermittently. At the same time, a fault message, a missing contact of the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared can occur; in an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not deploy.

The warning light in particular gives the driver a quick overview of whether the system is in order.

If such signs appear, have the system checked promptly rather than ignoring the indication.

Which vehicles is the 98221SA160 fitted in?

The 98221SA160 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SG (2002-2005) and SG Facelift (2005-2008). The part number is decisive, even where several models are named.

These vehicles are recorded for this part number:

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

Compare the part number on the label with this page, so that you have the right unit in front of you. Have the fault memory read out before removal; only the result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

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

How does the repair of the 98221SA160 work?

First read out the fault memory, enclose the log and disconnect the battery before you remove the control unit. Then create the repair order online and pack the unit well for dispatch. The unit is checked at Airbag24, defective components are replaced, the crash data is erased and a function test is carried out; 3–4 working days are usually planned for this.

The sequence applies for safety reasons.

The 3–4 working days refer solely to testing, repairing and function 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 98221SA160 get to Airbag24?

You send the 98221SA160 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is also handled by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit shockproof.