Airbag control unit with part number 98221SC010

What does the airbag control unit 98221SC010 do?

As the airbag control unit 98221SC010, this component belongs to the restraint system of Subaru and controls it. The sensor data converge here, and in a crash the unit determines which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger. It also monitors the system continuously.

The evaluation must be completed within fractions of a second, which is why it runs directly in the unit.

The unit indicates a fault via the airbag warning light. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221SC010 fail?

A failure of the control unit 98221SC010 is most often caused by crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was deployed. An ordinary diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Other causes are ageing of the electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes.

That no airbag deployed therefore says nothing about whether the unit has recorded crash data. Storage takes place independently of deployment.

The other causes concern the components inside the unit and the connectors. Moisture can attack contacts, and voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or jump-starting.

How can you tell that the 98221SC010 is defective?

A defect in the 98221SC010 shows through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently. In addition there is a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without connection, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may therefore fail to deploy.

The light remains the most important warning. If it does not go out after switching on the ignition, an inspection is advisable.

A missing connection to the diagnostic tool does not necessarily mean the control unit itself is affected. Only the analysis clarifies that.

Which vehicles is the 98221SC010 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221SC010 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SH Facelift (2010-2013) and SH (2008-2010). For the assignment, only the part number on the unit is decisive.

An overview of the vehicles follows:

• Subaru Forester SH Facelift (2010-2013)
• Subaru Forester SH (2008-2010)

Comparing the part number with this page only confirms that the correct unit is in front of you. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this result 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 150300-0940, 98221-SC130, 98221SC030, 98221SC040, 98221SC041, 98221SC080.

How does the repair of the 98221SC010 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only after that remove the control unit 98221SC010. Afterwards create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

At Airbag24 the unit is examined on the test bench and defective components are renewed. Airbag24 deletes stored crash data, then a function test follows. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Your own unit goes back to you afterwards. 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 98221SC010 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221SC010 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 handles the return via UPS.

Pack the unit shock-proof, so that nothing is damaged.