Airbag control unit with part number 98221SC080

What does the airbag control unit 98221SC080 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SC080 is the control unit for the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in an accident whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and logs faults. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The decision is made within milliseconds, so the unit works constantly in the background. It checks the signals from the sensors as well as the control of the triggers.

If the unit detects a fault, it shows it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 98221SC080 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete this data. In addition, there are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data does not get lost; the unit holds on to it. Only the repair at Airbag24 deletes it, and a workshop device is not sufficient for that.

The other causes lie in the electronics itself. Ageing components and cold solder joints interrupt connections, while moisture and corrosion at plug connections disturb the signal paths. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, damage the unit.

How can you tell that the 98221SC080 is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light, which lights up permanently or intermittently, as a fault message in the instrument cluster, as a diagnostic tool without connection, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then possibly not deploy in an emergency.

The airbag warning light is the most important warning sign. It shows a fault the unit has itself detected, and it should therefore be taken seriously, even if the vehicle still appears roadworthy.

A diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection and a fault memory that cannot be emptied indicate that the electronics are no longer working properly.

Which vehicles is the 98221SC080 fitted in?

The 98221SC080 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SH Facelift (2010-2013).

The list shows the vehicles stored for this part number.

• Subaru Forester SH Facelift (2010-2013)

The part number on the label of the removed unit can be compared with this page. This only tells you whether you have the right unit. Before that, have the fault memory read out, because it shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is causing the fault.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 150300-0940, 98221SC030, 98221SG160, 98221SG250, 98221SJ001.

How does the repair of the 98221SC080 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Next create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components where necessary and deletes the stored crash data. A functional test follows, before your own unit is sent back.

The order protects at every step. 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 98221SC080 get to Airbag24?

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

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel. The unit should be packed shock-resistant so that it does not get damaged in transit.