Airbag control unit with part number 98221SG080

What does the airbag control unit 98221SG080 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SG080 coordinates the restraint system for Subaru. It evaluates the crash sensors, determines within milliseconds in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and shows detected faults via the airbag warning light.

During operation the unit monitors the triggering system without a break. After a crash it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221SG080 fail?

With the 98221SG080, the most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

Airbag24 erases the crash data during the repair. As long as it is stored, a fault cannot be cleared with the diagnostic tool.

The other causes are the result of time or environment: wet and rusty plugs, ageing of the components, and sudden voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

How can you tell that the 98221SG080 is defective?

On the 98221SG080, typical signs appear: an airbag warning light that stays on permanently or intermittently, and an error message in the instrument cluster. In addition, there may be a diagnostic tool without a connection and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

These signs occur individually or together:

• airbag warning light on, permanently or intermittently
• error message in the instrument cluster
• no connection to the control unit
• fault memory remains

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

Which vehicles is the 98221SG080 fitted in?

A comparison with the list shows whether the unit fits your vehicle. The airbag control unit 98221SG080 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SJ (2012-2016) and SJ Facelift (2016-2019).

The vehicles in detail:

• Subaru Forester SJ (2012-2016)
• Subaru Forester SJ Facelift (2016-2019)

(a) Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so that you have the correct unit. (b) Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this shows whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221-SJ370, 98221SG250, 98221SJ001.

How does the repair of the 98221SG080 work?

First read out the fault memory of the 98221SG080 and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the unit. Next, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed control unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Your own unit 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.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

How does the control unit 98221SG080 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221SG080 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shockproof.