Airbag control unit with part number 98221SG140

What does the airbag control unit 98221SG140 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SG140 processes the signals from the crash sensors in Subaru. In an accident it decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. In addition it checks the system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The control unit thus connects the sensors with the restraint devices in the vehicle. It also stores detected faults in the fault memory so that a workshop can read them out later.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. The lock is lifted only by the repair.

Why does the control unit 98221SG140 fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Further causes include ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plugs, and voltage spikes.

• electronic components that age over time
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or after a jump start

Crash data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool, so the warning remains. The other causes concern the condition of the electronics and the power supply.

Moisture can gradually cause corrosion at the contacts, and then the fault cannot be separated from the rest of the system at the unit itself.

How can you tell that the 98221SG140 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up intermittently or continuously. In addition there is an error message in the instrument cluster, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

If any of these signs appear, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may in an emergency not trigger. The warning light shows the fault, and that is its job. It must not be ignored, even if the vehicle still starts.

Which vehicles is the 98221SG140 fitted in?

The 98221SG140 is fitted at Subaru in these models: Subaru Forester SJ (2012-2016) and SJ Facelift (2016-2019).

The following list shows the assignment in detail, with model series and year of construction.

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

Comparing the part number on the label with this page makes sure that you have the right unit in hand. It gives no information about the cause, though. For that, have the fault memory read beforehand, because this result alone 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 98221-SJ370, 98221SG250, 98221SJ001.

How does the repair of the 98221SG140 work?

First have the fault memory read and attach the log, then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Afterwards create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit in. Checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. The unit returns to you once the function test is complete.

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 98221SG140 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge, and after the repair it comes back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order and protective shock-resistant packaging for the unit must not be missing from the parcel.