Airbag control unit with part number 98221SG190

What does the airbag control unit 98221SG190 do?

In Subaru, the airbag control unit 98221SG190 controls the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the restraint system (SRS). It analyses the data from the crash sensors, makes the firing decision in an accident, and monitors all components continuously. Faults appear on the airbag warning light.

The monitoring is permanently active, even if nothing of it is noticeable while driving.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221SG190 fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. With this control unit, erasing the crash data is often not possible; if you would like it erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in. Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, corrosion at plug connections and voltage spikes.

The crash data is held in the control unit, and an ordinary diagnostic tool cannot reach it.

Aged components and cold solder joints impair the circuit from within. Moisture and corrosion act on the plug connections.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, additionally stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221SG190 is defective?

A defect shows up as an airbag warning light that burns permanently or intermittently, as error messages in the instrument cluster, as a missing connection to the diagnostic tool, and as a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

Typical signs at a glance:

• Airbag warning light in the instrument cluster burns constantly or intermittently
• Error message in the instrument cluster
• Diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit
• Fault memory cannot be cleared

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy. Therefore, do not ignore the warning.

Which vehicles is the 98221SG190 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221SG190 is fitted in these vehicles at Subaru: Subaru Forester SJ (2012-2016) and SJ Facelift (2016-2019). The basis is our assignment for this number.

The assignment in detail:

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

Comparing the number on the label of the removed unit with this page ensures that it is the right unit. Reading out the fault memory, on the other hand, 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 98221SG001, 98221SG010, 98221SG020, 98221SG030, 98221SG040, 98221SG050.

How does the repair of the 98221SG190 work?

First, have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit and create a repair order online before sending the unit in well packed.

At Airbag24, the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are replaced, and a function test follows. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

If you would like the crash data erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

Afterwards, your own unit is 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.

How does the control unit 98221SG190 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS pickup for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof.