Airbag control unit with part number 98221SG230

What does the airbag control unit 98221SG230 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SG230 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) on Subaru. It evaluates crash sensors, determines within milliseconds of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are to be triggered, and monitors the entire system.

The unit shows detected faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. After an accident it stores crash data and then locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221SG230 fail?

On the 98221SG230, the most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. On this control unit, deleting the crash data is often not possible; anyone who wants it deleted should contact Airbag24 briefly before sending it in. Other causes are aged electronics, moisture and voltage spikes.

Further causes at a glance:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes

Repair of a defect remains normally possible.

How can you tell that the 98221SG230 is defective?

A defect on the 98221SG230 can be recognised by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Fault messages in the instrument cluster, a missing connection to the diagnostic tool, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared may be added.

As long as the light is on, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail in an emergency. A check is therefore advisable.

Which vehicles is the 98221SG230 fitted in?

The list shows which models belong to this number. The 98221SG230 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SJ (2012-2016) and SJ Facelift (2016-2019).

The vehicles for this number:

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

Comparing the label with this page only confirms the identity of the unit. Whether it is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause is established only by the fault memory read out beforehand.

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 98221SG230 work?

With the 98221SG230, have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the parcel; then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Afterwards create a repair order online and send in the unit. Airbag24 generally needs 3–4 working days for the work.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components and carries out a function test. If you would like the crash data deleted, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

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 98221SG230 get to Airbag24?

You send the 98221SG230 in as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings the unit back to you.

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