Airbag control unit with part number 98221SJ080

What does the airbag control unit 98221SJ080 do?

The unit with part number 98221SJ080 is the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) in Subaru. It processes messages from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. It monitors the system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, it stores crash data, and afterwards it is locked.

Its tasks also include diagnosing sensors, wiring and seatbelt pretensioners.

Why does the control unit 98221SJ080 fail?

The most common cause is crash data that remained in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag fired. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove this data. Ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Crash data stays in the memory even if the vehicle continues to drive unobtrusively after the accident. Airbag24 removes it only during the repair.

Further causes are in particular:

• ageing electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start

How can you tell that the 98221SJ080 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently in the event of a fault on the 98221SJ080. In addition, the instrument cluster shows a fault message, the diagnostic tool cannot reach the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

The warning light is not a minor matter; it reports the condition of the entire system. A fault therefore does not stay hidden.

Have the warning sign clarified promptly, rather than simply continuing to operate the vehicle.

Which vehicles is the 98221SJ080 fitted in?

For Subaru, the control unit 98221SJ080 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SK (2018-2021) and SK Facelift (from 2021).

The vehicles that Airbag24 lists for this part number are shown here.

• Subaru Forester SK (2018-2021)
• Subaru Forester SK Facelift (from 2021)

The comparison of the part number with the label on the removed unit shows whether you have the right part. It does not answer the question of the cause. For that, have the fault memory read out first; it shows whether the control unit is faulty or whether a plug or a cable is behind it.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1523004370, 98221FC210, 98221SJ000, 98221SJ001.

How does the repair of the 98221SJ080 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98221SJ080. Checking, repairing and the function test at Airbag24 usually take 3–4 working days.

Then create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit in. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the stored crash data and carries out a function test.

Afterwards your own unit goes back 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 98221SJ080 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221SJ080 to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit shock-proof, so that it arrives safely.