Airbag control unit with part number 98221SJ140

What does the airbag control unit 98221SJ140 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SJ140 is the central control unit of the SRS for Subaru. It processes the crash sensor signals and determines in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The unit monitors the system continuously. It signals faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

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

Why does the control unit 98221SJ140 fail?

Crash data from an accident is the most common reason for a failure, even if no airbag has deployed. It cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool, so the control unit keeps reporting a fault.

This data stays stored regardless of how well the car can be driven afterwards.

Other causes are aged components, cold solder joints, and moisture and corrosion at plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or after a jump start, can also play a role.

How can you tell that the 98221SJ140 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or only intermittently, and a fault message may also appear. At the same time the diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit, and the fault memory remains.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy, so the warning light must be taken seriously.

A light that goes out is no reliable sign that the fault has been fixed.

Which vehicles is the 98221SJ140 fitted in?

The 98221SJ140 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SK (2018-2021) and SK Facelift (from 2021).

The following vehicles are listed below, which we assign to this part number:

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

Have the fault memory read out before removal. Then compare the part number on the label of the control unit with this page, so that it is clear whether the unit or a cable is the cause.

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

How does the repair of the 98221SJ140 work?

You read out the fault memory, enclose the log, disconnect the battery and remove the unit. Then you create the repair order online and pack the control unit well. Airbag24 checks it, replaces defective components, deletes the crash data and runs a function test; processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Afterwards your own unit is sent back to you.

The 3–4 working days refer solely to checking, repairing and testing at our premises.

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 98221SJ140 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221SJ140 to us as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. UPS handles the return after the repair.

Place the printed repair order in the parcel, and the control unit should be packed shock-proof.