Airbag control unit with part number 98221SJ220

What does the airbag control unit 98221SJ220 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SJ220 is responsible in the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru for evaluating the crash sensors. It decides in an impact which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger, and continuously monitors the function of the system. Detected faults are shown via the airbag warning light.

A crash causes the unit to secure crash data and then lock itself. It has no display of its own.

The monitoring is a continuous task that runs in the background, independent of driving style.

Why does the control unit 98221SJ220 fail?

Most often it fails because of stored crash data that remain in memory after an accident without an airbag triggering. A normal diagnostic tool cannot erase them. In addition, aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, as well as voltage spikes, are possible causes.

Anyone having the control unit examined will most often find the crash data as the trigger.

The other factors take time: electronics age, solder joints can break, and moisture causes contacts to corrode.

How can you tell that the 98221SJ220 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or keeps coming on; in addition there is an error message, no contact with the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be emptied. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may therefore possibly not trigger.

Whether the light flashes briefly or burns constantly changes nothing about the need for a check.

Which vehicles is the 98221SJ220 fitted in?

The control unit 98221SJ220 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SK (2018-2021) and SK Facelift (from 2021).

Here is the vehicle list:

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

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the right model. Only the fault memory shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause; therefore have it read out before removal.

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

How does the repair of the 98221SJ220 work?

On your side, the fault memory is read out first, and you enclose the log. Only then do you disconnect the battery and remove the 98221SJ220. Online you create the repair order and send the unit in well packed. Airbag24 checks the control unit, replaces defective components, erases crash data and tests the function; afterwards your own unit comes back to you.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. It covers checking, repairing and testing.

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 98221SJ220 get to Airbag24?

You send the 98221SJ220 as a parcel or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge; after the repair, UPS brings the unit back to you.

The parcel contains the printed repair order and is packed shock-resistant.