Airbag control unit with part number 98221SJ620

What does the airbag control unit 98221SJ620 do?

The airbag control unit 98221SJ620 controls the restraint system in Subaru vehicles. In a crash it evaluates the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners deploy. It reports faults in the system via the airbag warning light.

During operation the unit monitors the system continuously. If it detects a fault, it stores this in the fault memory and activates the warning light.

An accident leaves crash data in the unit, and afterwards it is locked.

Why does the control unit 98221SJ620 fail?

On the 98221SJ620, the most common cause is the storage of crash data after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other possible causes are ageing electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data cannot be cleared with an ordinary diagnostic tool. That is exactly why the unit keeps reporting the fault, even if you read out the fault memory. Airbag24 removes the crash data during the repair.

Ageing electronics and cold solder joints act over years. Moisture and corrosion at plug connections impair the contact, and voltage spikes from weak batteries or a jump start stress the components. The fault memory reveals the actual cause.

How can you tell that the 98221SJ620 is defective?

A defect in the 98221SJ620 shows as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lit permanently or intermittently, as an error message in the instrument cluster, as a diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit, and as a fault memory entry that cannot be cleared.

The airbag warning light is the most conspicuous sign. It indicates a fault in the restraint system as soon as the control unit detects it. An error message in the instrument cluster may also appear, naming the fault.

If the connection to the control unit is lost, the diagnostic tool cannot read anything. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy, so a prompt check is advisable.

Which vehicles is the 98221SJ620 fitted in?

The 98221SJ620 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Forester SK (2018-2021) and SK Facelift (from 2021).

The list shows the vehicles to which Airbag24 assigns this part number.

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

Match the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this result shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a plug or 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 98221SJ620 work?

First have the fault memory of the 98221SJ620 read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit, create the repair order online and send the well-packed unit. At Airbag24, checking, repairing and the function test usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, clears the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Your own unit is then 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 98221SJ620 get to Airbag24?

You either send the control unit 98221SJ620 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.

A printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit is packed shock-resistant.