Airbag control unit with part number 98221VA000

What does the airbag control unit 98221VA000 do?

The airbag control unit 98221VA000 forms the control centre of the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds on the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

Between accidents the unit keeps working in the background and checks the system continuously. The results end up in the fault memory, which a diagnostic tool can read out.

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

Why does the control unit 98221VA000 fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or jump start.

A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase the crash data. Airbag24 removes it during the repair, so the entry is gone afterwards.

Aged components and plug connections can show up together: a contact that works sometimes and sometimes not throws the control unit out of step. Moisture and corrosion on the plugs reinforce this effect.

How can you tell that the 98221VA000 is defective?

A defect shows up on the airbag warning light, on messages in the instrument cluster and in connection or memory problems.

• The airbag warning light stays on continuously or intermittently.
• The instrument cluster shows a fault message.
• The diagnostic tool cannot establish a connection to the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy. A glance at the warning light therefore gives the first indication.

Which vehicles is the 98221VA000 fitted in?

For Subaru the following applies: the unit 98221VA000 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021).

The list below shows the vehicles that are recorded for this part number.

• Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021)

A comparison of the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page ensures that you have the right unit. The fault memory must also be read out beforehand, as only it shows whether the control unit itself is defective or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221VA110, 98221VA180, 98221VC031, 98221VC200, 98221VC210.

How does the repair of the 98221VA000 work?

The sequence begins with reading out the fault memory, the log of which you enclose. Then you disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Online you then create a repair order, and pack and send the unit. Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the 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 98221VA000 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends it back to you via UPS after the repair.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.