Airbag control unit with part number 98221VA010

What does the airbag control unit 98221VA010 do?

In the Subaru the airbag control unit 98221VA010 controls the restraint system (SRS). From the crash sensors it reads the location of the impact and selects the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds.

It also monitors the components continuously. If it detects a fault, this appears via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, and the fault is written to the memory.

After an accident it writes crash data to the memory and then locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221VA010 fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data, even if no airbag has deployed. In addition, aged electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, as well as voltage spikes, can be triggers.

Crash data cannot be erased with a conventional diagnostic tool. It remains in the unit and is erased by Airbag24 during the repair.

The other triggers are related to ageing and the environment. Components become more susceptible over time, and solder joints can crack. Moisture causes plug connections to corrode, while voltage spikes from a weak battery or jump-starting stress the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221VA010 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, a fault message in the instrument cluster and problems when reading out indicate a defect in the 98221VA010. A fault memory that cannot be cleared is also part of this.

• airbag warning light stays on permanently
• airbag warning light comes on intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• connection to the diagnostic tool cannot be established

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy with these signs. Please have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98221VA010 fitted in?

The 98221VA010 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021).

The list of models and years of construction can be found here.

• Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021)

The part number on the label of the removed unit can be compared with this page, which only confirms the identity of the unit. Whether the control unit is defective or a plug or cable is to blame is shown only by the fault memory. Please have it read out in advance.

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

How does the repair of the 98221VA010 work?

First have the fault memory read out, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send in the packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the control unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. The unit is then returned to you.

This time covers exclusively testing, repairing and function 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 98221VA010 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221VA010 to Airbag24 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return shipment after the repair is also made by UPS.

Place the printed repair order in the parcel, and make sure the unit is packed to withstand shocks.