Airbag control unit with part number 98221VA050

What does the airbag control unit 98221VA050 do?

The airbag control unit 98221VA050 controls the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the Subaru. It constantly checks the signals from the crash sensors and decides on triggering within milliseconds in an accident.

If the unit detects a fault in the system, it reports it via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. Monitoring runs in the background while the car is being driven.

After an accident, the control unit writes crash data to its memory and locks itself. Only the repair lifts the lock, nothing else.

Why does the control unit 98221VA050 fail?

Crash data stored after an accident is considered the most common cause of the 98221VA050 failing, even if no airbag has deployed. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and voltage spikes come on top of this.

Crash data cannot be erased with a standard diagnostic tool, so it stays in memory until the repair removes it. Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

Electronic components are subject to ageing. Solder joints can be cold, and plug connections suffer from moisture and corrosion.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, also stress the control unit.

How can you tell that the 98221VA050 is defective?

A defect on the 98221VA050 is indicated by the airbag warning light, which lights up permanently or only intermittently. Further signs are an error message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

In such a case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an accident. The car itself may seem unremarkable, yet the protection system is then in doubt.

The warning light is the direct sign that a check is needed, and it must not be ignored.

Which vehicles is the 98221VA050 fitted in?

The control unit 98221VA050 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021). This assignment applies precisely to the part number 98221VA050.

The vehicle list for this part number reads:

• Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021)

Keep the part number on the label next to this page; this shows whether it is the right unit. Only reading out the fault memory reveals whether the control unit itself is affected or a plug or cable. Therefore have it read out before removal.

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

How does the repair of the 98221VA050 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the unit. Then disconnect the battery and remove the 98221VA050.

Afterwards you create a repair order online and send the packed unit in.

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

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. 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 98221VA050 get to Airbag24?

You can send the 98221VA050 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, the return is made by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel; the unit must be packed shock-proof.