Airbag control unit with part number 98221VA060

What does the airbag control unit 98221VA060 do?

The airbag control unit 98221VA060 belongs to the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It reads the signals from the crash sensors, determines in a collision within milliseconds the triggering of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors the system without a break. Faults found are shown via the airbag warning light.

Monitoring goes beyond the moment of impact, because the control unit checks the system during normal operation as well.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221VA060 fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause: even if no airbag has fired, it remains in the unit, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes may also be involved.

Crash data is the obvious finding when an earlier accident shapes the history of the unit. Whether one of the other causes applies as well cannot be said without an examination.

Voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or jump-starting, put additional strain on the electronics. Moisture and corrosion on the plugs can cause contact problems.

How can you tell that the 98221VA060 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up constantly or intermittently, and a fault message appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

Signs like these are unambiguous and cannot be ignored. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger.

Which vehicles is the 98221VA060 fitted in?

The airbag control unit 98221VA060 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021). The part number on the label shows whether your own unit belongs to them.

The vehicles concerned are listed below:

• Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021)

A check against this page only ensures that it is the correct unit. Have the fault memory read out before removal, because only the log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector 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 98221VA060 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and afterwards remove the 98221VA060. Next create a repair order online and pack the unit well. At Airbag24 itself, processing usually takes 3–4 working days.

In the Airbag24 workshop the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are replaced, the crash data is erased, and finally a functional test is carried out.

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 98221VA060 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221VA060 to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 returns it to you by UPS after the repair.

Enclose the printed repair order with the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.