Airbag control unit with part number 98221VA160

What does the airbag control unit 98221VA160 do?

The airbag control unit 98221VA160 acts as the central unit for the restraint system (SRS) of Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides within a fraction of a second in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It reports faults via the airbag warning light.

The unit monitors the system continuously, even when nothing noticeable happens in everyday driving.

After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221VA160 fail?

Most often the cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has been triggered; other causes can be aged components, cold solder joints, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes. With this control unit, the crash data often cannot be deleted. If you would like the crash data deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

Crash data remains stored in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed.

The other causes lie in the electronics and at the connections. Aged components and cold solder joints belong to them, as do moisture and corrosion at plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, can also strain the unit.

How can you tell that the 98221VA160 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up continuously or intermittently and indicates a defect. In addition, fault messages appear in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool has no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be deleted.

• airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up continuously or intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit
• fault memory cannot be deleted

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger. An intermittent fault is just as important as one that is shown constantly. Take the warning seriously and have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 98221VA160 fitted in?

The control unit 98221VA160 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021). Whether your own unit fits is shown by comparing the part number on the label.

The vehicles are listed individually below:

• Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out before removing the unit, as only that shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221VA000, 98221VA010, 98221VA030, 98221VA050, 98221VA060, 98221VA090.

How does the repair of the 98221VA160 work?

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

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components and carries out a function test. Your own unit is then returned to you. If you would like the crash data deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

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 98221VA160 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof, so that it survives transport undamaged.