Airbag control unit with part number 98221VA200

What does the airbag control unit 98221VA200 do?

The airbag control unit 98221VA200 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in the event of an accident, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It monitors the system continuously.

It reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

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

The unit is one of the safety-relevant components in the vehicle.

Why does the control unit 98221VA200 fail?

The most common cause with the 98221VA200 is that crash data has been stored after an accident, even if no airbag has been triggered. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start. With this control unit, the crash data often cannot be erased; if you would like it erased, contact Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

A standard diagnostic tool cannot erase the crash data. The other causes at a glance:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 98221VA200 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and a fault message appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit 98221VA200, and the fault memory cannot be erased. In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to deploy.

These signs occur on the 98221VA200:

• airbag warning light lights up permanently or intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• no connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit
• fault memory cannot be erased

A light that only comes on now and then still indicates a fault. Then have the fault memory read out.

Which vehicles is the 98221VA200 fitted in?

The control unit 98221VA200 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021).

The vehicles for which this part number is on record are listed here:

• 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 right unit. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only its result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause. Check every digit of the number, including the letters at the end.

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 98221VA200 work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log; then disconnect the battery and only afterwards remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send the 98221VA200 in, well packed. Airbag24 then checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components and carries out a function test.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days, and this time covers only the inspection, repair and testing.

If you would like the crash data erased, contact 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 98221VA200 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221VA200 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.

Pad the unit so that it does not shift in the box.