Airbag control unit with part number 98221VC020

What does the airbag control unit 98221VC020 do?

The airbag control unit 98221VC020 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit detects faults during its ongoing monitoring and records them in the fault memory. They are displayed via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 98221VC020 fail?

With the 98221VC020, the most common cause lies in crash data stored after an accident, which cannot be cleared with a normal diagnostic tool. Aged components, moisture at plug connectors and voltage spikes are also possible.

Crash data is stored even if no airbag was triggered in the accident. Other causes generally come into consideration:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints on the circuit board
• moisture and corrosion at plug connectors
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the 98221VC020 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently in the event of a defect in the 98221VC020, and a fault message appears there. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger.

After switching on the ignition, the warning light is briefly checked and then goes out. If it stays on or comes back while driving, this indicates a fault in the restraint system. A diagnostic tool that cannot establish a connection to the control unit, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared, also indicate the problem.

Which vehicles is the 98221VC020 fitted in?

The control unit 98221VC020 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VB (from 2021); Subaru Levorg VN (from 2020).

The assignment by part number leads to the following vehicles:

• Subaru WRX VB (from 2021)
• Subaru Levorg VN (from 2020)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the result shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221VC030, 98221VC031, 98221VC200, 98221VC210.

How does the repair of the 98221VC020 work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log; then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98221VC020. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Checking, repairing and the function test at Airbag24 normally take 3–4 working days.

The order of steps is set for safety reasons. At Airbag24 the unit is checked on the test bench, defective components are repaired, the stored crash data is deleted, and a function test follows. Your own unit is then returned to you.

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 98221VC020 get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221VC020 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel, and pack the unit shock-proof. This keeps it well protected during transport.