Airbag control unit with part number 98221XA06A

What does the airbag control unit 98221XA06A do?

The airbag control unit 98221XA06A coordinates the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It reads the crash sensors, determines in an emergency which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and checks the system continuously.

Conspicuous findings are stored by the unit and shown via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

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

Why does the control unit 98221XA06A fail?

With the 98221XA06A, the most common cause is the storage of crash data after an accident, even without a triggered airbag. Such data cannot be erased with an ordinary diagnostic tool. Ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Crash data are not a defective component but stored content. A normal reading does not remove them, which is why the repair is the decisive step.

Electronics age over time, solder joints can go cold, and moisture or corrosion at plug connections disturb the contact. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, additionally affect the circuit.

How can you tell that the 98221XA06A is defective?

A defect at the 98221XA06A shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

• Fault message in the instrument cluster
• no connection from the diagnostic tool to the control unit
• fault memory cannot be cleared
• warning light visible only intermittently

The warning light is an unmistakable signal. Have the system checked promptly so that the cause can be determined.

Which vehicles is the 98221XA06A fitted in?

The control unit 98221XA06A is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Tribeca B9 (2005-2007) and B9 Facelift (2007-2014).

The vehicles assigned to this part number are listed in the following overview.

• Subaru Tribeca B9 (2005-2007)
• Subaru Tribeca B9 Facelift (2007-2014)

Compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only ensures that you have the right unit. The comparison does not establish the cause. For that, have the fault memory read out beforehand, because it shows whether the control unit or a plug or cable is affected.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221XA00A, 98221XA02A, 98221XA04A, 98221XA08A, 98221XA09A.

How does the repair of the 98221XA06A work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98221XA06A. Afterwards 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, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test. The time stated relates only to this work.

Afterwards your own unit goes back 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 98221XA06A get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98221XA06A as a parcel, or you arrange a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-resistant.