Airbag control unit with part number 98820-1BA0D

What does the airbag control unit 98820-1BA0D do?

The airbag control unit 98820-1BA0D coordinates the restraint system (SRS) in the Infiniti. It reads the crash sensors, decides in an emergency within milliseconds on the deployment of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and monitors all components continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit writes detected faults into the fault memory and reports them via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. In doing so it checks not only the sensors but also cables, the power supply and the connections of the ignition elements.

You do not notice the lock after an accident in everyday life. In diagnosis, however, it becomes obvious at once as soon as a diagnostic tool tries to address the control unit.

Why does the control unit 98820-1BA0D fail?

Most often the cause is stored crash data left behind after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. In addition there are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start.

The unit also records an accident event when neither an airbag nor a seatbelt pretensioner has actually fired. The data remains in memory until it is deleted during the repair.

The other triggers are classic influences of age and environment. Components lose reliability over the years, cold solder joints can crack, moisture and corrosion attack the contacts, and voltage spikes stress the entire electronics.

How can you tell that the 98820-1BA0D is defective?

A defect shows itself through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which either burns permanently or lights up intermittently, through a fault message in the instrument cluster, through a missing connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, or through a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The most obvious sign is the warning light, which stays on permanently or only intermittently. A fault message in the instrument cluster may appear alongside it, provided the vehicle displays one.

If the connection to the control unit fails, or the fault memory stays full despite an attempt to clear it, that is also a sign. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may in an emergency not deploy, and the warning light shows exactly this state.

Which vehicles is the 98820-1BA0D fitted in?

The control unit 98820-1BA0D is fitted in these vehicles: Infiniti QX50 J50 (2007-2013) and J50 Facelift (2013-2018). The vehicles for which this part number is recorded are known.

The vehicles in detail:

• Infiniti QX50 J50 (2007-2013)
• Infiniti QX50 J50 Facelift (2013-2018)

First compare the number on the label of the removed unit with this page; then you know that you have the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the result shows whether the control unit itself 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 98820-5NY9B, 98820-5UB0A, 988201BA0B, 988201BA0C, 988205NL0B.

How does the repair of the 98820-1BA0D work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log; then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Online you then create the repair order, and Airbag24 needs 3–4 working days as a rule for checking and repair.

You start at the vehicle: read out the fault memory, print the log and enclose it with the parcel. Only then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Next you create the repair order online and pack the unit well before you send it.

At Airbag24 the team checks the unit on the test bench and replaces defective components. Stored crash data is deleted, followed by a function test. Afterwards your own unit is 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 98820-1BA0D get to Airbag24?

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

The printed repair order goes into the parcel. Pack the unit shockproof so that it survives transport undamaged.