Airbag control unit with part number 98820-1MT1A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-1MT1A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-1MT1A controls the SRS system of Infiniti and decides which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered in an accident. The signals from the crash sensors converge there, and the decision is made within milliseconds. Faults are indicated by the unit via the airbag warning light.

During operation, it monitors the entire system. If it finds a deviation, it stores this in the fault memory, which a diagnostic tool can read out.

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

Why does the control unit 98820-1MT1A fail?

Stored crash data from an accident is the most common cause, even if no airbag has fired. Aged components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example with a weak battery or jump-starting, are also involved.

A normal diagnostic tool does not remove the crash data from the memory. A fault therefore cannot be remedied with standard tools as long as this data remains in the unit.

The other causes are harder to pin down. Electronics age, solder joints may be poorly connected, and moisture reaches the contacts through plug connections.

How can you tell that the 98820-1MT1A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition there is an error message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool without connection to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. The airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then possibly not fire in an emergency.

The light is an unambiguous signal. If the warning light comes on or keeps coming back, have the vehicle checked promptly rather than relying on the restraint systems working.

Which vehicles is the 98820-1MT1A fitted in?

The 98820-1MT1A is fitted in these vehicles: Infiniti M37 Y51 (2010-2013). The vehicle registration document and the part number show whether your own car is affected.

The models with this part number are listed here:

• Infiniti M37 Y51 (2010-2013)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page first; that only confirms that you have the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this finding shows whether the control unit is defective or a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98820-1MA1C.

How does the repair of the 98820-1MT1A work?

First read out the fault memory and attach the log to the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit 98820-1MT1A. Create a repair order online, pack the unit well and send it in; Airbag24 repairs it and returns your own unit to you.

Reading out the fault memory before removal has a purpose: the log records the state of the system at that point and supports the check. The order of these steps is mandatory for safety reasons.

At Airbag24, the unit is first examined on the test bench. Defective components are repaired, the stored crash data is erased and a function test is carried out. Checking, repairing and testing take 3–4 working days as a rule.

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 98820-1MT1A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a package to Airbag24, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends the repaired unit back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the package, and you pack the unit shock-proof.