Airbag control unit with part number 98820-3KE0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-3KE0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-3KE0A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Nissan. It processes the readings from the crash sensors and, in a crash, decides within fractions of a second which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It monitors the system continuously during operation.

It reports faults via the airbag warning light. After a crash, it records crash data and locks itself.

This unit bundles these tasks in one single place in the system.

Why does the control unit 98820-3KE0A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even without an airbag being triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Alongside this, there are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from jump-starting or a weak battery.

Crash data remains in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered. Airbag24 erases it as part of the repair, whereas a diagnostic tool cannot remove it.

The other causes lie in the electronics and their connections. Ageing components and cold solder joints can cause faults, moisture and corrosion impair the contacts, and voltage spikes place additional stress on the circuits.

How can you tell that the 98820-3KE0A is defective?

Signs of a defect include an airbag warning light that is on or flashes intermittently, a fault message in the instrument cluster, a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

The typical signs in detail:

• The airbag warning light stays on or flashes intermittently.
• A fault message appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool cannot find the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger. So have the fault memory read out promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98820-3KE0A fitted in?

This information refers to part number 98820-3KE0A. The airbag control unit 98820-3KE0A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2004-2007), R51 1st Facelift (2007-2010) and R51 2nd Facelift (2010-2013).

The vehicles in detail:

• Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2004-2007)
• Nissan Pathfinder R51 1st Facelift (2007-2010)
• Nissan Pathfinder R51 2nd Facelift (2010-2013)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is faulty, or a plug or cable is to blame, is shown only by the fault memory read out. So have it read out before any further steps.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 0285001781 Bosch, 98820 EA51C, 98820-3KW0A, 988205X30C.

How does the repair of the 98820-3KE0A work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Only after that create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 needs 3–4 working days for checking, repairing and testing.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. 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 98820-3KE0A get to Airbag24?

You can send the unit to Airbag24 as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back by UPS. Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit shockproof.

A solid parcel protects the control unit, and the packaging remains your responsibility.