Airbag control unit with part number 98820-3KH0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-3KH0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-3KH0A coordinates the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners of the restraint system in Nissan. It captures the signals from the crash sensors and decides on triggering within milliseconds in an accident.

It also monitors the connections and components of the system during operation. It reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98820-3KH0A fail?

The most common cause for the 98820-3KH0A is that crash data stays stored after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Further causes are ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

Stored crash data remains in the unit until it is erased during the repair.

The other causes affect the electronics themselves or their connections. Moisture and corrosion damage plug connections, and cold solder joints lead to intermittent faults.

How can you tell that the 98820-3KH0A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up on a defective 98820-3KH0A permanently or intermittently. An error message also appears in the instrument cluster, or the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then fail to trigger.

A light that keeps reappearing is a clear sign that something in the system is wrong. A fault memory that cannot be emptied is also an indication of a problem.

Have this checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98820-3KH0A fitted in?

The control unit 98820-3KH0A is fitted at Nissan in these vehicles: Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2004-2007), R51 1st Facelift (2007-2010) and R51 2nd Facelift (2010-2013). The assignment applies to the models named here.

The vehicles recorded for this unit can be found in the overview below.

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

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so you know it is the correct unit. Still, have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the result clarifies whether the control unit is defective or a cable or plug is the cause.

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 98820-3KH0A work?

First read out the fault memory and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery, remove the control unit 98820-3KH0A, create a repair order online and send it in well packed. Airbag24 then checks, repairs, deletes and tests before the unit is returned.

At Airbag24 the unit is examined on the test bench, defective components are replaced, the crash data is deleted and a function test is carried out. Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, and afterwards your own unit is returned.

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 98820-3KH0A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shockproof.