Airbag control unit with part number 98820-3KW0B

What does the airbag control unit 98820-3KW0B do?

The airbag control unit 98820-3KW0B is responsible for the SRS restraint system of Nissan. It processes the crash sensor data and decides within milliseconds in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

While driving, it monitors the system continuously. Detected faults are output via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident it stores crash data and is locked afterwards.

Why does the control unit 98820-3KW0B fail?

The most common cause is stored content: crash data that remains in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A diagnostic tool cannot delete the data. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start.

The data stays in the unit until Airbag24 deletes it during the repair. A fault can therefore occur even when no airbag has deployed.

The other causes affect electronics and contacts. Cold solder joints and aged components can cause faults, while moisture and corrosion attack the contact surfaces.

Voltage spikes occur, for example, with a weak battery or a jump start, and place an additional load on the unit.

How can you tell that the 98820-3KW0B is defective?

In the vehicle, a defect first becomes noticeable through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently. The instrument cluster also shows an error message, and the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit. In an emergency the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger.

This light gives the most important feedback from the system.

Without a connection to the diagnostic tool, the cause remains unclear at first, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

Which vehicles is the 98820-3KW0B fitted in?

The control unit 98820-3KW0B is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2004-2007), R51 1st Facelift (2007-2010) and R51 2nd Facelift (2010-2013).

The vehicles are listed below, one per line.

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

If the part number on the label of the removed unit matches this page, the correct unit is confirmed, nothing more. What matters for the cause is the fault memory, which you should have read out beforehand, because it shows whether the control unit itself is defective or a connector or cable is affected.

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 98820-3KW0B work?

Read out the fault memory before you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit 98820-3KW0B. Then create the repair order online, enclose the log and send in the well-packed unit. At Airbag24, inspection, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

At Airbag24 the unit goes onto the test bench, defective components are replaced during the repair, and the crash data is deleted. Then the function test follows, after which 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 98820-3KW0B get to Airbag24?

Either you pack the control unit 98820-3KW0B as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 returns the unit by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pad the unit shock-proof.