Airbag control unit with part number 98820-3KY0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-3KY0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-3KY0A coordinates the restraint system (SRS) for Nissan. It receives the measured values from the crash sensors and calculates from them, in an emergency, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are to trigger within milliseconds. It monitors the condition of the system continuously and indicates detected faults via the airbag warning light.

The monitoring runs in the background while you drive. The control unit compares the incoming signals with stored set values and enters any deviations in the fault memory.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. This storage affects the unit itself, regardless of how severe the accident was.

Why does the control unit 98820-3KY0A fail?

Most often the cause lies in crash data that remained in the memory after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. A normal diagnostic tool does not erase it. Other possible causes are ageing 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 stored crash data is the reason why a unit can become conspicuous even in a vehicle that looks undamaged from outside. A diagnostic tool gives no access with which this data could be removed.

The other causes develop rather slowly. Over time, electronic components age, solder joints give way with temperature changes, and moisture or corrosion weaken the contact at plug connections.

How can you tell that the 98820-3KY0A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory remains. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not trigger in an emergency.

Start with the warning light, because it is the most visible sign. It indicates a fault detected in the system, even if it stops lighting up in between.

The message in the instrument cluster only names the finding. What exactly is wrong is shown only by the evaluation in the diagnostic tool, so you should take the connection problems seriously.

Which vehicles is the 98820-3KY0A fitted in?

The 98820-3KY0A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2004-2007), R51 1st Facelift (2007-2010) and R51 2nd Facelift (2010-2013).

The following listing contains the vehicles that Airbag24 keeps on file under this part number.

• 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. This ensures that it is the correct unit, and this comparison achieves nothing more. Have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only the result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable 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 98820-3KY0A work?

The fault memory is read out first, and the log goes with the unit. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Afterwards, create a repair order online and pack the unit carefully for dispatch. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the stored crash data and tests the function. Afterwards you receive your own unit back.

The sequence is binding. The 3–4 working days refer solely to work at Airbag24, not to reading out, removal or dispatch.

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 98820-3KY0A get to Airbag24?

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

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.