Airbag control unit with part number 98820-3NK0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-3NK0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-3NK0A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Nissan. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. It reports detected faults via the airbag warning light.

The crash sensors in the vehicle continuously supply the unit with acceleration readings. Only a clear impact leads to the trigger command; the driver is not meant to intervene in this process.

After an accident, the unit stores crash data and then locks itself. You can think of it as the system's log memory, which records the events.

Why does the control unit 98820-3NK0A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting.

Crash data stays in the memory, even if the vehicle appears unremarkable while driving on. Only the repair at Airbag24 removes it.

The other causes concern the electronics themselves and their connections. A poor contact at a plug can cause a fault that looks very much like a defective unit.

How can you tell that the 98820-3NK0A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up constantly or intermittently and thus indicates the defect in the 98820-3NK0A. In addition there may be an error message in the instrument cluster, no connection to the diagnostic tool, or a fault memory that cannot be cleared. In a crash, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not trigger.

When the light comes on, that is a clear reason to have the system checked, and not only once another symptom appears.

A missing connection to the diagnostic tool is also a sign that something is wrong with the unit or its connections.

Which vehicles is the 98820-3NK0A fitted in?

The 98820-3NK0A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Leaf ZE0 (2010-2017).

The list shows the models to which this part number is assigned.

• Nissan Leaf ZE0 (2010-2017)

Before you place the order, take a second look: compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so you can be sure you have the right unit in front of you. Also have the fault memory read out, because the log shows whether the control unit itself is defective or whether a connector or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98820-3NF0A, 98820-5SA0E, K8820-3NA0A.

How does the repair of the 98820-3NK0A work?

Have the fault memory read out, attach the log, and then disconnect the battery before you remove the 98820-3NK0A. Next, create a repair order online and send the well-packed unit in. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the stored crash data and runs a function test. Afterwards 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 98820-3NK0A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns the 98820-3NK0A by UPS. Put the printed repair order into the parcel.

Pack the unit shock-proof so that it survives transport undamaged.