Airbag control unit with part number 98820-3TA0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-3TA0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-3TA0A controls the restraint system (SRS) for Nissan. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. After an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

The unit monitors itself and the connected sensors continuously. Faults are stored in the memory and shown via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Because the decision in a crash takes only fractions of a second, the electronics must work reliably at all times. This applies to the entire protection system in the interior.

Why does the control unit 98820-3TA0A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered; a normal diagnostic tool cannot remove it. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

Data of this kind remains in the unit until Airbag24 removes it during repair. Reading it out alone changes nothing.

The other causes develop over time. Electronic components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture and corrosion attack the plug contacts. A weak battery or jump-starting can also load the electronics with voltage spikes.

How can you tell that the 98820-3TA0A is defective?

On the 98820-3TA0A, a defect shows through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which stays on permanently or intermittently, and through an error message in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool also gets no connection to the control unit.

The warning light indicates that the restraint system has detected a fault. On some faults it stays on continuously, on others only now and then.

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may therefore fail to deploy. Have the warning light checked before you continue driving.

Which vehicles is the 98820-3TA0A fitted in?

The 98820-3TA0A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Altima L33 (2012-2018).

The list shows the vehicles to which the unit is assigned.

• Nissan Altima L33 (2012-2018)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only clarifies whether it is the correct unit. Then have the fault memory read out, because only 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 98820-3TA0B, 98820-3TA9C, 98820-9HN0A, 98820-9HS9A.

How does the repair of the 98820-3TA0A work?

Have the fault memory read out and enclose the log, disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and pack the unit well for shipping. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and tests the function.

This sequence is mandatory for safety reasons. Keep to it exactly.

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days; this time covers only the checking, repairing and testing. 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 98820-3TA0A get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit 98820-3TA0A in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After repair, Airbag24 sends it back to you by UPS.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit should be packed shockproof.