Airbag control unit with part number 98820-3WW0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-3WW0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-3WW0A controls the restraint system (SRS) for Infiniti. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in an accident whether the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

An impact is assessed in the shortest possible time, because the protective effect depends on it. For this purpose the unit continually checks the connections to sensors and triggers.

It reports any irregular findings through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

Why does the control unit 98820-3WW0A fail?

The most common cause is crash data that was stored after an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. It cannot be deleted with an ordinary diagnostic tool, but Airbag24 deletes it during the repair. Other causes are ageing electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The fault memory contains these entries, which is why findings are hard to interpret without a check.

The remaining causes concern the electronics themselves and their surroundings: components age, solder joints can turn cold, and moisture or corrosion affects plug connections. Voltage spikes, for instance with a weak battery or when starting with external power, put additional strain on the unit.

How can you tell that the 98820-3WW0A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster is on, either constantly or intermittently. An error message in the instrument cluster and a diagnostic tool that cannot connect to the control unit are also part of the picture. In addition, the fault memory cannot be cleared.

Signs like these point to a fault that you should have checked. Until then, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency.

The warning light therefore shows the fault directly, even if the vehicle otherwise drives normally.

Which vehicles is the 98820-3WW0A fitted in?

The control unit 98820-3WW0A is fitted in these vehicles: Infiniti QX50 J50 (2007-2013) and J50 Facelift (2013-2018). The assignment to the part number is a guide and not a check of the unit.

The assignment lists these vehicles:

• Infiniti QX50 J50 (2007-2013)
• Infiniti QX50 J50 Facelift (2013-2018)

Comparing the part number on the label with this page confirms the unit, but it does nothing more. Having the fault memory read out clarifies whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or a cable is the cause; you should take this step beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98820-5NY9B, 98820-5UB0A, 988201BA0B, 988201BA0C, 988205NL0B.

How does the repair of the 98820-3WW0A work?

First, have the fault memory read out and enclose the report. Then disconnect the battery and only after that remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test. Afterwards your own unit goes back to you.

Processing usually takes 3–4 working days, which covers only checking, repairing and testing. 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 98820-3WW0A get to Airbag24?

There are two ways to get it to Airbag24: a parcel that you send yourself, or a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back by UPS.

For shipping you need impact-resistant packaging and the printed repair order.