Airbag control unit with part number 98820-4RK0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-4RK0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-4RK0A controls the restraint system in Nissan vehicles. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and, in an accident, decides within milliseconds whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

It checks the entire system continuously. It reports faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster.

After an accident, the control unit stores crash data and locks itself. The lock ends only with the repair.

Why does the control unit 98820-4RK0A fail?

Stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag has fired; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Further causes are ageing electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data arises in an accident and stays stored in the unit. Airbag24 erases it during the repair, not before.

The other causes concern the condition of the electronics. Over time components age, solder joints can stay cold, and moisture attacks the plug connections. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or when connecting to a jump start, can also stress the unit.

How can you tell that the 98820-4RK0A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently, and an error message also appears. If the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the 98820-4RK0A and the fault memory cannot be cleared, this points to a fault.

The warning light means that airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly not deploy in an emergency. It is therefore a clear reason to have the unit checked.

Reading out the fault memory comes first, because it sets the direction of the search for the cause.

Which vehicles is the 98820-4RK0A fitted in?

The 98820-4RK0A is installed in these vehicles: Nissan Maxima A36 (2015-2023).

The list shows the models for which the part number is recorded with us.

• Nissan Maxima A36 (2015-2023)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page confirms that it is the right unit. Whether the control unit is faulty or whether a plug or cable is the cause is shown only by the fault memory, which you should have read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98820-3Y600, 98820-AV200, 98820-AV21A.

How does the repair of the 98820-4RK0A work?

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. First read out the fault memory, enclose the log and disconnect the battery; only then remove the control unit, and create the repair order online afterwards.

You then send the unit in, packed well. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. The unit is then returned.

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 98820-4RK0A get to Airbag24?

The control unit 98820-4RK0A reaches Airbag24 either as a parcel or by a UPS collection booked for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit is packed shock-resistant.