Airbag control unit with part number 98820-5NK1A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-5NK1A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-5NK1A runs the restraint system (SRS) in the Infiniti. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger, and monitors the system. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light comes on; after an accident, it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs in the background as soon as the vehicle is switched on.

For safety, it works together with further sensors and triggers in the vehicle.

Why does the control unit 98820-5NK1A fail?

Stored crash data from an accident is the most common cause on the 98820-5NK1A, even if no airbag has deployed. In short, ageing components, cold solder joints, moisture at plug connections, corrosion and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

This crash data cannot be erased with a normal diagnostic tool. The unit keeps it until it is removed during a repair.

The other causes are rather consequences of age and environment: components age, solder joints can go cold, and moisture attacks plug connections. Voltage spikes arise, for example, from a weak battery or jump-starting.

How can you tell that the 98820-5NK1A is defective?

On the 98820-5NK1A, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster indicates a defect when it stays on permanently or intermittently. A fault message, a missing connection of the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared are also noticeable. In that case, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency.

The light is therefore the first indication that the vehicle itself provides.

Which cause lies behind it is clarified only by reading out the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 98820-5NK1A fitted in?

The 98820-5NK1A is fitted in these vehicles: Infiniti QX50 J50 (2007-2013) and J50 Facelift (2013-2018). Compare the number on the label with this page before you send it in.

Here are the vehicles in overview:

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

On the one hand, comparing the number on the label helps you identify the right unit. On the other hand, only reading out the fault memory shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a connector or cable is responsible. Therefore have the read-out done before removal.

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 98820-5NK1A work?

On the 98820-5NK1A, you first read out the fault memory and enclose the log, then disconnect the battery. Only then do you remove the control unit and create the repair order online. At Airbag24, checking, repairing and testing usually takes 3–4 working days.

Then send in the unit, well packed. Airbag24 checks it on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test.

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 98820-5NK1A get to Airbag24?

You send the 98820-5NK1A to Airbag24 as a parcel, or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS.

Pack it shockproof and enclose the printed repair order.