Airbag control unit with part number 98820-5NW0A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-5NW0A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-5NW0A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) of Infiniti. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors, decides in an accident within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and shows faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Monitoring runs in the background throughout the journey, so that the system responds without delay in an emergency. The unit works closely with the crash sensors and with the triggering units for the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

The control unit has nothing to do with driving dynamics. It concerns the restraint system alone.

Why does the control unit 98820-5NW0A fail?

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

Crash data is created by the event itself, not only when an airbag is triggered. That is why it also appears in accidents where the airbags did not deploy.

Electronic components age like all parts of the vehicle. Solder joints can become cold over time, and moisture with corrosion disturbs the contacts at the plug connections. Voltage spikes additionally stress the circuit, especially with a weak battery or when jump-starting.

How can you tell that the 98820-5NW0A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster stays on permanently or intermittently. An error message may also appear in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In this state, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly fail to deploy in an emergency.

The warning light is the most important sign. If it stays on after switching on the ignition, a fault is stored, even if the vehicle otherwise behaves normally.

Intermittent lighting also counts as a finding and requires a check. Then have the vehicle inspected promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98820-5NW0A fitted in?

The control unit 98820-5NW0A is fitted in these vehicles: Infiniti QX50 J50 (2007-2013) and J50 Facelift (2013-2018).

The list shows the vehicles that are stored in our assignment for this part number.

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

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only ensures that you have the correct unit in front of you. Whether the control unit is actually defective or a connector 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 98820-5NY9B, 98820-5UB0A, 988201BA0B, 988201BA0C, 988205NL0B.

How does the repair of the 98820-5NW0A work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the report, then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next, create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. At Airbag24, checking, repair and function test usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the stored crash data and finally checks the function. Afterwards your unit is returned to you.

The order of removal serves safety, which is why you keep to it exactly.

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 98820-5NW0A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair Airbag24 sends it back to you via UPS.

Place the printed repair order in the package and pack the unit shock-proof.