Airbag control unit with part number 98820-5X50A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-5X50A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-5X50A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) at Nissan. It processes the signals from the crash sensors, selects the appropriate airbags and seatbelt pretensioners within milliseconds in the event of a crash, and checks the system constantly. It shows faults via the airbag warning light.

The unit works in the background. In doing so, it monitors sensors, wiring and the supply voltage and stores any deviations it finds in the fault memory.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. The lock is only released by the repair.

Why does the control unit 98820-5X50A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Other causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains in the unit, because a normal diagnostic tool cannot delete it. Trying to clear it on the vehicle therefore does not help.

The other causes affect the electronics themselves. Components age, solder joints can turn cold, and moisture attacks plug connectors. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, put additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98820-5X50A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up continuously or intermittently. In addition, the instrument cluster shows an error message, the diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

If these signs appear, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in an emergency. The warning light must therefore not be overlooked.

A fault that shows itself this way is not minor, and the light makes it visible to the driver.

Which vehicles is the 98820-5X50A fitted in?

The 98820-5X50A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2004-2007), R51 1st Facelift (2007-2010) and R51 2nd Facelift (2010-2013).

These vehicles belong to it:

• Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2004-2007)
• Nissan Pathfinder R51 1st Facelift (2007-2010)
• Nissan Pathfinder R51 2nd Facelift (2010-2013)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only tells you the identity of the unit. Whether the control unit is defective, or whether a plug or cable is the cause, only becomes clear from the fault memory read out beforehand.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 0285001781 Bosch, 98820 EA51C, 98820-3KW0A, 988205X30C.

How does the repair of the 98820-5X50A work?

Have the fault memory read out and enclose the log before the battery is disconnected. Then remove the control unit, create the repair order online and send the unit in well packed. At Airbag24, checking, repairing and testing together usually take 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 examines the unit on the test bench, replaces defective components, deletes the crash data and carries out a function test. Airbag24 then sends your own unit back.

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 98820-5X50A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair it comes back to you by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof.