Airbag control unit with part number 98820-9CF3A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-9CF3A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-9CF3A coordinates the restraint system (SRS) in the Nissan. After an impact it checks the signals from the crash sensors and decides within milliseconds which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire.

Even outside an accident it works without pause: it monitors the connected components and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. In everyday use this hardly stands out, but during a diagnosis it does.

Why does the control unit 98820-9CF3A fail?

The most common cause is crash data from an accident, even if no airbag was triggered. Further causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The crash data remains in the unit, and an attempt to delete it with a diagnostic tool stays unsuccessful. The control unit itself is therefore the starting point of the fault search.

Aged components and cold solder joints lead to contact problems over time. Moisture and corrosion at plug connections, as well as voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting, additionally strain the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98820-9CF3A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently. In addition a fault message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool does not establish a connection, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

The light reports a fault the system has detected, even if the vehicle can otherwise still be driven normally. It is therefore a message from the system itself.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may possibly fail to trigger. A prompt check is therefore advisable.

Which vehicles is the 98820-9CF3A fitted in?

The assignment to this part number reflects the current data. The control unit 98820-9CF3A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Xterra N50 (2005-2008) and N50 Facelift (2008-2015).

For this part number we currently assign the following vehicles:

• Nissan Xterra N50 (2005-2008)
• Nissan Xterra N50 Facelift (2008-2015)

Comparing the part number on the label with this page only shows whether you have the correct unit. Having the fault memory read out beforehand shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 28556-EC00B, 98820-AV200, 98820-AV21A, 98820-ZP31A.

How does the repair of the 98820-9CF3A work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and only then remove the control unit. Next create a repair order online and send the unit well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

On the test bench we inspect the unit, repair the defective components, remove the crash data and carry out a function test. Afterwards your own unit goes back to you.

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 98820-9CF3A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit as a parcel or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order and pack the unit so that it is shock-resistant.