Airbag control unit with part number 98820-9ME1A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-9ME1A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-9ME1A controls the SRS restraint system in Nissan. It processes the signals from the crash sensors and determines within a fraction of a second in an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners trigger. At the same time it monitors the entire system and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

During normal operation the unit checks sensors, wiring and actuators. Detected faults are written to the fault memory, which a workshop can read out later.

After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself. This state is part of how the unit works.

Why does the control unit 98820-9ME1A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even without a deployed airbag. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove it; Airbag24 erases it during the repair. Alongside this come aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

Crash data arises from the registration of an event. The deployment of an airbag is not a prerequisite for this.

Further causes at a glance:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 98820-9ME1A is defective?

The airbag warning light is permanently on or lights up only occasionally, and an error message appears in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared. In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may therefore possibly not deploy.

The warning light is the clearest sign, as it reports a fault as soon as the unit detects it. For this reason it counts as the most important warning sign of the system.

Error messages that appear only intermittently also belong in the workshop, as they may be stored in the fault memory.

Which vehicles is the 98820-9ME1A fitted in?

The control unit 98820-9ME1A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Note E12 (2012-2016) and E12 Facelift (2016-2020). You can see from the vehicle registration document whether your car is affected.

The vehicles in detail:

• Nissan Note E12 (2012-2016)
• Nissan Note E12 Facelift (2016-2020)

Before removal, compare the part number on the label of the unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, as only this result 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 98820-5WK0A, 988203VS0B.

How does the repair of the 98820-9ME1A work?

Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. Beforehand, have the fault memory read out, enclose the log and disconnect the battery; only then remove the unit. Online, create the repair order and send in the unit well packed. Airbag24 tests it on the test bench, replaces defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test.

This period applies solely to checking, repairing and testing at Airbag24.

After the test, your own unit is returned 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 98820-9ME1A get to Airbag24?

The unit reaches us as a parcel, or a UPS collection can be booked for an extra charge. The return after repair is likewise by UPS. Print the repair order and place it in the parcel; the control unit must be packed shock-proof.

A box with sufficient filling material prevents shocks from damaging the parts.