Airbag control unit with part number 98820-9NB1A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-9NB1A do?

The 98820-9NB1A is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Infiniti. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides in a crash whether airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered, and monitors the system continuously. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

The control unit shows faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This display is the sign that the system is no longer in its normal state.

The crash data documents the event. It stays stored in the unit, even if the vehicle can continue to drive without visible damage.

Why does the control unit 98820-9NB1A fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed, and a standard diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other possible causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

The record is created by the event itself, not by the deployment of an airbag. That is why a record can remain after an impact without any deployment.

The other causes can develop over years, which for electronics means a long operating life. Cold solder joints, moisture at plugs and voltage spikes from a weak battery or a jump start are typical triggers.

How can you tell that the 98820-9NB1A is defective?

A defect shows up as the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lighting up permanently or intermittently, and as a fault message in the instrument cluster. Add to this a missing connection between the diagnostic tool and the control unit, and a fault memory that cannot be cleared.

• The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or flickers.
• A fault message on the airbag system appears in the instrument cluster.
• The diagnostic tool gets no connection to the control unit.
• The fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in the event of such a defect. This also applies when the vehicle seems perfectly normal in everyday use.

Which vehicles is the 98820-9NB1A fitted in?

The 98820-9NB1A is fitted by Infiniti in these vehicles: Infiniti QX60 L50 Facelift (2015-2021) and L50 (2012-2015). The assignment applies only to the control unit with this part number.

The known vehicles are listed here:

• Infiniti QX60 L50 Facelift (2015-2021)
• Infiniti QX60 L50 (2012-2015)

Before you send in the unit, compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only confirms that it is the correct unit. You should also have the fault memory read out. Only that will show whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 285012283, 98820-3JC0A, 98820-3JD0A, 98820-3JE0A, 98820-3JE0B, 98820-3JH0A.

How does the repair of the 98820-9NB1A work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and only after that remove the control unit, before you create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test.

The unit then comes back to you. The order at the beginning is for your safety, because the airbag system must not be worked on without disconnecting the battery first.

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 98820-9NB1A get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings the unit back to you.

Place the printed repair order in the parcel, and pack the control unit shockproof.