Airbag control unit with part number 98820-JA50A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-JA50A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-JA50A controls the restraint system (SRS) in Nissan vehicles. It reads the signals from the crash sensors and, in an emergency, determines which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. This happens within milliseconds. During operation it monitors the entire system and shows faults via the airbag warning light.

The electronics check sensors, wiring and control circuits continuously. If they detect a deviation, they write an entry to the fault memory that a diagnostic tool can read out.

In an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98820-JA50A fail?

For the 98820-JA50A, stored crash data is the most common cause, even if no airbag has deployed, and a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Added to this are aged components, cold solder joints, moisture or corrosion at plug connections and voltage spikes such as those from a weak battery or a jump start.

The crash data remains stored after an accident, even if little can be seen from the outside. During the repair, Airbag24 erases it in a targeted way.

The other causes lie in the electronics and their connections. Over time components age, solder joints lose their hold, and moisture or rust attack the plugs. Voltage spikes also count among them.

How can you tell that the 98820-JA50A is defective?

A defect in the 98820-JA50A becomes visible through the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, which lights up permanently or intermittently. Also present may be an error message in the instrument cluster, no connection to the diagnostic tool and a fault memory that cannot be cleared. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not fire in an emergency.

The warning light is the most important signal, because it shows the fault itself. If the light is on, have the vehicle checked promptly, even if it otherwise drives normally.

Which vehicles is the 98820-JA50A fitted in?

The control unit 98820-JA50A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Altima L32 (2006-2012). Comparing the part number on the label with this page ensures that you have the correct unit in front of you.

The list of models reads:

• Nissan Altima L32 (2006-2012)

In addition, have the fault memory read out beforehand. Only the log shows whether the control unit itself is the cause or whether a plug or a cable is behind it. The label comparison, by contrast, only confirms the assignment.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98820-9HN0A, 98820-9HS9A, 98820-AV200, 98820-AV21A, 98820-JA100.

How does the repair of the 98820-JA50A work?

First have the fault memory read out and enclose the log with the unit. Then disconnect the battery, and only after that remove the 98820-JA50A. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 takes 3–4 working days as a rule.

This sequence is about safety during removal.

At Airbag24 the unit is checked, necessary components are replaced, the crash data is deleted, and a function test is carried out afterwards. You receive your own unit back afterwards.

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-JA50A get to Airbag24?

Send the control unit 98820-JA50A as a parcel, or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. Airbag24 sends the unit back to you by UPS after the repair.

The printed repair order belongs in the parcel, and the unit is packed shock-resistant.