Airbag control unit with part number 98820-ZX00A

What does the airbag control unit 98820-ZX00A do?

The airbag control unit 98820-ZX00A controls the restraint system (SRS) for Nissan. It senses via the crash sensors whether an accident has occurred and then decides which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

The unit makes this decision within milliseconds. It also monitors the wiring and firing circuits and detects irregularities there.

It shows detected faults via the airbag warning light. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98820-ZX00A fail?

The most common cause of a failure of the 98820-ZX00A is crash data stored in the unit after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed. Aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion, and voltage spikes are also possible causes.

A normal diagnostic tool cannot delete this crash data. The other causes concern the circuit itself or its connections: components age, solder joints can be cold, and moisture or corrosion affects plug connections.

Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump-start, place additional strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98820-ZX00A is defective?

A defect in the 98820-ZX00A shows up through the airbag warning light, through error messages or through disrupted communication with the diagnostic tool. The light in the instrument cluster is the direct indicator.

• airbag warning light on permanently or intermittently
• error message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool does not find the control unit
• fault memory cannot be cleared

With such a defect, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not trigger in an emergency. Please have the system checked promptly.

Which vehicles is the 98820-ZX00A fitted in?

The control unit 98820-ZX00A is fitted in these vehicles: Nissan Altima L32 (2006-2012).

The list below assigns the vehicles to the unit.

• Nissan Altima L32 (2006-2012)

First compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page, so you can see whether it is the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out in advance: only this 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 98820-9HN0A, 98820-9HS9A, 98820-AV200, 98820-AV21A, 98820-JA100.

How does the repair of the 98820-ZX00A work?

First have the fault memory read out and attach the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Next, create the repair order online and send the unit in well packed.

The order of these steps serves safety and must be kept. Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, finds and repairs defective components, deletes stored crash data and carries out a function test.

At Airbag24, processing usually takes 3–4 working days, and this covers only checking, repairing and testing. Afterwards you get 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-ZX00A get to Airbag24?

Either you send the control unit 98820-ZX00A to Airbag24 as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, UPS brings the unit back.

The printed repair order goes into the parcel, and the unit must be packed shock-proof.