What is a Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit?
The Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit is the central safety unit that activates all occupant restraint systems in the event of an accident. It monitors sensors, stores crash data, and ensures the proper functioning of all airbag modules in the vehicle, which is critical for safety.
This electronic control unit, also called the airbag control module, continuously processes signals from various crash and acceleration sensors in the vehicle.
In the event of an impact, it analyzes the accident mechanism in real time and transmits precise trigger impulses to the airbags and belt tensioners.
Why is the Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit defective?
The Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit often fails due to a lockup after an accident, internal hardware or software errors, corrupted programming, or a loss of communication with the vehicle's network. Such failures require precise diagnosis and often professional repair.
A common cause of failure is the control unit becoming locked after the airbags are deployed in an accident.
Internal components can also be damaged by aging, moisture ingress or overvoltage, which can lead to complete failure.
Faulty programming or communication problems in the vehicle's CAN bus are further reasons for a defect that requires a targeted Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit repair.
Common error codes for Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit repair
When repairing the Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit, specific error codes such as B1650, B1655, and U0151 are common indicators of problems with the control unit itself. These codes directly indicate internal defects, incorrect programming, or communication losses within the airbag ECU.
- B1650 → SRS Control Module Fault → Internal control module problem, e.g. hardware failure, software failure, moisture or faulty power supply.
- B1655 → ACM Coding Error → Incorrect programming or misconfiguration after module replacement, requires reprogramming.
- U0151 → Lost Communication with SRS Control Module → Loss of communication between the airbag control unit and the vehicle network (CAN bus).
These trouble codes are specific to the airbag control unit only and have been confirmed for the original OEM part numbers of the Subaru WRX STI Type RA.
They enable targeted diagnosis, which is crucial for successful repair or replacement of the defective module.
What part numbers are available for the Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit repair?
For Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit repairs, primary and verified OEM part numbers from Subaru are crucial, which vary by model year. These numbers, such as 98221VA180, 98221VA110, and 98221VA040, ensure exact compatibility with the specific vehicle model.
Part number 98221VA180 is specific to the 2021 Subaru WRX STI, which also includes the Type RA version, and is listed as the original airbag control unit.
For the 2019-2020 Subaru WRX STI model years, including the Type RA variant, part number 98221VA110 is the correct OEM designation for the Airbag Control Module.
Part number 98221VA040 is relevant for the 2015-2016 WRX STI and also fits Type RA compatible models as well as the Base, Limited and Premium variants.
No separate OEM replacement numbers from suppliers such as Bosch or Continental were found that exactly match these Subaru-specific part numbers for the Subaru WRX STI Type RA airbag control unit repair.