What is a Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit?
The airbag control unit for the Subaru Impreza Sport is the central safety unit that monitors and controls the vehicle's entire restraint system. It processes signals from various sensors, detects impact situations in real time, and precisely activates the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners as needed to ensure maximum occupant safety.
This module, also known as the Airbag Control Module or SRS control unit, is critical for passive safety. It operates on 12 V DC and receives inputs from crash sensors and seatbelt pretensioner sensors.
Its main task is to control the airbag inflators and seat belt pretensioner ignition as well as to communicate with the vehicle diagnostic system.
Why is the Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit defective?
The Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit can fail due to internal components being damaged by aging, overvoltage, or an accident, leading to malfunctions. After an accident, it must also be replaced or reprogrammed because it permanently stores crash data, making it impossible to use again without a reset.
A failure can manifest itself through various error codes indicating internal problems or communication errors. Insufficient system voltage can also affect the control unit.
Often a Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit repair is necessary after an impact because the modules are coded to the vehicle identification number (VIN) and irreversibly store crash information.
Common error codes for Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit repair
During a Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit repair, specific B-codes often occur, signaling internal problems or communication errors within the control unit itself. These error codes indicate that the central safety unit is malfunctioning and require professional diagnosis and repair to restore driving safety.
These DTCs are typical of a malfunction in the airbag control unit and not in the sensors or airbag modules themselves.
An accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the cause of the failure and take the correct workshop action.
- B1000 → Control unit communication error → The airbag control unit does not communicate correctly with other vehicle systems.
- B1001 → Internal error in the airbag control unit → An internal component of the module is faulty.
- B1002 → EEPROM error in the airbag control unit → The memory for the vehicle data in the control unit is damaged.
- B1003 → Memory error in the airbag control unit → There is a general memory defect within the module.
- B1100 → Airbag circuit error → There is a problem in the airbag circuit.
- B1101 → Left airbag circuit fault → The airbag circuit on the left side of the vehicle is faulty.
- B1102 → Fault in the right airbag circuit → The airbag circuit on the right side of the vehicle is faulty.
- B1200 → Internal self-test error → The control unit failed its own self-test.
- B1201 → System voltage out of tolerance → The operating voltage of the control unit is too low or too high.
What part numbers are available for the Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit repair?
For Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit repairs, specific OEM part numbers are essential to ensure compatibility and functional reliability. These numbers identify the correct module, which is precisely matched to the vehicle's systems and must be reprogrammed after installation at Subaru to harmonize with the chassis number.
These verified OEM part numbers are suitable for Subaru Impreza Sport models and should be considered when purchasing.
Specialized spare parts shops and original parts dealers confirm the relevance of these numbers for successful repair and replacement.
- 98221FE020 (Subaru OEM): This is a genuine part number for the airbag control unit found in many Impreza models, including the Sport variants.
- 1523003971 (Alternative OEM): This number serves as an alternative OEM number for 98221FE020 and provides the same functionality.
- 98221FE100 (Subaru OEM): Another common OEM number for Subaru Impreza airbag control units, covering model years up to 2025.
- 1523006130 (Alternative OEM): An alternative OEM number for 98221FE100, functionally identical.
- 98221FJ291 (Subaru OEM): This part number is specifically for the Subaru Impreza Sport Wagon.
Important information about Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit repair
Subaru Impreza Sport airbag control unit repair requires specialist knowledge and special precautions.
The control unit is usually located in the center console and is connected via yellow, gold-plated connectors.
After a failure or during repair, reprogramming the control unit to the vehicle's VIN by a Subaru dealer is mandatory to ensure full functionality and safety. Failure to have repairs performed by a professional workshop risks further failures or unintentional airbag deployment.