What is a Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit?
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI 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, essential for safety in the event of a collision.
This module, also known as SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), is the heart of your Subaru's passive safety system.
It constantly receives signals from impact, seat occupancy and belt tensioner sensors in order to react precisely in an emergency.
Why is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit defective?
A Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit can fail due to internal electronic failure, water damage, power surges, or after an accident. This often manifests itself as an illuminated airbag warning light and prevents the safety system from functioning properly, necessitating immediate Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit repair.
Internal component failures are a common cause of malfunctions, even without external influences.
After an impact, the module stores crash data and usually needs to be replaced or professionally repaired and recoded, as it is often considered "broken."
Moisture or corrosion on the connectors can also lead to control unit failures.
Common error codes for Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit repair
During Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control module repair, specific error codes often occur that indicate internal problems or communication issues. These include codes such as 11 for driver airbag faults, 25 for internal control module problems, and B1000 for general communication errors, which require a precise diagnosis.
These trouble codes are stored directly in the airbag control unit ECU and cannot be cleared simply by disconnecting the battery.
- 11 → Driver airbag error → Detected by the airbag control unit (ECU).
- 25 → Airbag control unit faulty → Indicates an internal control unit problem.
- B1000 → Control unit communication error → General communication fault in the airbag control unit.
For precise diagnosis and reading of these error codes, specialized software or an official Subaru diagnostic system is required.
Common troubleshooting steps include checking connectors and wiring harnesses or replacing the control unit.
What part numbers are available for the Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit repair?
For a successful Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit repair, exact OEM part numbers are critical to ensure compatibility. Validated numbers include 98221VA110 (2017 WRX STI), 98221FE220 (Multiple Restraint System), and 98221FE100 (2004-2017 Impreza), which only match genuine Subaru modules.
It is crucial to accurately match the part number of your existing module, as even small differences can lead to incompatibilities.
These numbers are not generic replacement numbers, but exact Subaru Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part numbers.
- 98221VA110 → Subaru Original → For Subaru WRX STI (2017).
- 98221FE220 → Subaru Original → Listed as Multiple Restraint System Control Unit for Subaru STI.
- 98221FE100 → Subaru Original → Fits Subaru Impreza (2004-2017).
Other manufacturers such as Bosch or Continental generally do not assign their own, directly comparable OEM numbers for Subaru airbag control units.
Correctly identifying the part number is the first step to a successful Subaru Impreza WRX STI airbag control unit repair.