I'm having a switch installed in my 2001 Outback to let me disarm the passenger-side airbag when I carry very short passengers in front. (I do this frequently.) Is there any consensus on where to put the switch? Did Subaru set up a nice wiring tie-in somewhere to make it easy?

Thats not an easy thing to do. Put the switch someplace thats easy to see. You need to use a switch/relay that resets itself after every start (a latching relay).

I dont know if this was available from Subaru. Also i am not sure what it will do to the Air Bag computer, or how it will interact. I would assume your airbag will still work, and that the airbag light will come on.

 

nipper

Factory airbag turn-off kits are available. There are TSBs with part numbers. But they cost a lot for what they are and, to get one, you need to apply for an exemption with NHTSA.