removing OnStar from Outbacks?

[Ethan Shayne]

I've noticed that a few of the H6 Outback models come standard with
OnStar. My question is, how possible/easy is it to remove it from one
of these models? Is it a similar level of effort to removing the
stereo, or is it more complicated than that?

(The reason I'm asking is that I'm trying to find an Outback wagon
with a more powerful engine than the standard 160hp H4, but also with
leather upholstery. The only ones with both of these seem to also
include OnStar, which I don't really want.)

Thanks,
Ethan

 

[Alan]

If you don't want OnStar, don't use it. No one's going to force you. Basic
safety/security service is free for the first year, after that you pay - or
not.

 

[Walt Kienzle]

At http://www.openminds.net/onstar/ they explain how to use the OnStar GPS
hardware standalone after you have decided that the service isn't worth the
monthly service charge.

Walt Kienzle

 

[CompUser]

I've noticed that a few of the H6 Outback models come standard with
OnStar. My question is, how possible/easy is it to remove it from one
of these models? Is it a similar level of effort to removing the
stereo, or is it more complicated than that?

(The reason I'm asking is that I'm trying to find an Outback wagon
with a more powerful engine than the standard 160hp H4, but also with
leather upholstery. The only ones with both of these seem to also
include OnStar, which I don't really want.)

You're not running a chop-shop, are you?

 

[Jim Stewart]

You're not running a chop-shop, are you?

*ouch* Good question.

 

[Ragnar]

The only ones with both of these seem to also
include OnStar, which I don't really want.)

Then don't use it.

 

[X-Eliminator]

re-phrase the question:

I'm gonna steal an Outback and I want to know where the OnStar is
installed so that I can disable it quickly.

========================================================

 

[Jerre Bassler]

It had to cost money to put On-star in the car. Why should we have to
pay for something that we do not want. Something like this should be
have to be ordered not automatically installed.

 

[CompUser]

re-phrase the question:

I'm gonna steal an Outback and I want to know where the OnStar is
installed so that I can disable it quickly.

My sentiments. Reading on other forums shows the
current trends are steal the car, move it some
distance from site, park it in a lot and watch
for a while. No cops, no Onstar/Lo-Jack. Crooks
*are* concerned with it.

Steve

 

[Ethan Shayne]

I had hoped to use the space taken by the OnStar buttons for something
else. It looks like it's a standard DIN size/shape, from the pictures
on Subaru's web site. If nothing else, even a plastic pocket would be
better than having a bank of useless controls there.

 

[Rich6045]

I got a base H6 Outback wagon that comes with cloth seats and no OnStar or
sunroof. I had the dealer arrange for installing leather seats by a local
shop. They did a pretty good job and it looks just like factory-installed
leather upholstery. Check with your local dealers. They might be able to do
the same thing. I realize that does not directly answer your question about
removing an OnStar, but it might be something to consider, especially if you
don't care about a sunroof.

By the way, if I could do it over again, I'd probably get an Outback with the
standard H4. I don't think there's enough of a performance advantage with an
H6 to be worth the additional cost and gas consumption.

 

[skip-e]

I want to do same, I've owned my 04 outback since new. Subaru no longer supports the on star because it is analog cell service. They offered me lifetime roadside assistance as compensation! I need to replace factory stereo and want to remove onstar control panel and place a pocket in place of it. 2004 was only year with onstar, i think, due to association with GM.

 

[skip-e]

Well, dove into subaru dash yesterday.
1. Onstar component mounted on top of radio climate control makes entire unit larger than standard, had to remove vent trim, gauge surround to remove.
2. Removed all onstar plug in components, face plate etc. with no adverse reaction.
3. installed pocket where buttons were, very convenient.
4. BOSS head unit double DIN unit does not fit, faceplate too wide, cheesy woodgrain trim will not fit over it.
5. Radio goes back, wonder if anyone has had good luck with certain brands.
6. Entire unit way easier to reinstall without onstar components in the way.
7. Original unit back in, although did remove jammed CD, CD player still not working.